Anyone who has an HVAC unit in their home knows the importance of properly maintaining it. An HVAC system that doesn’t work right is something that costs quite a lot of homeowner money. The article you’re about to read is composed of multiple tips concerning HVAC and learn what to do if you eventually need to replace it.
Think about what improvements you want made before picking an HVAC contractor. A contractor cannot give an accurate estimate without looking at your system. They need to come look at the unit. So, have this information ready.
Know the name and type of system you currently have before looking for a repair person. This information will be helpful to any contractor you hire has all the necessary information.
If problems arise with the HVAC system, take a look around the house prior to calling a contractor. This information will help the repairman determine what the problem is and how to fix it.
It’s a good idea to put your outdoor compressor in a shady area. In this way, it will be cooling air that is already somewhat cooled. This saves energy.
Clean your condenser’s fan blades and coils prior to summertime. Clean the outside of your condenser unit.
Be sure to regularly clean external condenser units. You never know when things can pile up, especially after a windy or rainy storm, and that can ruin your system. It will damage the system to malfunction by overheating.
If you are a home owner, replace whatever single pane windows you have with more efficient double-paned versions. Having a double pane window helps limit your need for air conditioning during the summer months. Conversely, they keep warm air in during the winter.
Turn it off so nothing moves. Next, pop the grill off, pull out the blades and start cleaning them and the unit itself off gently.
Leaves and debris can wreak havoc with your system. Make sure you clean out your fan grill is cleaned often once nearby trees start shedding their leaves. The fan needs unobstructed air flow, and if it gets blocked, then your system could suffer.
Regularly having your HVAC system serviced can help keep your heating and cooling bills down. During service the technician will check the motor and refill the system fluids. This will help keep your system performing at maximum efficiency.
Lubricate the oil ports on your fan condenser at least once a year. You can easily find the ports as they have a rubber or metal cap covering them. Use a lightweight, and put 10 drops or fewer in each port, but make sure to avoid overfilling them.
Put outdoor units in the shade.
Use an online sizing calculator to help you calculate the proper size of the air conditioning unit you should purchase. If you get a unit that is too large, it will cost a lot in energy costs. You can also check the owner’s manual to find specific numbers provided for the manufacturer. These numbers indicate the particular unit to cool a particular area.
Have your heating and cooling system serviced twice a year. This should happen in the fall and malfunctions.
Turn off your outdoor condenser when the weather gets cold. This should be done when the weather falls under 60 degrees Farenheit. This can keep your system last much longer and save you a lot on repairs.
You should think about putting in a radiant barrier in order to help your system run efficiently. This type of barrier will help to block heat, which in turn will help your system work less at cooling your home. You may suddenly find that the attic even looks like a great option for another bedroom!
It is always a good idea to replace single-paned windows with ones that have double pane ones. This will also works during the cold months to keep in heat when it gets cold.
A programmable thermostat can help you save money on your power bills. Some programmable thermostats can even be controlled from a PC or computer.
If the system you’re using now isn’t working great, then check the ducts for some leakage. Often your utility company is willing to test this for you, and it may be free or lower in cost than you would get with a contractor. If a leak is found, the money spent on finding and repairing the leak will pay for itself.
Now that you have read this, you should be better prepared to keep your system running properly. An HVAC system that is not cared for will cost you with large electricity bills and repair costs. Keep these tips in mind, because they will only help you out over the life of your system.