Many people have HVAC systems, but it is something they should know how to do. Learning about selecting the best HVAC professional to maintain or repair services is a wise move for any smart thing homeowners can do. The article can help.
Before the summer you should clean out your condenser fan’s blades and coils. Except when you do superficial cleaning, you need to always make sure the power is off on the unit. Also, it is important to clear the outside condenser unit from any debris that maybe trapped inside.
Know the name and type of your HVAC system you currently have before looking for a repair person. This will help you give the contractor you hire has all the necessary information.
If problems arise with the HVAC system, take a tour of the house prior to calling a professional. This will help the contractor determine where the problem is and how to fix it.
You need to lubricate parts of your fan condenser. These are usually covered with rubber or metal caps. Buy an SAE 20 product that is lightweight, and then put no more than ten drops into the ports.
Hvac Contractor
Know what work you need before you select an HVAC contractor.It will be difficult for an HVAC contractor to provide you a price estimate over the phone without knowing what your current system. It will be way more hard if you don’t know what’s wrong.
In order for your new unit to be as efficient as possible, or to make older units more efficient, make sure it’s put in a shaded area. It will reduce the temperature of the air going into the unit, meaning that it will not have to work as hard to cool it.
Clean the fan blades and coils come spring. Clean the outdoor condenser unit regularly.
Clean the debris on your outdoor condenser units. Debris can pile up after a storm, and this can foul up the inner workings of your system.It can also cause your system to malfunction by overheating.
A programmable thermostat is a simple way to help save money on air conditioning costs. With this device installed, it can help you save money on your energy bills by you having the power to regulate the temperature throughout the day. Some of these thermostats can even be controlled from your smart phone or computer.
Turn the power off first so you don’t get hurt or break something. Next, pop off the grill, put the blades out and start to gently clean them along with the unit.
Don’t get grass clippings on your outdoor condenser. Direct the clippings in a direction away from the equipment. This applies to leaf blowing and any other yard work that results in debris.
It is possible for air conditioners to ice over. Drain lines can also suffer an occasional freeze, and these are sometimes mistaken for plumbing leak issues. When you see ice, turn the unit to fan. While switching the system to the fan setting should begin the ice melting process, the best thing to do is to hire a professional to deal with the problem.
Lubricate the oil ports on your condenser once a year. These ports are usually covered by a rubber or metal caps. Use a lightweight, and put 10 drops or fewer in each port, but make sure to avoid overfilling them.
Put outdoor unit in places with shade.
Think about getting a radiant barrier in your attic so your HVAC system can run better. This device helps block the heat from the outside, which reduces your dependency on your HVAC system, as well as your bill. If this is installed correctly, it will give you the ability to actually use your attic as extra space to live in.
Turn off outdoor condenser when it’s getting cold. This should turn it off to prevent damage if the temperature drops below 60ºF to avoid damage. This simple tip will help keep the system working for years and save you a lot on repairs.
It is always a good idea to swap out single pane windows for double panes. This same effect also helps retain heated air during the colder months.
If you would like your HVAC unit to be more efficient, simply look at where the front of your home faces. Strategically placed trees can block sunlight and help keep the home cooler without the use of an AC unit. The less amount of heat inside of your home, the fewer occasions you have to use your air conditioner.
A programmable thermostat can help you save money on your air conditioning costs. Some of these thermostats can even be controlled from a PC or computer.
Never allow the temperature in your home to rise to a dangerously hot inside. An air conditioning unit will reduce the temperature by twenty degrees in a short time span. If the temperature in your home rises above 100 degrees, you’ll only cool down to still above 80. This won’t be a safe and comfortable temperature for you to sleep in.
Each month, you need to get a new air filter and install it in your unit. It is an easy thing to do yourself in order to have your system running well. Also, this will not cost a lot of money.
Research the reputation of companies before hiring them.Check with different references to determine the best one for reviews posted by former customers. These simple steps can help make a better decision.
Contractors determine their own fee levels, so make sure you get quotes from several contractors before you make any hiring decision. You can save a lot of money when you call different companies for price quotes. You want to get quotes from at least five contractors in order to know what you should be paying.
Make sure you know about the cost of HVAC work when getting a contractor to work on it. There are contractors out there that will make you pay for extra things like charges for fuel or materials. Make sure that you have an ironclad written contract to avoid these disasters.
If you hear a clicking noise coming from the HVAC unit, immediately check for any type of obstruction. Often it is being caused by debris that’s hitting the fans in your cooling system. Look carefully at it before you call up a technician.
Square Footage
Before you hire an HVAC contractor, research their references. Just because they give you a list doesn’t mean they’re legitimate. Calling a reference only takes a few minutes and can save you a lot of time and trouble hiring the wrong company.
Measure the area you wish to cool before going air conditioner shopping. You will need about 20 BTU for each square footage of the area to be cooled. If you are cooling more than one room, be sure to add their square footage together.
Little is more important than living in a comfy home than having an HVAC that works properly. If you don’t know what you’re doing, a breakdown can break your heart. Luckily, any homeowner can know just how to proceed when they are aware of the information contained in this article.
Purchase an Energy Star HVAC unit. Energy Star units must meet certain guidelines. The rules are created by the U.S. EPA. Investing in a search for the most energy efficient unit will pay off in considerable long-term savings on utility bills.