The method you use to cool and heat your home are very important. This is why your HVAC system is constantly checked and you ensure it is properly working. If you don’t take good care of it, things will cost a lot to fix and it will be hard to live with it all. Here are some tips to get you keep your HVAC system running smoothly.
Before you call someone to help you fix your system, be sure to know what sort of system you have in place. Learn the brand, model, and if you have it, the maintenance history. Then, you’ll be ready to tell the contractor what they need to know.
If problems arise with the HVAC system, take a look around the house prior to calling a contractor. This will help the contractor determine what the problem is.
Clean the debris on your outdoor condenser unit. Debris can pile up after a storm, and this can foul up the inner workings of your system. It can cause a disaster with your unit.
To make sure your condenser fan works properly, keep the fan blades and the coils clean. Prior to working on or cleaning the unit, be sure to turn off the power. Additionally, remove leaves and any other debris from the outside condenser unit.
Don’t let grass clippings on your outdoor condenser.Aim your grass cuttings in a direction from the unit. This also applies when you are taking care of the leaves in the yard.
Lubricate the oil ports on your condenser once a year. You can easily find these ports as they have a rubber or metal caps. Use a lightweight, detergent-free SAE 20 oil, but make sure to avoid overfilling them.
Make sure your HVAC systems is checked twice a year. Generally, you want it done in the fall and the spring. A quick check is worth it to avoid problems down the road.
Turn off any outdoor condenser units when weather gets cold. This should turn it off to prevent damage if the weather falls under 60 degrees Farenheit. This helps your system remain in good condition for many years.
It is always a good idea to swap out single pane windows with ones that have double pane ones. This same effect also keeps warm in the winter.
Double pane your windows to prevent drafts. Try to insulate your windows to prevent air from being lost. Likewise, heat is better retained during the winter.
A programmable thermostat is a simple way to help you save money on air conditioning bill. Some programmable thermostats can even be controlled from your smart phone or computer.
Don’t let your home to become dangerously hot. Air conditioners really can cool a home by just twenty degrees in a short time. If the temperature in your home reaches 100 degree Fahrenheit, cooling it will only drop the temperature to 80 degrees F. This is not a healthy environment to live in.
In order to keep energy costs down, make sure heating and cooling systems are services at least once per year. When they visit to service the unit they’re going to inspect the motors, oil the parts that move, and see how much freon is in your system. These easy to do things are going to allow your system to run its best.
Research and check the reputation of companies that you consider using. Check them out at the BBB and online reviews posted by former customers.This is what you have to do in order to make the best choice.
Look for air conditioner sizing calculators online to truly understand what size of unit is necessary for your home. Look in the manual to determine the manufacturer website for this information.
Avoid allowing your home to ever get exceedingly hot. It takes quite a while to cool a home by more than 20 degrees. A home that is over one hundred degrees will only be cooled to around eighty. This is not a safe and comfortable temperature for you to sleep in.
Think about getting a radiant barrier installed in your attic so support the efficient functioning of your HVAC system can run better. It ensures that your home cool when it’s hot outside. You could even find that you can use the attic space if it is done right.
Check for duct leaks if you you feel your unit seems to not be working efficiently. When you have leaks repaired, the tests will pay for themselves.
Some air conditioners can ice up. The drain line might also freeze over. If this is something you notice, switch the thermostat in your home to fan only so the compressor is disabled. If this doesn’t work, call a professional.
Figure out which direction your home is facing so your HVAC system more efficient. The less heat, the less time that the AC has to work.
Square Footage
When you need an HVAC contractor, obtain recommendations from friends and family members. Anyone that has previously needed work done on their HVAC unit are more than happy to tell you their experiences. This will also help you avoid bad companies.
Measure the area that requires air conditioner shopping. You can easily calculate this by using the formula: 20 BTU for each square footage of space. If you have a lot of rooms to keep cool, make sure to add the square footage together.
Replace the air filter in your HVAC system working well. This represents an easy way to keep your system running well.
Check for duct leaks if your unit seems to not be working efficiently. Call local utility companies to test it for you since many do it for a small fee or even free, which is lower than HVAC contractors. If you do end up paying, you’ll find that fixed leaks are worth the money.
Now you know how to keep your HVAC system in great shape. Maintain your unit on a monthly basis. These tips will keep your home comfortable year-round.