A reliable HVAC unit makes home life more pleasant. But when your system suddenly stops working, it can be a nightmare. Learning how to maintain your HVAC system begins with the chances of a breakdown; these tips below.
Before you contact people to assist you in getting your system fixed, know what kind of system you’re working with in the first place. Look for the model and brand number. This will give contractor’s a better idea of what to expect before they show up, which will help things go more smoothly on arrival.
Know what work you need before you hire a contractor. It will be difficult for a contractor to give you a price estimate on the phone without knowing what your current setup is. It will be way more difficult for him to assist you can’t figure out what they need to do.
Clean the fan blades and coils come spring. Clean off any leaves or debris from your condenser unit regularly.
Be sure to regularly clean debris from external condenser units. You don’t know the amount of stuff that can pile up right after heavy winds or a storm. Debris like this can cause it to overheat, which could be detrimental to your system.
Turn the power off first so you don’t get hurt or break something. Next, pop the grill off, pull out the blades and start cleaning them and the unit itself off gently.
Don’t let grass clippings on your outdoor condenser.Aim the grass cuttings in a different direction away from the unit. This applies to leaf blowing and any other yard work that results in debris.
If you want things to be more efficient, get new units outside or have your current one moved into the shade. 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.
Sae 20 Oil
Lubricate your condenser at least once a year. You can easily find the ports have a rubber or metal cap. Use SAE 20 oil that is non-detergent and lightweight, detergent-free SAE 20 oil, but make sure to avoid overfilling them.
To help lower cooling costs when not at home, make sure the air conditioner is turned off. The house will heat up when it is turned off, but only a certain amount. Leaving it on for the entire day means that it is struggling to keep things cool, something that takes lots of energy.
Put outdoor condensers in places with shade.
Turn off your outdoor condensers you have when it becomes cold out. This means that you should be done when the temperature drops below 60ºF to avoid damage. This helps your system remain in good working for years and save you a lot on repairs.
Make sure to make a well-informed decision on the size of your HVAC. A unit that is bigger than you need simply isn’t efficient. Check the manufacturer’s handbook to see what amount of space the unit can effectively cool.
It is a good idea to swap out single pane windows with ones that have double panes. This same effect also help you keep in heat when it gets cold.
A programmable thermostat can help save money on your air conditioning bill. Some of these thermostats can even be controlled from a computer.
Turn to online reviews if you’re not sure how you should hire to perform HVAC maintenance. There are many review sites you can check out. This will help you find a top notch professional.
During your service visit, they will inspect the motor of the system, oil the moving parts and check the freon levels in the system. These few simple things will keep your system.
Companies that have been around for longer have a proven track records typically provide better service. It is always risky to hire someone who does not have a long history.
Are you thinking of getting a cooling and heating system that’s new? Many considerations must be scrutinized. The rating given to a system tells how much are it can cover. It is better to purchase a slightly larger than needed unit, rather than a slightly smaller than needed unit.
Ask friends and relations for contractor recommendations. People that have had great service are usually willing to share this information. This will prevent you know which companies to stay away from.
There are a number of sites these days that let customers talk about their experiences with contractors. This method provides you are interested in dealing with as well as those that you need to make the best hiring decisions.
To gain maximum HVAC efficiency, you need efficient windows and doors too. Be sure that they’re sealed well so that air from the outside or inside doesn’t come in or escape. You can hire a professional to test them all for you and often this testing is free.
Think about having a radiant barrier 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 may even find that you can use the attic space if it is done right.
Check the ducts to find any leaks if your existing system is not up to snuff. When the leaks are repaired, the testing will pay for itself in energy savings.
Ask any potential contractor about their experience. Confirm that they have done this work before. While you may not know if a worker with no experience will work well or not, it’s not a good idea to take a chance with this.
Measure the living area that needs cooling before going air conditioner shopping. You will need about 20 BTU per square foot in the room. If you have multiple rooms to cool, combine their square footage in your calculations.
Replace the air filter monthly to keep your HVAC system every month. This is an easy thing to do and it will keep your unit run properly.
Your HVAC will perform better during the winter if you protect the condenser with a cover. This can help it last longer when it is not in use. Never operate your unit when the temperatures are lower than 60 degrees. Instead, put the fan on and don’t strain it.
You should now have a better idea about why proper HVAC system maintenance is necessary. You can be in a lot of trouble if you have a poor running HVAC. Luckily, this article should have given you tips to keep your HVAC working properly.