What You Must Know About HVAC Purchases

Follow these tips on dealing with your HVAC system.

Check out the system that you have before you call a professional. Get the brand, model name, and if you can you should get the maintenance history out. This helps make sure the contractor has the information they will need.

TIP! Before you hire an HVAC contractor, have some sort of idea of the work that needs to be done. This will make the quote process much easier.

If you’ve been having trouble with an HVAC system, take a tour of the house prior to calling a professional. This information will help the repairman determine where the problem is and how to fix it.

Clean your condenser’s fan and coils each spring to ensure that your condenser fan operates at it’s best.Clean the outside of your condenser unit.

Keep outside condenser fans running smoothly by cleaning fan blades and coils before the summer begins. Shut off power before working or cleaning your system. Also, make sure you remove any debris or leaves from the condenser unit outside.

TIP! If there are condenser units as part of your HVAC system, clean them often as they tend to have lots of debris. Leaves, twigs and other troublesome objects can accumulate, particularly after very windy weather, and this will wreak havoc on your system.

Turn the power off first so you don’t get hurt or break something. Then, pop off its grills, pull the blades out, and gently clean them as well as the unit itself.

Don’t get grass clippings pile up against your outdoor condenser. Aim your grass cuttings in a direction from the unit. This applies to leaf blowing and any other yard work that results in debris.

You should clean your condenser fan’s blades and coils every spring. Before you get started, cut the power. Then remove the grill, remove the blades and clean it from top to bottom gently.

TIP! A big mistake that people make is cutting the grass next to the outdoor condenser unit and allowing all of the clippings to blow inside the fan and coil. Try shooting the clippings away from it.

Your HVAC unit may suffer when your trees start to lose their leaves. Make sure the fan’s grill is cleaned often during the leaves begin to fall. The fan needs unobstructed air flow, and if it is clogged, then your system could suffer.

Put outdoor units in places with shade.

Try to prevent debris from getting in your HVAC unit. Be sure to clean your fan grill frequently when trees nearby are shedding. The fan needs unobstructed air flow, and if debris is blocking this air flow, then your system could suffer.

Have the HVAC serviced twice per year. This should be checked often for debris and again in the spring.

It is always a good idea to replace single-paned windows for double panes.This same effect also keeps warm in during the winter.

Make certain that an outdoor unit is in the shade. If the unit is taking in cooler air, the efficiency will be boosted since it will not need to work as hard.

TIP! Your system should be checked twice a year. Your system should be inspected in Spring and Fall.

Research and check the companies that you consider using. Check them out at the BBB and online reviews posted by former customers. These steps can help ensure your decision is a wise one.

Air conditioners tend to ice up.The drain line may also freeze over. If you notice this, put your thermostat over to fan. If this doesn’t work, call in help.

If you can, install double-paned windows throughout your home. Having double pane windows allows your air conditioning unit to be run much less during the summer, because the cool air is kept inside the home. They help in the winter, too, keeping the heat in.

Look for calculators online to help you determine the size of unit is necessary for your home. Look at the manual or on the manufacturer website for air conditioners.

There are quite a few sites now that other customers can place their reviews. This will tell you would like to work with.

Make sure to have your unit serviced once a year. When they come out for a service visit, expect inspections of freon levels and the motor, and they will oil all the moving parts. Your unit will last longer this way.

TIP! Some air conditioners can ice up. The drain line might also freeze over.

Think about getting a radiant barrier installed in your attic so your HVAC system. It will make sure you won’t have to use more energy to keep your home and the outside. You could even find that you can use your attic as part of your living space if it is done right.

Are you thinking of getting a new HVAC system? There are many things you should consider. Systems get rated according to how large an area they can effectively heat or cool. You are wise to err on the side of a unit rather than a smaller one.

Use an HVAC company that has been in business for a while. Fly-by-night companies are those you want to avoid. Hiring a new contractor means taking a bigger risk.

TIP! You can usually have free duct testing performed if you are concerned about your HVAC system not running properly. You can have your utility company test for you, sometimes for free or less than an HVAC contractor would charge.

If there’s a clicking in your HVAC unit, immediately start looking for any obstructions. Often the issue is some sort of debris that’s hitting fans in your cooling system. Check the fan and coil before you waste time contacting a contractor.

Square Footage

Make sure your windows and doors are efficient. They have to have a tight seal, stopping air from going in or out. A good professional can test this for you, and they might even do it for free.

TIP! When considering what size AC unit your home needs, be sure to measure the immediate area you need to cool. You can easily calculate this by using the formula: 20 BTUs per square footage of space.

Measure the area you wish to cool before buying a unit. You generally need 20 BTU for each square footage of space. If you are cooling more than one room, be sure to add their square footage together.

Your HVAC system is what makes the temperature in your home comfortable for you and your family. If you aren’t performing regular maintenance, then the environment at home is not going to be a fun place to live. Use the tips located above to help you maintain your system or choose a new system.

Hire an HVAC contractor that is efficient and quick. Good companies attend to their customers in a timely manner. Someone skilled in their profession should be able to come out and give you answers right away. After they figure out what is causing the problem, it should be taken care of right away.