Your home will feel comfortable with a HVAC system. Many houses come with them, but they may need to be upgraded or even replaced at some point. Knowing what you need when it comes to an HVAC system ought to have makes purchasing one easier.
Before calling someone to repair your system, make sure you know what kind of HVAC system you actually have. Find out the brand and model and, if possible, dig out the maintenance history. This will help make sure that the contractor you hire has all the necessary information.
If your HVAC is giving you problems, look around your home before calling in people to help. This information will help the repairman determine where the problem is and how to fix it.
Know what you want done before you hire a contractor. It will be difficult for a contractor to give you a price estimate on the phone if they have not seen your current system. It will be way more hard if you over the phone without the information readily available.
If the fan condenser on your unit has ports for oil, make sure you lubricate it once a year. You will notice these ports have a rubber or metal cap covering them. Use a lightweight oil and do not overfill them.
Clean any debris on your condenser unit. You don’t know when things are going to pile up, like right after it’s windy or rains, and that can throw a wrench in your system. It can cause it to overheat.
Turn it off first so nothing moves. Then, pop off its grills, pull the blades out, and gently clean them as well as the unit itself.
Turn off outdoor condenser units when weather turns cold. If the temperature outside is less than 60ºF, be sure to turn off the unit so that you don’t damage it. This will ensure your system works well each year, which could save you quite a bit in repair costs.
Don’t get grass clippings pile up against your outdoor condenser. Aim the grass cuttings in a different direction away from your unit. This also applies when you are taking care of the leaves in the yard.
Your HVAC unit may suffer when your trees lose leaves. Make sure you clean out your fan grill is cleaned frequently when the leaves begin to fall. The fan must not have anything in the way so that air can flow into it, and if it becomes blocked, it could cause your system to break down.
Service your HVAC unit at least one time a year. During a maintenance visit, professionals can help by inspecting the system’s motor, oil the different moving parts as well as check the system’s freon levels. This will keep you energy efficient and comfortable.
Turn off any outdoor condenser units when the weather gets cold. This should turn it off to prevent damage if the temperature drops below 60ºF to avoid damage. This simple tip will help keep your system working for many years to come.
It is always a good idea to swap out single pane windows for double panes. This will also help you keep the warm air inside.
Put a bit of time into researching various HVAC specialists; you’re more likely to choose the right one for the job. Checking with the BBB is a good idea, and so is checking online reviews to see the experiences that other customers have had with a company. When done in advance you can be sure of making a sound decision.
When they visit to service the unit they’re going to inspect the motors, the motor will be inspected, and see how much freon is in your system. This ensures your system will operate optimally.
Never allow the temperature in your home to rise to a dangerously hot inside. Air conditioners really can only cool a home down about 20 degrees in a short time. If your home gets above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, you would only be able to cool it down just above 80 degrees. This won’t be a safe and comfortable temperature for you to sleep in.
Speak with family and friends to get a recommendation for a reputable HVAC contractor. Those who have had a great experience should have no issue giving you this info. This will also help you avoid bad companies.
Research the reputation of companies that you consider using. Check with the BBB and look for reviews posted by former customers. Doing this will make sure you make a better decision.
There are plenty of websites online that allow customers to share their experiences with different services. This will be an excellent way to locate people you who is great and people that may not work well with you.
Your HVAC system can run more efficiently if your attic has a radiant barrier. It will block the heat and lower the energy necessary to keep your home cool in the summertime. If it’s done right, the attic can become another useful living space.
A heating and cooling system helps your house remain comfortable year round. If you have to upgrade, keep these tips handy. They will help you to make an educated buying decision and end up with a system you are happy with.