A properly running HVAC system can mean the difference between comfort and discomfort in a home so you have to be sure you maintain this equipment right at all times. A lot of people spend quite a bit to fix things when they don’t work right, but could have avoided such issues if they had maintained them properly. The following article discusses what you to keep your HVAC systems.
Always make sure you are up-to-date about your HVAC unit. Write down the make, model, and any maintenance history. If you have to have someone come out to repair the unit, you will be able to help the contractor understand more about what is going on.
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.
Know what you want done before you select an HVAC contractor. It will be hard for an HVAC contractor to give you with an estimate on the phone without knowing what your current setup is. It will be way more hard if you don’t know what’s wrong.
Before you hire an HVAC contractor, have some sort of idea of the work that needs to be done. This is necessary so that they can give you a quote before doing any work. In addition, you need to be able to tell the contractor what you have already tried. Understand this information beforehand.
Turn the power off first so nothing moves. Next, pop the grill off, pull out the blades and start cleaning them and the unit itself off gently.
Put outdoor units in places with shade.
When the leaves start to fall, the HVAC equipment can be harmed. Clean outdoor units often to remove leaves. The fan must not have anything in the way so that air can flow into it, and if it is clogged, you’ll have a lot of headaches eventually.
Your HVAC system should be checked a few times per each year. This should happen in the fall and again in the spring.
Turn off any outdoor condenser units when the weather turns cold. This should turn it off to prevent damage if the temperature drops below 60ºF to avoid damage. This can keep the system working for many years to come.
Don’t ever let your home temperature get dangerously high. An air conditioning unit is really only able to reduce the temperature by twenty degrees in a short time span. If your home happens to get near 100 degrees Fahrenheit, then you will only be able to reasonably cool to around 80. Depending on what the humidity is, this may not be cool enough to be a safe temperature to sleep at when recovering from the harsh summer heat.
It is always a good idea to swap out single pane windows for double panes. This will also keeps warm air in during the winter months.
Don’t ever let your home temperature get too hot. Air conditioners really can cool a home down about 20 degrees Fahrenheit within a reasonable amount of time. If your home become 100F or more, you will only be able to cool it down to 80. This won’t be a safe and comfortable temperature for you to sleep in.
Occasionally, air conditioners ice up. There are sometimes also freezes that happen in a drain line, and this can be confused for a plumbing leak. If this is something you notice, switch the thermostat in your home to fan only so the compressor is disabled. If the issue persists, call in help.
Research and check the companies that you consider using. Check with different references to determine the best one for reviews of potential companies online. These simple steps will help make a wise one.
Air conditioners sometimes ice up at times. The drain line might also freeze up.If this is something that’s happening to you, put your thermostat over to fan. If this doesn’t work, call in help.
Consider how long a given HVAC company has been in existence before giving them your business. Companies that are around awhile have a better record than those that haven’t been. Hiring a newer contractor may be taking a considerable risk.
Companies that have been around for longer have a proven track records typically provide better service. It is riskier to hire a contractor with little experience.
Ask friends and trust for contractor recommendations. People that have used and if they are usually more than willing to share this information. This can also help you with good information on which contractors you should avoid at all costs.
All contractors charge differently for their services, so get at least four or five quotes before hiring a particular person. If you call around before making a final decision, it can save you a lot of money in the end. You may want to get quotes from at least five contractors in order to know what you should be paying.
There are a lot of sites that allow customers share their reviews. This is an excellent method of finding contractors that you with all the information you need to make the best hiring decisions.
Contractors charge different rates, so make sure you get quotes from several contractors before you make any hiring decision. You can save some cash if you take the time to call around before you decide. You want to call at least a handful of contractors to determine what price you can reasonably expect to pay.
Do you need a new cooling system? You will need to take a few things into account. For example, the ratings on most systems describe how much space they can work to cool or heat. It’s a good idea to buy something that’s larger than you’d need instead of getting something that’s not big enough.
Do you wish to buy a new HVAC system? There are some things you should consider. Systems have ratings according to how large an area they effectively cool and heat. You are better off purchasing a bigger unit that is slightly too large for your needs than purchasing one that is a smaller one.
Check the ducts to find any leaks if your unit seems to not be working efficiently. When you repair the leaks, the testing has paid for itself.
If you do only one thing for HVAC maintenance, it ought to be replacing the air filter. It is the easiest way to take care of it. A few bucks is worth it!
Maintaining your unit is something you need to do as a home owner. These tips can help you save a lot of money. It is your job to ensure you know all you can about your HVAC unit and you understand everything that has been discussed in this article.