It is not easy for many homeowners to know where to go when the HVAC system isn’t working properly. To ward off disaster, learn all you can on the topic. This article is intended to help homeowners to find the help they need.
Before you start calling to find someone to fix your unit, make sure you know the type of system that is installed. You need to know who manufactured the product and the item number. Also, get the maintenance records from your files if you have them. This information will be helpful to any contractor you hire to repair it.
Know what type of your HVAC system you currently have before calling someone to fix it. This will enable you can give your chosen contractor any information they need.
Know what you need before you select an HVAC contractor. It will be hard for a contractor to provide you with an estimate on the phone if they have not seen your current setup is. It will be more hard if you can’t figure out what they need to do.
Outdoor condenser units need to be cleaned regularly. Debris can pile up at rates that increase during rainy or windy weather, and this can foul up the inner workings of your system. Overheating could occur, which will be problematic.
Your HVAC units might suffer when your trees begin dropping their leaves. Make sure the unit’s fan grill is cleaned often during the fall. The fan must not have anything in the way so that air can flow into it, and if it is clogged, you will have to contend with problems.
Put your outdoor unit in the shade if you are installing them.
Many homeowners forget to oil their condenser at least once per year, but it is required. You can find these ports covered with rubber or metal caps. Pick a type of SAE 20 oil that is non-detergent and lightweight. Place 10 or less drops into every port to avoid overfilling.
Turn off any outdoor condensers you have when weather gets cold. This should be done when the weather falls under 60 degrees Farenheit.This can keep your system running efficiently for many years to come.
A programmable thermostat can really help you out when it comes to your air conditioning bill. Some can even be controlled from your smart phone or computer.
If you’re away from home during the day, raise the temperature setting on your air conditioner to save money. Your home will become somewhat warmer during this time. Leaving your heating or cooling running full blast while you are away is a waste of money and energy.
Research the reputation of companies before hiring them.Check with different references to determine the BBB and online reviews as well. Doing this will make sure you choose wisely..
Air conditioners tend to ice up.The drain line may also freeze over. If this is something that’s happening to you, switch your thermostat to fan only to disable the compressor. You should call a pro to fix this problem, but switching to the fan will make the ice melt.
Look for air conditioner sizing calculators online to truly understand what size of unit is necessary for your room or home. If you purchase something too large, you will be throwing away money. You can also check the owner’s manual to find specific numbers provided for the manufacturer. These numbers indicate the particular unit to cool a particular area.
Look for calculators online to help you determine the size of unit is necessary for your home. Look in the manual to determine the recommended size for this information.
Ask people that you know and relations for contractor recommendations. People will tell you who have had a good experience are worth calling. This can also help you avoid scammers.
If you aren’t sure who to call for HVAC maintenance, repairs, or installation, look online for reviews. There are many sites that other customers can place their reviews. This works both in finding those you want to hire and also with those you want to avoid.
Contractors determine their own fee levels, so make sure that you acquire multiple estimates. You can save tons of money by doing your homework. You want to get quotes from at least a handful of contractors to determine what reasonable rates are.
Do you want to buy a new HVAC unit? There are a number of things you should consider. Systems have ratings according to the total area they can effectively cool and heat. You are wise to err on the side of a bigger unit rather than a bit too small.
For greater efficiency, put a radiant barrier in your attic. It blocks outside heat from coming in which will make sure you won’t have to use more energy to keep your home cool when it’s hot outside. If you install the unit properly, you can even begin to use the attic as a bedroom as it will be so comfortable!
If you hear a clicking noise coming from your HVAC unit, look for an obstruction. Often it is being caused by debris hitting the fans in your cooling system. Check it out before spending on a professional.
Measure the living area that requires air conditioner shopping. You can usually substitute 20 BTU per square foot in the room. If you have multiple rooms to cool, get their square footage added together.
The windows and doors in your home must be efficient in order for your HVAC to perform as efficiently as possible. They should be able to seal tightly without letting air seep in or out. A professional can also test the windows and many times the testing is free.
Nobody ever wants their heating and/or cooling systems to go out when it is really hot or really cold. However, with the right information, such disasters can be avoided. These tips will put you in the best possible position.