HVAC service and contracting is something that you may know a lot about. This can cause problems when an unexpected emergency occurs.
Don’t hire a contractor until you know a little about what you are facing. If you can’t describe the problem, you may not get an accurate quote. It will be way more hard if you can’t figure out what they need to do. Know the right information ahead of time.
Know what type of your HVAC system before calling someone to fix it. This information will help make sure that the contractor you hire has all the necessary information.
If you’ve been having trouble with an HVAC system, check out each room in your house before calling for assistance. This will help the contractor determine where the problem is and how to fix it.
If there are condenser units as part of your HVAC system, clean them often as they tend to have lots of debris. You can never tell when things will pile up, especially following rain or wind storms. These can wreak havoc on your units. Also, you are risking your system overheating.
Clean any debris on an external condenser unit. You don’t know when things are going to pile up, especially after a windy or rainy storm, and that can ruin your system. It can also cause the unit to overheat and break down.
Turn it off first so nothing moves. Next, pop off the grill, put the blades out and start to gently clean them along with the unit.
Update the windows in your home to double-paned if you own it. To keep your home cool, investing in double pane windows is a must. As with other steps you take to improve your ability to keep your air conditioned air or heated air inside your home, double-paned windows can help you save on energy costs.
Don’t let grass clippings on your outdoor condenser.Aim the grass in a direction away from your unit. This also applies to leaf blowing and any other yard work that results in the yard.
Your outdoor HVAC units might suffer when trees lose leaves. Make sure the fan’s grill often once nearby trees start shedding their leaves.The fan needs to have an unobstructed path for air to enter the unit, and if it gets blocked, you’ll have a lot of headaches eventually.
Your home should never reach a dangerous temperature. Even the best air conditioners can only realistically cool your home approximately 20 degrees Farenheit. This means that if the weather is above 100 degrees, then you’ll still be baking in 80 degree weather at first! You may suffer adverse effects from letting the house get that hot, too.
10 Drops
Lubricate the oil ports on your fan condenser once each year. You can find these ports covered with rubber or metal cap covering them. Use a lightweight, and put 10 drops or fewer in each port, putting 10 drops in each port.
Before you hire any HVAC company, ask them how long they’ve been open for business. Companies that are well established have track records that can help you decide if they’re worth your money and time. If you hire someone that’s new that this then you’ll be risking your money.
Put outdoor unit in places with shade.
Turn off any outdoor condenser units when weather turns cold. This means that you should be done when the temperature drops below 60ºF to avoid damage. This simple tip will help keep the system working for years and save you a lot on repairs.
Search online for reviews to find an HVAC customer you can trust. Many online review sites provide an avenue for this information. This is useful for finding people that you wish to work with and those that you don’t.
A programmable thermostat can help you out when it comes to your air conditioning bill. Some can even be controlled from a PC or other device.
Research and check the reputation of companies that you consider using. Check with different references to determine the BBB and look for reviews posted by former customers. This can help you make the best choice.
Think about having a radiant barrier installed in your attic so support the efficient functioning of your HVAC system. This mechanism will prevent outside heat from coming in, reducing your energy consumption when cooling. If this is done properly, it will help extend your living space.
Fan Setting
Air conditioners tend to ice up.The drain line might also freeze up.If this happens, immediately put your thermostat on the fan setting to turn off your compressor. You can call a HVAC professional, even if switching it to its fan setting starts making the ice melt.
Having windows and doors in place is essential to make sure your HVAC system runs well. They have to have a tight seal, stopping air from going in or out. A professional can easily have this tested for you, and oftentimes, this service is free.
Look for air conditioner sizing calculators online to help you determine the size of unit is necessary for your room or home. Look at the manual or on the recommended size for this information.
There are now different online sites that let customers can place their experiences with contractors. This is a good way to locate contractors that do good work with and those that you don’t.
Replace the air filter monthly. It is the easiest and cheapest way you can take care of it. These filters are only a couple dollars.
Figure out which direction your home is facing so your HVAC system can work better. The less heat inside the house, the fewer occasions you have to use your air conditioner.
Measure the area that needs cooling before going air conditioner shopping. You generally need 20 BTU per square foot of room space. If more than one room needs AC service, make sure to add the square footage together.
Think about which way the air flows when installing a air conditioner. If you have to put the unit in a corner, use one that doesn’t blow into the wall.
If all you have is a corner spot, be sure you can change the direction of air flow to avoid having it hit the wall.
Ask any potential contractor about their experience prior to hiring them. You need to know that they have the type of experience needed to work on your particular system.
See about getting a programmable thermostat on your HVAC unit. This can save you a lot on your energy bills and gives you a nice comfortable home.
Some contractors attempt to overcharge you on material fees and fuel charges. Having a solid written contract will let you avoid any issues like this.
Dealing with an HVAC system that’s not working right can be a nightmare for most people. But, with a little of research the problem may not be as big as you expect. Use the information given here to handle any future HVAC situation with ease.
Keep the condenser on your HVAC unit protected during the cold weather. Try putting a cover on it that will help it to stay warm. Your unit will not work as efficiently if you do this when the outdoor temperature is less than 60 degrees.