It can be difficult for homeowners to understand where to go when the HVAC system isn’t working properly. To prevent real inconvenience and misery, learn all you can on the topic. This article was put together to help homeowners get the help they have to get.
Before you start calling to find someone to fix your unit, make sure you know the type of system that is installed. Get information on the make and model, plus if you have information on the history of maintenance, that will help, too. This helps make sure the contractor has the information they will need.
Know what type of your HVAC system you currently have before calling someone to fix it. This helps make sure the contractor has the information they will be sufficiently prepared.
Turn the power off first so nothing moves. Then, take the grill off, pull the blades out, and begin cleaning the unit and them gently.
If your HVAC system us giving you issues, take a look around the house prior to calling a contractor. You will be looking to see which of your rooms feel hotter or colder than they should be. Give this information to your contractor when they arrive.
Have your heating and cooling system checked twice a year. This should be done in the fall and malfunctions.
It is a good idea to swap out single pane windows with ones that have double pane ones. This also keeps warm air during the winter months.
Prior to choosing an HVAC customer, try to have an idea of what you want done. It will be difficult for an HVAC contractor to provide you with an estimate on the phone without knowing what your current setup is. They need to come look at the unit. You need to know this before you begin.
Install a programmable thermostat you can program to save money on cooling your home. Some of these thermostats can even be controlled from your smart phone or other device.
During the visit, professionals can help by inspecting the system’s motor, oil the moving parts and check the freon levels in the system. These simple things will keep your HVAC system running smoothly.
Be sure to clean external condenser units regularly. Excess debris can really affect your system’s quality. It can cause the unit to overheat and break down.
Don’t ever let your home temperature get too hot. Air conditioners really can only cool down a home by 20 degrees. If your home happens to get near 100 degrees Fahrenheit, cooling it will only drop the temperature to 80 degrees F. This won’t be a safe and comfortable temperature for you to sleep in.
Air conditioners sometimes ice up at times. The drain line might also freeze up.If this is something you notice, put the fan on to shut the compressor off. If this doesn’t work, call in help.
Clean your condenser’s fan blades and coil in the spring. Before you do anything, however, turn the power off. Then take off the grill, take the blades out, and gently clean them.
Look for calculators online to help you determine the size of unit is necessary for your room or home. Look in the manual to determine the recommended size for air conditioners.
Ask around so you are looking for a HVAC contractor. People will tell you who they have had quality work done are usually more than willing to share this information. This will also provide you learn the names of those companies that you should avoid hiring.
Make sure that you do not cover your outdoor components with grass clippings when you are trimming the grass. Direct the grass clippings in a direction away from the HVAC unit. This includes grass clippings and leaves.
There are a number of great sites out there that let customers share experiences of different services. This method of finding contractors that you are interested in dealing with all the information you want to avoid.
Think about getting a radiant barrier installed in your attic so support the efficient functioning of your HVAC system. It blocks outside heat from coming in which will make sure you won’t have to use more energy to keep your unit stays hot or cold as it should be. You could even find that you can use the attic space if it is done right.
When selecting a location for an outdoor compressor, opt for a shady area, if possible. If your unit is sucking in cooler air, it will have less work to do to cool that air as it sends it inside which boosts efficiency.
Are you considering purchasing a new HVAC system? There are things to think about first. Systems get rated according to the total area they can effectively cool and heat. You are better off purchasing a 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 up to snuff. When these leaks are fixed, you’ll find that the testing paid for itself.
Have your heating and cooling system inspected twice a year. Ideally, you should have it looked at in the spring and fall so you know everything is set for the hot and cold months. Even if everything seems fine, check things out to find potential problems.
Determine the direction that your home faces in order to establish efficient HVAC operation. The less heat inside the house, the less work your AC will have to do.
It is common knowledge that having a home’s cooling or heating system fail in the middle of a heat wave or in the chilly grip of winter can cause a real headache for homeowners. If they have learned everything there is to know about their system, then the situation doesn’t have to be too bad. The suggestions listed will certainly lead you down a path towards positive heating and cooling function throughout the year.
As the temperature outside drops, remember to turn off your outdoor condenser unit. If the temperature drops to under 60 degrees, you risk damage to the unit if you leave it on. This simple tip will help keep the system running efficiently for many years to come.