An HVAC system is something that many homes. An HVAC system helps people keep their homes at a comfortable temperature. You will generally need to hire a contractor to install and maintain your unit. The following tips will give any homeowner the info they need to know about HVAC unit.
Prior to putting in a service call on your HVAC, be able to identify it. Write down what brand your system is along with the model number and, if they’re available, maintenance records. This will enable you to give your chosen contractor any information they might need.
Know what type of your HVAC system before looking for a repair person. This information will be helpful to any contractor you hire has all the necessary information.
Clean any debris that accumulates on your condenser units. You never know when things can pile up, especially after a windy or rainy storm, and that can ruin your system. It can also cause your system to malfunction by overheating.
If there are condenser units as part of your HVAC system, clean them often as they tend to have lots of debris. After a wind or rain storm things may pile up, causing problems with your system. It can cause your system to malfunction by overheating.
Don’t let grass clippings pile up against your outside unit. Aim your grass cuttings in a different direction away from the unit. This applies when you are taking care of the leaves in debris.
Your HVAC unit may suffer when trees begin dropping their leaves. Make sure you clean out your fan grill is cleaned often during the fall.The fan needs unobstructed air flow, and if it becomes blocked, you’ll have a lot of headaches eventually.
If the condenser fan has oil parts, then you need to lubricate it at least once per year. You can find these ports covered with rubber or metal caps. Buy an SAE 20 product that is lightweight, and then put no more than ten drops into the ports.
Lubricate the oil ports on your fan condenser once a year. You can easily find the ports have a rubber or metal cap covering them. Use a lightweight, detergent-free SAE 20 oil, but make sure to avoid overfilling them.
It is a good idea to swap out single pane windows with ones that have double pane ones. This also keeps warm in the winter.
Put outdoor condensers in the shade. The air in the shade is cooler and can help save on energy costs.
During a maintenance visit, they will inspect the motor of the system, inspect the motor and the freon levels. These few simple things will help keep your HVAC system running smoothly.
Research the companies before hiring them. Check with the BBB and look for reviews posted by former customers. These simple steps can help ensure you make a better decision.
AC units will tend to get ice on them due to the cold. Drain lines can also suffer an occasional freeze, and these are sometimes mistaken for plumbing leak issues. If this happens, disable the compressor by switching the thermostat to run the fan only. It is best to call a professional in to fix this particular issue, even though the switch to fan setting should cause the ice to start melting.
Air conditioners tend to ice up.The drain line might also freeze up.If you see this, put your thermostat over to fan. If the issue persists, call a professional.
Ask your friends and family for contractor recommendations. People that have had quality work done are usually more than willing to tell of it. This can also help you to figure out some names of companies that you should be avoided.
Your HVAC system can run more efficiently if your attic has a radiant barrier. It blocks heat from the inside out, lowering the amount of energy needed to cool your home in the summer. If you do things right your attic can be used as a living space too.
There are a few sites out there that allow customers to share their experiences with different services. This is useful for finding people that you want to hire and those that you don’t.
Think about having a radiant barrier in your attic so your HVAC system can run better. 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 your attic as part of your living space if it is done right.
Check the ducts to find any leaks if you you feel your existing system is not up to snuff. You can have your utility company test for you, sometimes for free or less than an HVAC contractor would charge. You’ll see the test pays for itself once all leaks are fixed.
Now that you’re done with this article, you are aware of the things you can do to maintain your HVAC system and deal with contractors. It is important that this piece of equipment is installed and maintained properly. Keep the suggestions you just read handy for your HVAC maintenance.