Many people simply ignore their HVAC system until it’s too late. Finding the right specialist to repair or install an HVAC system can be complicated. The tips here will help you understand the process.
Get all of the details regarding a broken system before calling for repair. Know what the manufacturer’s name is, which particular model you have and what’s gone on with the unit in the past. This will let you know that you’re able to give the contractor the information that can help them.
Know what type of your HVAC system you currently have before calling someone to fix it. This information will help make sure that the contractor you hire to repair it.
Clean your fan and coils each spring to ensure that your condenser fan operates at it’s best. Clean the outside of your condenser unit.
When the trees are losing their leaves, your HVAC unit can suffer. Clean the fan grill often when leaves are falling. An obstruction, such as a leaf, prevents the maximum amount of cool air from entering the system.
Clean the debris off your outdoor condensers often. You don’t know when things are going to pile up, especially after a windy or rainy storm, and that can throw a wrench in your system. It will damage the system to malfunction by overheating.
Turn it off so nothing moves. Next, pop the grill off, pull out the blades and start cleaning them and the unit itself off gently.
In order for your new unit to be as efficient as possible, or to make older units more efficient, make sure it’s put in a shaded area. The air in the shade is cooler and can help save on energy costs.
Grass Clippings
Don’t let grass clippings pile up against your outside unit. Aim the grass clippings in a direction away from your unit. This applies when you are taking care of the leaves in debris.
If you’re away from home during the day, raise the temperature setting on your air conditioner to save money. By raising the temperature from, for example 78 to 80, your house will be warmer, but only up to 80 before your AC kicks in. If you decide to set the temperature to 82 or 83 or so on, your AC won’t go on until it reaches that temperature. When the AC is left running, your power bill will go up quite a bit.
Your HVAC system could suffer when your trees lose leaves. Make sure the fan’s grill is cleaned often during the leaves begin to fall. The air needs to be unobstructed into the fan, and extra blockage can later develop into more serious problems.
Sae 20 Oil
To help you pick a good HVAC contractor, be sure to research a number of different companies. A good start would be the BBB to see if there are any complaints, then search online for review sites where you can see what actual customers had to say about their experience. This will help you make the best choice.
Lubricate the oil ports on your condenser at least once a year. These are often covered with rubber or metal caps. Use SAE 20 oil that is non-detergent and lightweight, detergent-free SAE 20 oil, putting 10 drops in each port.
Have the HVAC serviced at the least. This should happen in the fall and again in the spring.
Ask people that you know and trust for contractor recommendations. Someone who has used a contractor in the past is generally willing to let you know what they thought about it. This is an excellent way to find which companies to stay away from.
Turn off any outdoor condenser when it becomes cold out. This means that you should turn it off to prevent damage if the temperature drops below 60ºF to avoid damage. This can keep it in good condition for years and save you a lot on repairs.
Look for air conditioner sizing calculators online to help you determine the size of unit you need for your home. Look at the manual or on the manufacturer website for air conditioners.
If your HVAC system is clicking, look for blockages right away. There may be particles of debris that are touching the fans. Remove the debris and you have solved the problem. Look at this prior to calling a technician.
Companies with proven track records that can help you decide if they’re worth your money and time. Hiring a newer contractor comes with an element of risk.
Your head is likely full of new information now! Put it to use on a variety of HVAC systems. If your current system needs to be replaced or repaired, you’ll know what things to look out for and what things to avoid. Getting the best system should be simplified with this information.
Take a measuring tape and get the square footage of the area where the unit will be cooling. You can usually substitute 20 BTU for each square foot in the area to be cooled. When you are cooling more than one room, you must add together all of the square footage.