It is not easy for homeowners to understand where to go when they have a cooling or heating system isn’t working properly. To stop such a situation from becoming a real disaster, it is best for any homeowner to get acquainted with this topic. The thrust of this article is to assist homeowners in finding the help they need.
Know the name and type of your HVAC system before looking for a repair person. Write down what brand your system is along with the model number and, if they’re available, maintenance records. That way you can provide the contractor with all the necessary information.
If your HVAC system us giving you issues, check out each room in your house before calling for assistance. This information will help the repairman determine where the problem is.
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Clean the fan blades and coils on the condenser fan every spring. Start by turning off the power to avoid having anything move when you work on it. Next, pop off the grill, pull out the blades and start cleaning them and the unit itself off gently.
Know what you need before you select an HVAC contractor. It will be hard for an HVAC 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 over the phone without the information readily available.
Turn it off so you don’t get hurt or break something. Next, pop off the grill, put the blades out and start to gently clean them along with the unit.
A shady spot is always a good choice for the placement of your outdoor compressor. 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.
Don’t let grass clippings on your outdoor condenser. Aim the grass in a different direction away from your unit. This applies to leaf blowing and any other yard work that results in the yard.
Your HVAC unit may suffer when your trees lose leaves. Make sure the unit’s fan grill is cleaned often during the leaves begin to fall. The fan needs to be able to get proper air inside without any blockages, and any blockages create performance issues for the whole system.
Have the HVAC system checked twice a year at the least. The normally recommended time for HVAC system inspections is once before the peak cooling season when it gets hot and you’ll be using your AC, and once before the peak heating season, during the cold months when you’re likely to be using your heat. Check it out just to be safe even if there is nothing broken.
10 Drops
Lubricate your condenser once a year. You will see rubber or metal cap covering them. Use a lightweight, and put 10 drops or fewer in each port, putting 10 drops in each port.
A programmable thermostat is a simple way to help save money on air conditioning costs. If you adjust it to keep the house a little warmer or a little cooler during the time you are sleeping, you may see your energy bill go down by as much as ten percent. Some can even be controlled from a computer.
Put your outdoor condensers in the shade.
Have the HVAC system inspected twice a year. This should be checked often for debris and again in the spring.
Research what size air conditioner you should purchase for the size of your home by using online calculators they have for this purpose. If the unit is too large, it won’t cool more than a smaller unit, just less efficiently. To get the right information, look in the manual to find out the rating the manufacturer gives the unit for cooling.
Turn off your outdoor condenser when the weather gets cold. This should turn it off to prevent damage if the weather falls under 60 degrees Farenheit.This can ensure your system remain in good working order.
A programmable thermostat is a simple way to help you out when it comes to your power bills. Some programmable thermostats can even be controlled from your smart phone or other device.
Contractors determine their own fee levels, so make sure to get multiple quotes. This can help you to save money by knowing what people are charging. To figure out what a good rate is, speak with about five or six contractors.
Companies that are well established have a better record than those that haven’t been.Hiring a contractor may be taking a considerable risk.
A radiant barrier improves the efficiency of your HVAC unit.It blocks outside heat from coming in which will make sure you won’t have to use more energy to keep your home and the outside. You may even find that you can use your attic space more effectively.
If your system isn’t working as it should, test its ducts for leaks. You can have your utility company test for you, sometimes for free or less than an HVAC contractor would charge. When you repair the leaks, the tests will pay for themselves.
Do you wish to buy a new HVAC unit? You could keep a few things into account. Systems have a rating based on how effectively they can cool and heat an area well. You are wise to err on the side of a bigger unit rather than purchasing one that is a smaller one.
Make certain they are tightly sealed so air inside. You can get these tested at little to no charge by a professional to test them all for you and often this testing is free.
Measure the area that needs cooling before buying a unit. For each square foot you’ll need 20 BTU of cooling power. If multiple rooms need cooling, add together their square footage to reach this calculation.
No one can deny that it is disastrous to face life with a broken air conditioner in the heat of summer or a failed heating system in the cold of winter. Having a good understanding of the workings of your HVAC system can help. Use these suggestions to increase the performance of your unit.