Many people have HVAC systems, but it is something they should know how to do. Learning the ins and outs of choosing an HVAC professional to maintain or repair your system is a smart thing homeowners can do. This article will provide you out.
Check out the system that you have before you call a professional. Know the brand name and model number. It is also helpful to have the maintenance history. That way you can provide the contractor with all the necessary information.
If your HVAC doesn’t seem to be working properly, take a tour of the house prior to calling a professional. This information will help the contractor determine where the problem is.
Clean the debris off your outdoor 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 cause a disaster with your unit.
Before choosing an HVAC contractor, think of what you wish to have done. If you can’t describe the problem, you may not get an accurate quote. If you are unable to explain the work that needs to be taken care of, the conversation will be even less fruitful. Thus, it is worthwhile to have this knowledge ahead of time.
Your HVAC unit may suffer when your trees start to lose leaves. Make sure the fan’s grill is cleaned often during the leaves begin to fall. The fan must not have anything in the way so that air can flow into it, and if debris is blocking this air flow, you’ll have a lot of headaches eventually.
Put your outdoor condensers in the shade.
Clean your condenser’s fan blades and coil in the spring. Don’t forget to disconnect the power first. Remove the grill and the blades, and then you can give them all a gentle clean.
Have your HVAC system serviced twice per year. This should happen in the fall and malfunctions.
Turn off any outdoor condenser when it’s getting cold. This should turn it off to prevent damage if the temperature drops below 60ºF to avoid damage. This can keep your HVAC running efficiently for many years to come.
Consumers are usually advised to have their HVAC systems inspected twice a year. Check into it twice a year before you head into the hot and cold months. Even if you don’t notice anything wrong, you can check it out to figure out what the potential issues are.
Research and check the reputation of companies that you consider using. Check with the BBB and look for reviews as well. Doing this can help you to make a better decision.
Ask friends and relations for contractor recommendations. People who have had a good experience are usually more than willing to share the name of their contractor. It’s also important to do this to learn the names of contractors you should not be contracted for work.
One great way to save some cash when you’re working on keeping a home cool is to install a thermostat that’s programmable. You have greater control over the temperature settings with these. Some can even be controlled from a computer.
Are you looking at purchasing a new HVAC system? There are some things to think about first. Systems are given ratings by how well the system is able to cool or heat an area well. You are wise to err on the side of a unit that is slightly too large for your needs than purchasing one that is a smaller one.
Figure out which direction your home is facing so your HVAC system can work better. If there is less heat coming into your home, then the HVAC will require less work to actually cool the home.
There are sizing calculators available to determine the proper sized system for your home. Buying one that’s too large will not cool that well. Check your manual to figure out what the rating is from the manufacturer to be sure you’re getting the right information.
If you hear a clicking noise coming from the HVAC unit, check immediately for any debris that may have accumulated in it. Often it is being caused by debris hitting the fans in your cooling system. Look carefully at this prior to calling a service technician.
Make certain they are tightly sealed so air can’t seep in. 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.
To improve the efficiency of your HVAC system, think about placing a radiant barrier in your attic. It keeps heat blocked from inside to the outside, and that lowers how much energy it takes to keep your home cool. You may suddenly find that the attic even looks like a great option for another bedroom!
Square Footage
Measure the area that needs cooling before going air conditioner shopping. You will need about 20 BTU for each square footage of the room. If you are cooling more than one room, just add their total square footage.
Make sure that your ducts are not leaking. The local utility may be able to test for you, and their services are frequently free or low cost. Once leaks have been fixed, you will save substantial money on heating and cooling costs.
The HVAC is one of the most important components of a comfortable, livable home environment. Knowing how to maintain them is very important. Use the information you have read throughout the process.