Don’t Go On Without Reading This Article About HVAC

Having an HVAC system helps your home always comfortable. Many homes already have this type of system in place, but they do need to be replaced from time to time. Understanding how to properly maintain your system will help you out when the time is right.

Prior to putting in a service call on your HVAC, be able to identify it. Find out the brand and model and, if possible, dig out the maintenance history. This will help you give the new contractor the necessary information.

Know what type of your HVAC system before calling someone to fix it. This will let you to give the contractor the information they might need.

If problems arise with the HVAC system, look around your home before calling in people to help. This will help the repairman determine where the problem is.

Clean any debris that accumulates on an external condenser unit. Your HVAC system may run into problems after storms if it is surrounded by debris. It can also cause it to overheat.

TIP! Every spring you should clean the coils and fan blades on your condenser fan. Be sure to turn the power off first; you don’t want anything to move.

Be sure to clean debris from external condenser units regularly. You don’t know when things are going to pile up, like right after it’s windy or rains, and that can throw a wrench in your system. It can also cause your system to malfunction by overheating.

Sae 20 Oil

Do not allow your home to reach excessive levels of heat during the summer. Even the best air conditioners can only realistically cool your home approximately 20 degrees Farenheit. Assuming the temperature in your home rises to a hundred degrees, you will only be able to reduce that by twenty degrees. Depending on how humid it is, this isn’t really that safe for a person to sleep in when it’s really hot.

TIP! Always take the time to check out the reputation of any HVAC contractor before you consider hiring them. Check with the BBB and look for reviews of potential companies online.

Lubricate your condenser if it has oil ports. These are often covered with rubber or metal cap. Use SAE 20 oil that is non-detergent and lightweight, detergent-free SAE 20 oil, but make sure to avoid overfilling them.

Put your outdoor units in the shade if you are installing them.

Figure out how long the HVAC company you choose has been in business. Companies that are around awhile have a better record than those that haven’t been. Hiring an inexperienced contractor can be risky.

TIP! Speak with someone close to you to see if they can recommend someone good to service their HVAC unit. Find someone that has a lot of quality work under their belt.

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 helps your unit is working well throughout the years without the cost of repairs.

It is a good idea to replace single-paned windows for double pane ones. This also help you keep it warm in the winter.

An online search will give you further information about any contractor you are considering. Many online review sites provide an avenue for this information. This will help you find a top notch professional.

TIP! You should think about putting in a radiant barrier in order to help your system run efficiently. It blocks the heat from inside out, reducing the energy that’s needed for your home to get cooled during the summer.

Air conditioners sometimes ice up at times. The drain line may also freeze over. If this happens, try switching your thermostat to just the fan so that it disables the compressor. You should call a pro to fix this problem, but switching to the fan setting should start to melt the ice.

Companies that are well established have track records typically provide better service. It is riskier to hire a contractor with little experience.

Do you need a new HVAC unit? There are many things to consider. Each system has a rating and that rating tells the area that can be effectively temperature controlled. It is better to purchase a slightly larger than needed unit, rather than a slightly smaller than needed unit.

TIP! If you current HVAC doesn’t work that well, try testing ducts for leaks. You can call in your local utility company to do the testing for you, often for free or at a lower cost than a contractor.

Ask around so you can find a HVAC contractor. People who’ve had quality work done are usually more than willing to share this information. It’s also important to do this to learn which companies should avoid.

Contractors determine their own fee levels, so make sure you get quotes from several contractors before you make any hiring decision. You can save tons of money by asking for price quotes. You want to call at least a handful of contractors in order to know what reasonable rates are.

To gain maximum HVAC efficiency, you need efficient windows and doors too. Make sure the seal is impenetrable from outdoor drafts, and that none of the air you’re paying to heat or cool escapes either. A professional can sometimes test these for you for free.

TIP! Measuring the space you want to cool is the first step to figure how large of an air conditioner you need. You generally need 20 BTU for each square foot of room space.

Are you considering purchasing a new HVAC system? There are a number of things to consider. Systems have ratings according to how large an area they can effectively heat or cool. You are wise to err on the side of a unit rather than purchasing one that is a bit too small.

One of the best investments you can make is an HVAC system; it makes your home feel comfortable. If you have to upgrade, keep these tips handy. They can assist you in making a smart decision that will make you happy for years to come.

If you do only one thing for HVAC maintenance, it ought to be replacing the air filter. This is the simplest thing that you can do to keep your unit running in tip top shape. Filters are relatively cheap, so it does not cost much to do this.