A well-maintained HVAC system is important part of your home. A lot of homeowners spend money fixing them up when broken, but if they were able to figure out how to fix things on their own it would have been avoided. The following article will help you do just that.
What system do you have? You need this information to tell your contractor. Write down the brand and the model and have all maintenance records on hand. This will help make sure that the contractor you hire has all the necessary information.
If your HVAC doesn’t seem to be working properly, try touring your home before calling a professional. This information will help the contractor determine where the problem is.
Know what you want done before you select an HVAC contractor. A contractor will be hard pressed to provide you with an accurate estimate if unfamiliar with your system. It will be way more difficult for him to assist you over the phone without the information readily available.
Before you ever begin looking for an HVAC contractor, first consider the entire job that you’ll need completed. If you can’t describe the problem, you may not get an accurate quote. You need to know how to describe any issues. It’s a good idea to learn this information in advance.
Turn it off so you don’t get hurt or break something.Then, take the grill off, pull the blades out, and begin cleaning the unit and them gently.
Don’t get grass clippings on your outdoor condenser. Aim the grass cuttings in a direction from the unit. This applies when you are taking care of the leaves in debris.
Clean the debris on your condenser units. Debris can pile up at rates that increase during rainy or windy weather, and this can foul up the inner workings of your system. Overheating could occur, which will be problematic.
Put your outdoor condensers in the shade.
Have your HVAC system checked twice a year at least yearly. This should be checked often for debris and the spring.
Fall is a hard time on HVAC units. Clean the fan grill often when leaves are falling. The air needs to be unobstructed into the fan, and any blockages create performance issues for the whole system.
Turn off any outdoor condenser when it becomes cold out. This should turn it off to prevent damage if the weather falls under 60 degrees Farenheit. This can keep your system running efficiently for many years to come.
It is always a good idea to replace single-paned windows for double panes. This also keeps warm air in during the winter.
Once it gets cold outside, you should turn off the outdoor condenser unit. This means that you should turn it off to prevent damage if the weather falls under 60 degrees Farenheit. This will ensure your system works well each year, which could save you quite a bit in repair costs.
A programmable thermostat can really help you save money on your power bills. Some programmable thermostats can even be controlled from a PC or computer.
Don’t let your house get overly hot. Air conditioners really can only cool a home down 20 degrees or so within a reasonable time period. If the temperature in your home rises to 100 degrees F or higher, you would only be able to cool it down just above 80 degrees. This is not a healthy environment to live in.
Before you go out there and hire an HVAC contractor, find out the length of time they’ve been in the industry. You are more likely to get good service this way. Working with someone that does not yet have a reputation in the business is a bit riskier.
Research and check the companies that you consider using. Check them out at the BBB and look for reviews as well. Doing all of this will make sure you make a better decision.
Air conditioners tend to ice up.The drain line might also freeze up. If this happens, put the fan on to shut the compressor off. You can call a HVAC professional, but switching to the fan setting should start to melt the ice.
If you aren’t sure who to call for HVAC maintenance, repairs, or installation, look online for reviews. Many online review sites provide an avenue for this information. This works both in finding those you want to hire and also with those you want to avoid.
Contractors determine their own fee levels, so make sure that you acquire multiple estimates. You will be likely to save some money this way. You may want to get quotes from at least a handful of contractors to determine what reasonable rates are.
Think about getting a radiant barrier installed in your attic so support the efficient functioning of your HVAC system. It blocks outside heat from coming in which will serve as a barrier between your home and the outside. You could even find that you can use your attic space if it is done right.
Do you need a new HVAC system? Many things must be taken into account before you purchase one. Systems are rated by the amount of area the system can heat and cool effectively. It’s a good idea to buy something that’s larger than you’d need instead of getting something that’s not big enough.
Are you looking at purchasing a new HVAC system installed? 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 bigger unit rather than a bit too small.
The HVAC unit is integral to any home. The tips from this article can help you avoid a poorly working HVAC. But it is your responsibility to take your HVAC system seriously and keep it in good shape.
The HVAC system is only one piece in an efficient home. You must also consider the quality of your windows and doors. Make sure they are tightly sealed so air can’t seep in. Talk to a professional to determine the best way to do this.