The comfort of a home are very important. This is why your HVAC system is constantly checked and you ensure it is properly working. Without proper care, you will be uncomfortable while you wait for an expensive repair. Here are some suggestions to help you keep your HVAC system running smoothly.
Before calling anyone to repair your system, know what system you have. It is important to understand what model it is and which brand it is. Also, if it has been serviced before, you should have that information handy. The contractor will likely need all of this 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 repairman determine where the problem is and how to fix it.
Know what work you need before you hire a contractor. It will be hard for an HVAC contractor to give you a price estimate on the phone without knowing what your current system. It can be harder if you can’t figure out what they need to do.
Before choosing an HVAC contractor, think of what you wish to have done. It is going to be hard to get a price estimate on the phone if the current system isn’t something they’ve seen. They also won’t be able to offer you a quote if they don’t have a detailed idea of what you want done. So, you should know this beforehand.
Turn the power off first so you don’t get hurt or break something. Next, pop the grill off, pull out the blades and start cleaning them and the unit itself off gently.
Don’t let grass clippings on your outside unit. Aim your grass in a different direction from your unit.This applies to leaf blowing and any other yard work that results in debris.
Clean the debris off your outdoor condenser unit. Leaves, twigs and other troublesome objects can accumulate, particularly after very windy weather, and this will wreak havoc on your system. The whole thing can overheat, causing major problems and possibly an enormous expense for you.
Your HVAC units might suffer when your trees lose their leaves. Make sure the fan’s grill often during the fall. The fan must stay clear in order to function, and if it is clogged, you will have to contend with problems.
Sae 20 Oil
If you are choosing where to place your outdoor compressor device, try to put it in a place where there is plenty of shade. The cooler the air which goes in, the less work the unit will have to do.
Lubricate your fan condenser once a year. You will notice these ports as they have a rubber or metal cap. Use SAE 20 oil that is non-detergent and lightweight, detergent-free SAE 20 oil, putting 10 drops in each port.
It is always a good idea to replace single-paned windows with ones that have double panes. This also keeps warm air during the colder months.
Installing double paned windows can save a lot of money over single panes, so upgrade if you are able. Having double pane windows allows your air conditioning unit to be run much less during the summer, because the cool air is kept inside the home. This will also help you keep in heat when it gets cold.
A programmable thermostat is a simple way to help you save money on air conditioning costs. Some programmable thermostats can even be controlled from a PC or computer.
Never allow the temperature in your home to get dangerously high level. Air conditioners can only reduce the indoor temperature 20 degrees or so within a reasonable time limit. If the temperature in your home reaches 100 degree Fahrenheit, it will only cool off to about 80F. This won’t be a safe and comfortable temperature for you to sleep in.
Don’t allow your home to overheat. Air conditioners cannot sufficiently cool down unreasonably high temps. If the temperature in your home rises above 100 degrees, you will only be able to cool it down to 80. This is not a safe and comfortable temperature for you to sleep in.
Air conditioners tend to ice up.The drain line might also freeze up. If this is something you notice, change the setting on your thermostat to the fan setting and this will disable the compressor. You should call a pro to fix this problem, but switching to the fan will make the ice melt.
You should now have a better idea of how to keep that HVAC unit running smoothly. Don’t let it go bad on you by not paying attention to regular maintenance. Use the information above to make sure it’s doing well, so that you don’t get home and find your home is too cold or too hot.
Check out how long the HVAV contractor you are considering has been in business. Firms that have been in business for a long time are easier to assess. Otherwise, you are taking a huge risk with the person you hire.