While maintaining an HVAC system is a homeowner’s responsibility, they aren’t all sure how to perform it properly. Learning about selecting the ins and outs of choosing an HVAC professional to maintain or repair services is a smart homeowner. The tips that follow will get you in a great position.
Prior to putting in a service call on your HVAC, be able to identify it. Get information on the make and model, plus if you have information on the history of maintenance, that will help, too. Then, you’ll be ready to tell the contractor what they need to know.
Know the name and type of your HVAC system you currently have before looking for a repair person. This will let you know that you’re able to give your chosen contractor any information that can help them.
Lubricate your fan condenser once each year. You can find these ports have a rubber or metal cap covering them. Use SAE 20 oil that is non-detergent and lightweight, and put 10 drops or fewer in each port, putting 10 drops in each port.
Make sure that you regularly clean debris that might build up on external condenser units. After a wind or rain storm things may pile up, causing problems with your HVAC system. It will damage the system by overheating.
Put outdoor unit in places with shade.
Be sure to have the HVAC system checks. This should be checked often for debris and the spring.
Don’t get grass clippings on your outside unit. Direct the grass clippings in a direction away from the HVAC unit. This also applies when you blow leaves, so be very careful near your exterior HVAC units when you move debris.
Turn off any outdoor condensers you have when the weather turns cold. This means that you should be done when the temperature drops below 60ºF to avoid damage. This will help keep it in good condition for years and save you a lot on repairs.
During the visit, the contractor will oil parts, oil the moving parts and check the freon levels in the system. This ensures your system will operate optimally.
Look for shade when placing a compressor outdoors. When your unit takes in cool air, it takes less energy to tool the air, thus boosting efficiency.
Air conditioners tend to ice up. The drain line might also freeze up.If this is something that’s happening to you, switch your thermostat to fan only to disable 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. Hiring a newer contractor means taking a bigger risk.
Use an online sizing calculator to help you calculate the proper size of the air conditioning unit you should purchase. If you get something that’s too big, it won’t work as well for you in the end. Check the manual to see what the manufacturer rates the unit to cool for accurate information.
There are a lot of sites these days that let customers to share their experiences with contractors. This method of finding contractors that you are interested in dealing with all the information you need to make the best hiring decisions.
Are you considering purchasing a new heating/cooling system? You need to think about a few points in mind. Systems get rated according to the total area they can effectively heat or cool. You are better off purchasing a unit that is slightly too large for your needs than a bit too small.
Ask people you know for recommendations if you need to hire a contractor for an HVAC system. Find someone that has a lot of quality work under their belt. This can also be used to see who you should avoid.
Check the ducts to find any leaks if your existing system is not be working efficiently. When you repair the leaks, the testing has paid for itself.
Figure out which direction your home is facing so your HVAC system more efficient. The less heat, the less you’ll have to use your air conditioner to cool things off.
Contractors determine their own fee levels, so make sure to get multiple quotes. You will be likely to save some cash if you take the time to call around before you decide. Call around 5 contractors so that you can get the best deal possible.
Pick HVAC business that know what they’re doing and can work quickly. The best companies keep the technicians will always be on time.A knowledgeable technician will also have no problem diagnosing any problems with your HVAC unit quickly. Once the technician figures out what’s wrong, they will also be able to quickly and efficiently resolve it.
An HVAC unit that is working properly can assure the comfort in a home. If your system breaks down, it can be rather frustrating. By using the above information, you now know what to do.
If the system you’re using now isn’t working great, then check the ducts for some leakage. Call local utility companies to test it for you since many do it for a small fee or even free, which is lower than HVAC contractors. If a leak is found, the money spent on finding and repairing the leak will pay for itself.