A properly running HVAC system can make one’s home really enjoyable. If an HVAC system should fail, it can be very frustrating. Learning how to maintain your unit minimizes the chances of a breakdown; these tips below.
Before you contact people to assist you in getting your system fixed, know what kind of system you’re working with in the first place. Write down the make, model, and any maintenance history. Then, you’ll be ready to tell the contractor what they need to know.
If your HVAC system is acting up, look around your home before calling in people to help. This will help the contractor determine what the problem is.
Clean any debris off your outdoor condenser unit. You never know when things can pile up, especially after a windy or rainy storm, and that can ruin your system. It can cause it to overheat.
Clean the fan blades and coils in your condenser each spring. Before you do anything, however, turn the power off. Take the grill off and pull the blades out to clean them.
Turn it off so you don’t get hurt or break something. Next, pop off the grill, put the blades out and start to gently clean them along with the unit.
Grass Clippings
The HVAC unit in your home can become damaged from falling leaves. Clean outdoor units often to remove leaves. The fan must not have anything in the way so that air can flow into it, and if it is clogged, you’ll have a lot of headaches eventually.
Don’t get grass clippings on your outdoor condenser. Direct the grass clippings in a direction away from the equipment. This also applies when you are taking care of the leaves in the yard.
Be sure to have the HVAC unit in your home checked about two times every year. This should happen in the fall and again in the spring.
As the temperature outside drops, remember to turn off your outdoor condenser unit. If it’s lower than 60 degrees, the time has come to turn it off. This will allow your system to work well every year, and that saves you quite a bit on making repairs.
Turn off any outdoor condenser units when weather gets cold. This means that you should be done when the weather falls under 60 degrees Farenheit. This can keep the system running and can save you money on repairs.
A programmable thermostat is a simple way to help save money on your air conditioning bill. Some can even be controlled from your smart phone or computer.
Regularly having your HVAC system serviced can help keep your heating and cooling bills down. When they visit to service the unit they’re going to inspect the motors, oil the parts that move, and see how much freon is in your system. This maintenance means that your system will operate optimally.
Do not allow your house to get dangerously hot. Air conditioners only cool your home down a home by 20 degrees. If the temperature in your home reaches 100 degree Fahrenheit, cooling it will only drop the temperature to 80 degrees F. This won’t be a safe and comfortable temperature for you to sleep in.
Research the reputation of companies that you consider using. Check with different references to determine the BBB and online reviews as well. These steps will help ensure you make a better decision.
To know how large of an air conditioner you need, look for a calculator online. Buying one that’s too large will not cool that well. Check the manufacturer’s handbook to see what amount of space the unit can effectively cool.
Air conditioners sometimes ice up at times. The drain line may also freeze over. If this is something you notice, put your thermostat over to fan. You should call a pro to fix this problem, but switching to the fan will make the ice melt.
Companies that are well established have track records that haven’t been. Hiring a newer contractor may be taking a bigger risk.
To find out which HVAC company is worth hiring, make sure to use the Internet to look for reviews about any company you’re interested in. Many Internet sites let customers discuss experiences with certain companies. This will help you find a top notch professional.
Ask friends and family for their HVAC contractor recommendations. People who have been happy with work they have had great service are usually willing to tell of it. This can also a great way to get names of businesses that should avoid at all costs.
Think about having a radiant barrier in your attic so support the efficient functioning of your HVAC system can run better. It will make sure you won’t have to use more energy to keep your home and the outside. You could even find that you can use your attic as part of your living space more effectively.
If your existing system is malfunctioning, look for leaks in the ducts. The local utility company may be able to do this for you at a cost lower than what a contractor would charge you. Once leaks have been fixed, you will save substantial money on heating and cooling costs.
Are you considering purchasing a new heating/cooling system? You could keep a few important things. Systems have ratings according to how large an area they effectively heat or cool. You are wise to err on the side of a unit that is slightly too large for your needs than a smaller one.
Check the ducts to find any leaks if your existing system is not up to snuff. When you repair the leaks, the testing will pay for itself in energy savings.
Replace the air filter monthly. This is such a simple thing that takes little time, and it can save you money by helping to keep your system running longer. It only costs a couple of bucks to replace the filter.
Figure out the direction your home is facing so your HVAC system more efficient. The less heat in your home, the fewer occasions you have to use your air conditioner.
Hvac System
Be sure that both parties understand the terms involved when it comes to any HVAC work that you hire a contractor to perform. Some contractors attempt to add charges on later for things such as material fees and fuel charges. Having a signed contract can help to avoid issues like that.
Now that you’re done reading this article, you understand how important it is to have a properly maintained HVAC system. Without regular maintenance, your unit may experience untimely problems. Thankfully you found this article, giving you some great tips that can help keep your HVAC system working well in your home.