It is frustrating to need work done to your HVAC system when it is super hot or super cold.Learning what you can about HVAC units will help you when it needs repair. Read on to learn how to do just that.
If you struggle with your HVAC, try touring your home before calling a professional. Figure out which rooms are too cool or warm. Figuring this out will the contractor to diagnose the issues and quickly get to work on fixing it.
Clean the debris on an external condenser unit. You never know when things can pile up, like right after it’s windy or rains, and that can throw a wrench in your system. It could overheat and cause your unit.
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.
Make sure your condenser fan is in good working order by wiping down the fan blades and the coils. Shut the power off before you do anything. Take the grill off and pull the blades out to clean them.
Trees Start
Your outdoor HVAC units might suffer when trees start to lose leaves. Make sure the fan’s grill is cleaned often once nearby trees start shedding their leaves.The fan must not have anything in the way so that air can flow into it, and if debris is blocking this air flow, you will have to contend with problems.
As the leaves are falling off the trees, your HVAC system can really take a hit. The grill on the fan can become cluttered with debris, which will cause a serious operating deficiency. 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.
Put outdoor condensers in the shade if you are installing them.
Make sure your HVAC systems is checked at least twice a year. This should happen in the fall and again in the spring.
Outdoor condenser units need to be turned off when the weather turns cold. If it’s less than 60 degrees outside, turn the unit off. This helps your system remain in good working order.
It is a good idea to swap out single pane windows for double pane ones. This will also help you keep it warm in heat when it gets cold.
During a maintenance visit, the contractor will oil parts, inspect the motor and the freon levels. These few simple things will help keep your system running smoothly.
Never allow the temperature in your home to rise to a dangerously high level. AC units will only cool a house down 20 degrees. If the temperature in your home reaches 100 degree Fahrenheit, it will only reduce it to 80 or more. While it depends on the humidity, this is not safe for a human to sleep in to recover from the heat of the summer.
Don’t ever let your house get too hot. Air conditioners are limited in that they can only reduce the indoor temperature 20 degrees or so within a reasonable time limit. If your home become 100F or more, you’ll only cool down to still above 80. 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 the BBB and online reviews posted by former customers. These steps are going to help make a wise one.
Before you go out there and hire an HVAC contractor, find out the length of time they’ve been in the industry. Firms that have been in business for a long time are easier to assess. Hiring a new contractor comes with an element of risk.
Air conditioners tend to ice up. The drain line might also freeze up. If you notice this, try switching your thermostat to just the fan so that it disables the compressor. You should leave the repair to a professional, even if switching it to its fan setting starts making the ice melt.
Without the correct information, hiring a HVAC professional might be intimidating. But, it does not need to be terribly difficult. You should now feel ready to tackle HVAC issues with these tips.
If your current system isn’t working well enough, test out the ducts for leaks. You can have your utility company test for you, sometimes for free or less than an HVAC contractor would charge. If you do end up paying, you’ll find that fixed leaks are worth the money.