Many people don’t think about their HVAC systems until there is an issue. Finding the right specialist to repair or install an HVAC system can be complicated. The information in this article offers suggestions on how to navigate through the process.
Before calling someone to repair your system, make sure you know what kind of HVAC system you actually have. Look for the maintenance history and brand and model. Your contractor will appreciate this information.
Clean your fan blades and coils prior to summertime. Clean the outdoor condenser unit regularly.
Clean the debris on your outdoor condenser units. 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 can cause a disaster with your unit.
If the condenser fan has oil parts, then you need to lubricate it at least once per year. These ports are typically covered with caps made of metal or rubber. Put 10 drops of lightweight, non-detergent SAE oil in each port. Be careful not to use too much.
Don’t get grass clippings pile up against your outdoor condenser.Aim your grass cuttings in a different direction away from the unit. This also applies when you are taking care of the leaves in the yard.
Your HVAC unit may suffer when your trees lose their leaves. Make sure you clean out your fan grill often during the fall. The fan must be unobstructed to work properly, and if it becomes blocked, you’ll have a lot of headaches eventually.
Your HVAC unit requires regular maintenance at least two times per each year. It’s best to have it checked before you turn it on for the summer and again for the winter. Even if you can’t see anything wrong, checking it may help you locate and repair some possible issues.
Have the HVAC serviced twice per year. This should be checked often for debris and again in the spring.
Install a programmable thermostat you can program to save money on cooling your home. Some of these thermostats can even be controlled from a computer.
Installing a programmable digital thermostat can help save money. In fact, you can save as much as 10 percent on both heating and cooling when you turn your thermostat by by 10-15 percent for at least 8 hours daily. There are also some programmable thermostats that can be controlled with a computer or other web-connected advice.
Never allow the temperature in your home reach a dangerously high level. Air conditioners are limited in that they can only reduce the indoor temperature 20 degrees or so within a reasonable time period. If your house’s interior temperature hits 100 degrees Fahrenheit, 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 companies before hiring them. Check with the BBB and look for reviews as well. These steps are going to help ensure you make the smartest and most informed choice.
Shut off the air conditioning if nobody is home. With the system off, the house will only heat up to a certain temperature. It will use more electricity if you keep it running.
Companies with proven track records that can help you decide if they’re worth your money and time. Hiring a newer contractor means taking a bigger risk.
There are many sites that let customers share their reviews. This method provides you with as well as those that you need to make the best hiring decisions.
Figure out how long the HVAC company you choose has been in business. The older they are, the more likely it will be for you to find out their history, which will help you gauge their quality. Hiring a new contractor means taking a bigger risk.
Determine which way your home faces. The less heat inside the house, the less work your AC will have to do.
If you hear a clicking in the HVAC unit at home, see if there is any debris in it. Often it is being caused by debris that’s hitting the fans in the cooling system. Look before you call up a technician.
Make sure that your ducts are not leaking. Call your utility company if they are leaking to see about getting a test. If a leak is found, the money spent on finding and repairing the leak will pay for itself.
Make sure they have tight seals to keep air can’t seep in. You can also hire a professional to test them.
Measure the area you wish to cool before going air conditioning. You will need 20 BTU for each square foot of room space. If multiple rooms need cooling, combine their square footage in your calculations.
To run your HVAC at full efficiency, you must have efficient doors and windows in place as well. They should be able to seal tightly without letting air seep in or out. You can get a professional out to help you test things and a lot of the time the testing costs nothing.
If you have to place it in a corner of your home, get one with moving vents.
Any HVAC contractor you hire should have an emergency number available to customers around the clock. They need to be able to come to a home when needed, in any weather.
Pick an HVAC business that understands the unit and works quickly to solve the problem. Reliable companies keep a close eye on their technicians and ensure they honor their appointments. An experienced person will quickly know what is going on with your unit. Also, they should be able to service it quickly.
Your head is likely full of new information now! Put it to use on a variety of HVAC systems. If you need to have your existing system repaired or replaced, you will know what to look for and what to avoid. Keep these tips in mind to treat your HVAC system right.