Many people simply ignore their HVAC system until they all the sudden quit working. It can be difficult to find the right person to fix or install your system. The tips listed here will help you go through this process.
Always make sure you are up-to-date about your HVAC unit. Take a look at the system or the owner’s manual to find the name and model number. In this way, you can be sure your repair person has all vital information.
If your HVAC is giving you problems, take a look around the house prior to calling a contractor. This will help the repairman determine what the problem is and how to fix it.
Clean your condenser’s fan blades and coils prior to summertime. Clean off any leaves or debris from your external condenser unit regularly.
Make sure that you do not cover your outdoor components with grass clippings when you are trimming the grass. Get the grass shot away from your unit. This is the same if you are using a leaf blower.
Grass Clippings
Don’t let grass clippings pile up against your outside unit. Aim the grass clippings in a direction away from your unit. This also applies to leaf blowing and any other yard work that results in the yard.
Lubricate your condenser yearly if it has oil ports. They generally have a rubber or metal cap on them. You should select an SAE 20 oil since it is lightweight and does not contain detergent. Be sure to use just 10 drops or so, or your system may overfill.
Your HVAC unit may suffer when trees lose leaves. Make sure the fan’s grill is cleaned often during the leaves begin to fall. The fan needs to be able to get proper air inside without any blockages, and any blockages create performance issues for the whole system.
Lubricate your fan condenser yearly if it has oil ports. You can find the ports as they have a rubber or metal caps. Use a lightweight, detergent-free SAE 20 oil, but make sure to avoid overfilling them.
Be sure to place your outdoor unit in a shady spot to maximize efficiency. The unit will have to do less work cooling this air.
Put outdoor condensers in the shade if you are installing them.
It is a good idea to replace single-paned windows for double pane ones. This same effect also keeps warm air in the winter.
Outdoor condenser units need to be turned off when the weather turns cold. Once the temperature drops into the 50s, the unit should no longer be on. This can ensure your unit is working well throughout the years without the cost of repairs.
A programmable thermostat can help save money on your air conditioning costs. Some programmable thermostats can even be controlled from a computer.
Never let your home reach a dangerously hot inside. An air conditioner can only cool your home by twenty degrees in a short time span. If your home become 100F or more, you would only be able to cool it down just above 80 degrees. This is not a healthy environment to live in.
If you are going to be gone during the day or on vacation, turn the temperature up on your air conditioning unit. The house will heat up, but not too much. When the AC is left running, your power bill will go up quite a bit.
Research and check the companies that you consider using. Check them out at the BBB and online reviews as well. These steps will help make a wise one.
Look for air conditioner sizing calculators online to help you determine the size of unit you need for your room or home. Look in the manual to determine the manufacturer website for this information.
Before hiring an HVAC company, you need to find out how long they have been in business. You are more likely to get good service this way. Hiring a newer contractor may be taking a considerable risk.
Companies that are well established have track records typically provide better service. Hiring an inexperienced contractor who is just starting out can be risky.
Many websites allow consumers to share their experience with various services and contractors. This is an excellent method of finding contractors to work with.
Think about getting a radiant barrier in your attic so your HVAC system can run better. This will block heat from coming in, which means that less energy will be needed to keep your home cool. You may suddenly find that the attic even looks like a great option for another bedroom!
Contractors charge different rates, so make sure to get multiple quotes. You can save a lot of cash if you take the time to call around before you decide. You may want to call at least a handful of contractors to determine what reasonable rates are.
After reading this, you probably know more about HVAC systems. You know the specific things you should be looking for if you want your system repaired. Keep the information above in your mind so you can find a good HVAC system.
You can usually have free duct testing performed if you are concerned about your HVAC system not running properly. This is a job your local utility provider may do for you inexpensively or even free of charge. When you get leaks repaired, you may see that the testing pays for itself.