Many homeowners are at a loss when the HVAC system starts to fail. To stop such a situation from becoming a real disaster, it is worth any time spent to become familiar with the subject. The thrust of this article is to assist homeowners in getting the help they require.
Before making that repair phone call, make sure you know the specifics about your particular system. Know what the manufacturer’s name is, which particular model you have and what’s gone on with the unit in the past. If you have to have someone come out to repair the unit, you will be able to help the contractor understand more about what is going on.
If your HVAC system is acting up, check out each room in your house before calling for assistance. This will help the repairman determine what the problem is and how to fix it.
Lubricate the oil ports on your fan condenser once each year. These are usually covered by a rubber or metal cap. Use a lightweight, and put 10 drops or fewer in each port, putting 10 drops in each port.
Clean your fan blades and coils each spring to ensure that your condenser fan operates at it’s best. Turn off your power before doing any job like this. Clean the outdoor condenser as well.
Put your outdoor condensers in the shade.
Have the HVAC system inspected twice a year. This should be checked often for debris and the spring.
If there are oil ports on your fan condenser, lubricate it annually. These are usually covered with rubber or metal caps. 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.
Turn off any outdoor condenser units when weather turns cold. This means that you should be done when the temperature drops below 60ºF to avoid damage. This can keep your system remain in good working order.
During this service visit, the contractor will oil parts, oil the unit’s moving parts and ensure the unit has proper freon levels. These few simple things will boost the performance of your system running at peak performance.
When colder weather arrives, switch off all outdoor condenser units. This should be done when the temperature drops below 60ºF to avoid damage. This will keep your system in working order year after year, saving you a ton on repairs.
Research the reputation of companies before hiring them.Check with the BBB and online reviews of potential companies online. These steps can help ensure you make a better decision.
Air conditioners sometimes ice up at times. The drain line may also freeze over. If you notice this, disable the compressor by switching the thermostat to run the fan only. You can call a HVAC professional, even if switching it to its fan setting starts making the ice melt.
When you are away from home, adjust your thermostat to a money saving temperature. The house will only heat to certain level and a decent HVAC system can quickly cool this down once you are home. If it’s left on all day, it will fight the heat all day, which uses quite a bit of electricity.
Look for air conditioner sizing calculators online to help you determine the size of unit is necessary for your home. Look at the manual to determine the manufacturer website for this information.
Contractors charge different rates, so make sure to get multiple quotes. You can save quite a bit of money this way. You want to get quotes from at least five contractors to determine what reasonable rates are.
If you are purchasing an AC unit, there are calculators on the Internet that can help you figure out the right size. While you might think that a larger HVAC system is always better, in fact, larger systems sometimes are not the best choice for a particular space. Any unit’s manual will be able to give you an accurate idea for the size of the unit versus your home.
Are you thinking of getting a new HVAC system that’s new? You need to think about several things. Systems have a rating based on how effectively they can cool or heat an area. You are wise to err on the side of a bigger unit that is slightly too large for your needs than purchasing one that is a smaller one.
Check for duct leaks if your existing system is not be working efficiently. When you have leaks repaired, the testing will pay for itself in energy savings.
Ask those you know for the name of a great HVAC technician, should you need one. Find someone that has a lot of quality work under their belt. This can also help you to figure out some names of businesses that you should avoid at all costs.
If your HVAC system is producing any type of clicking sounds, check for any sort of obstructions immediately. Often the issue is some sort of debris hitting the fans in the cooling system. Check this out before you call in the professionals.
Make sure they have tight seals to keep air can’t seep in. You can get a professional out to help you test them.
Check for debris if you hear clicking in the HVAC unit. Often it is being caused by debris hitting fans in your cooling system. Remove the debris and you have solved the problem. Check this out before calling a repairman.
Square Footage
Measure the living area you wish to cool before buying a unit. You can usually substitute 20 BTU for each square footage of the area to be cooled. If you are cooling more than one room, just add their total square footage.
Be sure the HVAC contractor you pick is fast and knowledgeable. A reliable company will arrive on time and have the job finished in a jiffy. They should quickly know what’s wrong with your system as well. When they know what the problem is, they should know how to fix it quickly so that it works properly.
Pick HVAC business that understands the unit and can work quickly. The most reliable companies will ensure that their technicians will always be on schedule. A knowledgeable technician should also easily diagnose any potential faults with your HVAC. After they see what the problem is, they should then know how to deal with the problem.
The home’s heating and cooling system is integral if you want to be comfortable. However, homeowners who are educated in basic heating and cooling maintenance can overcome many of the issues that may arise during trying times. These tips have armed you with all you need to know.
Make sure that you are clear about what is included in the cost of the HVAC work you are contracting someone to do. Sometimes, contractors will not include everything in order to secure the job. A written contract that covers the basics will prevent this possible problem.