You may not even think about your HVAC system until it isn’t working It can be hard to get a good HVAC contractor. The information in this article offers suggestions on how to navigate through the process.
If you are having issues with your HVAC, do a tour of your house before you call in help. Make note of which rooms are cold and which are hot. This will allow a contractor to quickly figure out what the issue is and how it can be fixed fast.
Know the name and type of system before calling someone to fix it. This will enable you to give your new contractor all the information they might need.
If your HVAC is giving you problems, check the entire house before contacting someone to come for repairs. This will help the repairman determine where the problem is.
Help the outside condenser fan run efficiently by cleaning the coils and fan blades before the summer starts. If you are doing more than a light surface cleaning, make sure that the power is shut off to the HVAC unit. Remove leaves and debris from the outside condenser.
Clean your fan blades and coils when the weather begins to warm. Clean the outside of your external condenser unit.
10 Drops
Lubricate the oil ports on your condenser once each year. These ports have a metal covering. Sometimes it is rubber. 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.
Lubricate the oil ports on your condenser once a year. You can easily find these ports covered with rubber or metal cap. Use a lightweight, and put 10 drops or fewer in each port, putting 10 drops in each port.
Have the HVAC system serviced at least yearly. This should happen in the fall and again in the spring.
Look for shade when placing a compressor outdoors. The cooler the air which goes in, the less work the unit will have to do.
Turn off any outdoor condenser when the weather gets cold. This means that you should be done when the temperature drops below 60ºF to avoid damage. This will help keep your system working for years and save you a lot on repairs.
Never allow the temperature in your home to rise to a dangerously hot inside. Air conditioners can only really cool a home down 20 degrees or so within a reasonable time period. So, if your home temp reaches 100 degrees, you won’t see the temperature go below 75 for a while.This is not a healthy environment to live in.
During cold weather , be sure to turn off outdoor condenser units. To prevent damage, turn off your unit if the outside temperature is less than 60 degrees. You will save in repair bills and increase the efficiency of your system.
Air conditioners sometimes ice up at times. The drain line may also freeze over. If you notice this, immediately put your thermostat on the fan setting to turn off your compressor. If the issue persists, call a professional.
Look for 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.
If possible, your single pane windows should be replaced with double-paned ones. They help cool air remain inside your home, effectively cutting back on how much you have to run your air conditioner. This also helps retain heated air during the colder months.
Companies that are around awhile have track records that can help you decide if they’re worth your money and time.Hiring a newer contractor who is just starting out can be risky.
There are a number of online websites that let customers talk about the service they were treated by services. This works both in finding those you with and those you don’t.
Put a bit of time into researching various HVAC specialists; you’re more likely to choose the right one for the job. It is a good idea to check with the BBB and look for reviews from prior clients. This is what you have to do in order to make a smart decision.
Contractors are responsible for their own charges and fees, so make sure that you acquire multiple estimates. You can save some 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.
Are you considering purchasing a new HVAC system? There are a number of things you should consider. Systems have a rating based on how well the system is able to cool or heat an area. You are better off purchasing a unit that is slightly too large for your needs than purchasing one that is a smaller one.
Make certain the HVAC company you choose has a proven track record. Someone that has been in the business for a while probably isn’t going to scam you. New companies are just too risky.
Check for duct leaks if you you feel your unit seems to not be working efficiently. If a leak is found, you’ll find that fixed leaks are worth the money.
Make certain they are tightly sealed so air can’t seep in. You can get these tested at little to no charge by a professional to test them all for you and often this testing is free.
Speak with family and friends to get a recommendation for a reputable HVAC contractor. People that have had quality work done are usually more than willing to share this information. This can also help you learn the names of those companies that you should avoid.
Square Footage
Measure the area you wish to cool before going air conditioner shopping. You generally need 20 BTU for each square footage of the room. If multiple rooms need cooling, combine all the square footage.
To help your heating and cooling system run efficiently, install a radiant barrier in your attic. It will block the heat and lower the energy necessary to keep your home cool in the summertime. You might even be able to start living in your attic.
If all you have is a corner spot, be sure to buy a unit which allows for the air flow direction to be changed away from the wall.
Hvac Systems
Test your duct work for leaks. The local utility company may be able to do this for you at a cost lower than what a contractor would charge you. When these leaks are fixed, the testing will pay for itself in energy savings.
Now you should be better educated when it comes to HVAC systems. Whether you need repairs on your existing system or need a new one altogether, you should be more aware of what to search for. Remember the tips here to help you with HVAC systems.