Follow these tips on dealing with your HVAC system.
Before selecting a HVAC repairman, know what you need done. It’s hard to get an estimate since they haven’t look at your system. They also won’t be able to offer you a quote if they don’t have a detailed idea of what you want done. Understand this information beforehand.
Know what type of your HVAC system you currently have before looking for a repair person. This will enable you to give your contractor any information they might need.
Know what you need before you select an HVAC contractor. It will be hard for a contractor to give you a price estimate over the phone without knowing what your current system. It will be way more difficult for him to assist you can’t figure out what they need to do.
If you have outside condenser units, make sure to regularly clean the debris that builds up. Things pile up after storms and damage your system. Overheating may be the result if you don’t.
Turn it off first so nothing moves. Then, pop off its grills, pull the blades out, and gently clean them as well as the unit itself.
Your HVAC unit may suffer when your trees start to lose leaves. Make sure you clean out your fan grill is cleaned frequently when the leaves begin to fall. The fan must stay clear in order to function, and if it becomes blocked, it could cause your system to break down.
Lubricate your condenser yearly if it has oil ports. These are usually covered with rubber or metal caps. Use SAE 20 oil that is non-detergent and lightweight, and put 10 drops or fewer in each port, but make sure to avoid overfilling them.
Lubricate your fan condenser once a year. You can easily find these ports as they have a rubber or metal caps. Use a lightweight, and put 10 drops or fewer in each port, but make sure to avoid overfilling them.
A programmable thermostat is a simple way to help you out when it comes to your power bills. Some programmable thermostats can even be controlled from a PC or computer.
It is very important that your HVAC system is serviced two times a year. The normally recommended time for HVAC system inspections is once before the peak cooling season when it gets hot and you’ll be using your AC, and once before the peak heating season, during the cold months when you’re likely to be using your heat. Even if nothing seems wrong, checking it out can help you find and fix potential issues.
Degrees Fahrenheit
Never allow the temperature in your home to rise to a dangerously hot inside. Air conditioners can only cool a home down about 20 degrees Fahrenheit within a reasonable amount of time. If your house’s interior temperature hits 100 degrees Fahrenheit, you will only be able to cool it down to 80. This is not a healthy environment to live in.
If you own your own home or have permission from your landlord, replace your single pane windows with double paned versions. In warmer months, these windows will help to maintain the cooler inside temperature. Conversely, this also works to keep warm air in during colder months.
Research and check the companies that you consider using. Check with the best one for your situation. Doing this will make sure you hire the best company for your HVAC needs.
Air conditioners tend to ice up.The drain line may also freeze over. If you see this, switch the thermostat in your home to fan only so the compressor is disabled. You should leave the repair to a professional, but switching to the fan will make the ice melt.
In order to keep energy costs down, make sure heating and cooling systems are services at least once per year. During the service check, the system motor will be inspected, the moving parts will be oiled and the freon levels will be checked This will help keep your system performing at maximum efficiency.
Companies that are well established have a better record than those that haven’t been. It is riskier to hire a contractor with little experience.
Ask around so you can find a HVAC contractor. People who’ve had a good experience are often happy to share the name of it. This can also a great way to get names of companies that should avoid.
Check any company you are considering to see how long it has been around. This gives you some history so that you can be sure the company is reliable. If you hire someone that’s new that this then you’ll be risking your money.
Contractors charge different rates, so make sure you get quotes from several contractors before you make any hiring decision. You can save quite a bit of money this way. You want to call at least a handful of contractors to determine what you should be paying.
Think about having a radiant barrier in your attic so support the efficient functioning of your HVAC system. It blocks outside heat from coming in which will serve as a barrier between your home and the outside. You could even use the attic space if it is done right.
Determining the direction in which your house faces can help make the HVAC system efficient. If your home is surrounded by strategically planted trees, they can often block out the morning sunlight. That will take some of the pressure off your HVAC unit.
Are you looking into getting a cooling and heating system that’s new? There are some things you should consider. Systems are given ratings by how well the system is able to cool and heat an area. You are better off purchasing a unit rather than a bit too small.
Check for duct leaks if you you feel your existing system is not be working efficiently.When the leaks are repaired, the tests will pay for themselves.
All of your windows and doors must be air-tight, in order for your HVAC system to run at maximum efficiency. Be sure their seal is tight so no exterior air gets in or interior air gets out. Ask a contractor to test them for you.
Make certain they are tightly sealed so air can’t seep in. You can hire a professional to test them.
If you have to place it in a corner of your home, use one that doesn’t blow into the wall.
Choose an HVAC company that is quick and knows what they are doing. A sign of a great company is one that arrives on time for their appointment. The technicians should also be able to diagnose problems in your HVAC in no time. Once the technician figures out what’s wrong, they can help resolve the problems in a timely and cost-effective manner.
If you want to live comfortably, your HVAC has to be in good working condition. If you don’t try to care for it on an ongoing basis, the system can break and cause you frustration. Take these tips to heart and never forget about your HVAC system.