Anyone who has a HVAC system in their house knows the importance of properly maintaining it. A poorly functioning HVAC system that does no function properly can cost a lot of money. This article can help you tips to keep your HVAC in optimal condition.
Be aware of the type of system that is installed in your home prior to calling a contractor to fix it. It is important to understand what model it is and which brand it is. Also, if it has been serviced before, you should have that information handy. This makes sure your contractor will be sufficiently prepared.
Know the name and type of your HVAC system you currently have before calling someone to fix it. This will help you to give your chosen contractor any information they might need.
If your HVAC doesn’t seem to be working properly, tour your home before calling a technician. This will help the contractor determine what the problem is and how to fix it.
Make a circuit around your home before calling for help with your HVAC. Find out which rooms are hot and which are cold. This information will help the contractor determine where the problem is and how to fix it.
Clean your condenser’s fan blades and coils each spring to ensure that your condenser fan operates at it’s best. Clean the outside of your condenser as well.
Be sure to clean debris from external condenser units regularly. You don’t know when things are going to pile up, especially after a windy or rainy storm, and that can throw a wrench in your system. It can also cause your system to malfunction by overheating.
Each spring, clean the fan blades and coils on your condenser. Before you do anything, however, turn the power off. Next, pop the grill off, put the blades out and start to gently clean them along with the unit.
Turn the power off first so nothing moves. Next, pop the grill off, pull out the blades and start cleaning them and the unit itself off gently.
Don’t let grass clippings pile up against your outside unit. Aim the grass cuttings in a different direction away from your unit. This applies when you are taking care of the leaves in debris.
When you are cutting the grass, be sure not to cover your outdoor units with clippings. Aim your grass cuttings in a direction away from your unit. If you’re blowing leaves, this same problem can occur, so make sure you move around the unit and blow the leaves away from it.
Lubricate your condenser at least once each year. You can find these ports covered with rubber or metal cap covering them. Use a lightweight, and put 10 drops or fewer in each port, but make sure to avoid overfilling them.
Put outdoor units in places with shade.
Place your HVAC unit in the shade to boost efficiency. Your air conditioner won’t have to work so hard if the air is sucks in is already cool.
Turn off any outdoor condenser units when weather gets cold. This should turn it off to prevent damage if the weather falls under 60 degrees Farenheit. This will help keep the system running efficiently for many years.
It is always a good idea to swap out single pane windows with ones that have double panes. This also help you keep in the winter.
It is very important that your HVAC system is serviced two times a year. Generally, you want it done in the fall and the spring. Even though it may seem as nothing is wrong with the unit, a simple inspection can prove otherwise.
Air conditioners tend to ice up.The drain line might also freeze up.If this is something that’s happening to you, disable the compressor by switching the thermostat to run the fan only. You should leave the repair to a professional, but switching to the fan will make the ice melt.
Companies that are well established have a better record than those that haven’t been. Hiring a contractor may be taking a considerable risk.
As the temperature outside drops, remember to turn off your outdoor condenser unit. To prevent damage, turn off your unit if the outside temperature is less than 60 degrees. This will ensure your system stays in good working order every year, saving you money on costly repairs.
Speak with someone close to you to see if they can recommend someone good to service their HVAC contractor. People that have had quality work done in the past generally love to share this information. This can also help you learn the names of companies that you should avoid.
There are quite a few sites these days that allow customers to share their experiences with contractors. This is useful for finding people that you want to hire and those that you don’t.
Replace any single-paned windows with double-paned versions. Double pane windows can minimize the use of your air conditioner in hot weather since they keep the indoor air cooler. It keeps heat in during the winter, too.
Contractors charge different rates, so make sure you get quotes from several contractors before you make any hiring decision. You have the potential to save a great deal of money this way. You want to get quotes from at least five contractors in order to know what reasonable rates are.
Hopefully, you have a better idea of how to take care of your HVAC after having read this great article. Faulty HVAC systems can cost you quite a bit of money in maintenance and bills. Use these tips whenever you encounter a problem.
Install a thermostat you can program to save money on cooling your home. This will help you to keep the temperature at optimal levels. Take advantage of the convenience of the ability to control many programable thermostats from your favorite electronic device.