This article has some great information to help to those that are looking to familiarize yourself with the subject.
Understand what you want before talking to a contractor. If you can’t describe the problem, you may not get an accurate quote. They need to come look at the unit. Thus, it is worthwhile to have this knowledge ahead of time.
Know what work you need before you select an HVAC contractor.It will be difficult for a contractor to give you with an estimate over the phone if they have not seen your current system. It will be way more difficult for him to assist you over the phone without the information readily available.
Clean the debris on an external condenser units. You don’t know when things are going to pile up, like right after it’s windy or rains, and that can throw a wrench in your system. It can also cause your system to malfunction by overheating.
Do not allow grass clippings to cover the outdoor unit of your HVAC system. Direct the grass clippings in a direction away from the HVAC unit. This applies when you are taking care of the leaves in the yard.
Don’t let grass clippings pile up against your outside unit. Aim the grass in a different direction from your unit. This also applies when you are taking care of the leaves in debris.
Your outdoor HVAC unit may suffer when your trees lose their leaves. Make sure the unit’s fan grill is cleaned frequently when the fall. The fan must stay clear in order to function, and if it gets blocked, it could cause your system to break down.
If you are choosing where to place your outdoor compressor device, try to put it in a place where there is plenty of shade. If you have a unit taking in air that’s cooler, it won’t have to work so hard to cool air that it sends to your home.
Sae 20 Oil
Lubricate the oil ports on your fan condenser at least once a year. You can easily find the ports have a rubber or metal cap. Use SAE 20 oil that is non-detergent and lightweight, detergent-free SAE 20 oil, but make sure to avoid overfilling them.
Turn off outdoor condenser units when weather turns cold. If temps go below 60 you run the risk of damaging a unit that remains on. This helps the system last much longer and will have to be repaired less often.
Put outdoor unit in the shade if you are installing them.
Turn off any outdoor condenser units when weather gets cold. This should be done when the weather falls under 60 degrees Farenheit. This helps your unit is working order.
Always check to see how long a company or contractor has been working for. A company that has been in business for a long time will have a solid track record, and you can use this to figure out if you should spend your money with them. Hiring a new contractor comes with an element of risk.
When they come out for a service visit, expect inspections of freon levels and the motor, and see how much freon is in your system. These few simple things will keep your system running at peak performance.
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. If this doesn’t work, call in help.
Contractors charge different rates, so make sure that you acquire multiple estimates. You can save tons of money by asking for many quotes. You should try to contact 5 to 6 contractors to find out what price you can reasonably expect to pay.
Look for calculators online to truly understand what size of unit you need for your room or home. Look at the manual to determine the manufacturer website for air conditioners.
Companies that are well established have track records typically provide better service. It is riskier to hire someone who does not have a contractor with little experience.
Check out your ductwork for leaks if your whole home isn’t being cooled or heated. A local utility company often performs free duct testing. If it isn’t free, then it is still cheaper than an HVAC specialist in most areas. When these leaks are fixed, the testing will pay for itself in energy savings.
Think about having a radiant barrier in your attic so support the efficient functioning of your HVAC system can run better. It blocks outside heat from coming in which will serve as a barrier between your home and the outside. You could even find that you can use the attic as part of your living space if it is done right.
Check for duct leaks if your existing system is not up to snuff. When you repair the leaks, the testing will pay for itself in energy savings.
Be sure to replace your HVAC air filters every month. This will maximize the production of your HVAC. A new air filter is only a couple of bucks at your local hardware store.
Figure out the direction your home faces in order to make your HVAC system more efficient. The less your home is heated, the less time your air conditioner will have to work.
Replace the air filter in your HVAC system working well. This will help your unit remains in good operating condition.
To keep your HVAC unit from having trouble, make sure to give proper protection to the condenser with the help of a cover. In this way, you can extend the life of the unit. Also, never use your compressor when the outside temperature is less than 60 degrees. Do this by simply turn on the fan so that you don’t cause the unit unnecessary strain.
Pick HVAC business that understands the unit and works quickly to solve the problem. The most reliable companies will ensure that their technicians will always be on schedule and keep appointments. The technicians will be able to help you and offer the problem quickly. After they know what the problem is, they should then know how to deal with the problem.
Do you understand your HVAC system a little more intimately now? It’s something everyone can grasp with a little help. You must take the time and learn the basics. Now put the guidelines you learned from this article to work.
When you get an estimate from a contractor, ask for a heat-loss quote. This calculation will ascertain what the correct BTU is for the system you need for your home or business. They should check the insulation, doors and windows and the space in your house.