Anyone who has an HVAC unit in their house knows how it important it is to have it properly maintaining it. A HVAC system can end up costing the homeowner a ton of money. This article can help you tips to make sure your HVAC will continue to run effectively.
Know the name and type of your HVAC system before looking for a repair person. You need to know who manufactured the product and the item number. Also, get the maintenance records from your files if you have them. This will facilitate the process when your contractor asks for this information.
Know the name and type of system you currently have before looking for a repair person. This will help make sure that the new contractor the necessary information.
Clean the fan blades and coils come spring. Clean off any leaves or debris from your condenser unit.
When the trees are losing their leaves, your HVAC unit can suffer. Clean the fan grill often when leaves are falling. You can head off future problems that can be caused by blockages by making sure there is a free flow of air to your fan.
Clean the debris that accumulates on an external condenser unit. Debris can pile up at rates that increase during rainy or windy weather, bringing potential damage with it. It can cause your system by overheating.
Turn it off first so nothing moves. Next, pop off the grill, put the blades out and start to gently clean them along with the unit.
Your home should not have temperatures that are too hot. A simple AC unit will usually only cool the home around 20 degrees within a short period of time. If the temperature in your home rises above 100 degrees, you will only be able to cool it down to 80. This won’t be a healthy environment to live in.
Put outdoor units in places with shade.
Be sure to have the HVAC system checks. This should be done in the fall and the spring.
Sometimes, air conditioners collect ice. There are also occasional freezes in the drain line, which are often confused for plumbing leaks. Use the fan-only setting to allow the system time to thaw. Talk to a professional if you are unsure of how to do this.
A programmable thermostat can help save money on your air conditioning bill. Some programmable thermostats can even be controlled from your smart phone or other device.
Don’t allow your home temperature get dangerously high. An air conditioner can only able to reduce the temperature by 20ºF quickly. If the temperature in your home rises to 100 degrees F or higher, you’ll only cool down to still above 80. This won’t be a safe and comfortable temperature for you to sleep in.
Ask your friends and relations for their HVAC contractor recommendations. People will tell you who they have used and if they are worth calling. This will prevent you from getting scammed.
Research and check the reputation of companies that you consider using. Check with the best one for your situation. Doing these things beforehand will allow you make a smart decision.
Look for calculators online to truly understand what size of unit is necessary for your home. Look at the manual to determine the manufacturer website for this information.
All contractors charge differently for their services, so get at least four or five quotes before hiring a particular person. Making some phone calls before deciding is a good way to save money. Try to contact a minimum of five contractors.
Companies that have been around for longer have a proven track records typically provide better service. Hiring a new contractor may be taking a considerable risk.
Contractors are responsible for their own charges and fees, so make sure to get multiple quotes.You can save tons of cash simply by asking for many quotes. You may want to call at least five contractors to determine what you should be paying.
You can usually have free duct testing performed if you are concerned about your HVAC system not running properly. Often, utility companies will test them free of charge. When you repair the leaks, the tests will pay for themselves.
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 make sure you won’t have to use more energy to keep your unit stays hot or cold as it should be. You could even find that you can use the attic as part of your living space if it is done right.
Are you thinking of getting a new HVAC system? There are things to think about first. Systems are given ratings by how well the system is able to cool and heat an area well. You are wise to err on the side of a unit rather than purchasing one that is a bit too small.
It is important that you know the measurements of the area you need to cool. You can easily calculate this by using the formula: 20 BTUs per square footage of space. If you need to cool multiple rooms, make sure to add the square footage together.
Now that you know a thing or two regarding HVAC systems, you understand how important it is to properly care for them. A faulty HVAC can cost you a plethora of money and time. Refer back to these tips to ensure that your HVAC lasts for a very long time.