Not everyone is familiar with HVAC service and contractors. This can pose a problem when it breaks down.
It is important to have some knowledge of your present system and needs before calling a contractor. This is necessary so that they can give you a quote before doing any work. It will be more difficult for him to assist you over the phone without the information readily available. Understand this information beforehand.
Know what you want done before you select an HVAC contractor. It will be difficult for an HVAC contractor to give you a price estimate on the phone if they have not seen your current system. It will be way more difficult for him to assist you can’t figure out what they need to do.
Don’t let grass clippings pile up against your outside unit. Aim the grass cuttings in a different direction from the unit. This applies when you are taking care of the leaves in debris.
If you have condenser units outside your home, be sure to clean out the debris from them often. You don’t know the amount of stuff that can pile up right after heavy winds or a storm. Left unchecked, your unit is more likely to break down.
Sae 20 Oil
Lubricate the oil ports on your condenser once a year. These ports are often covered with rubber or metal caps. Use SAE 20 oil that is non-detergent and lightweight, detergent-free SAE 20 oil, putting 10 drops in each port.
The coils and blades on the fans should be cleaned once a year. First, turn the power off so nothing moves when you’re working with it. Then, pop off its grills, pull the blades out, and begin cleaning the unit and them gently.
Put outdoor unit in the shade.
Have your HVAC system serviced at least yearly. This should happen in the fall and again in the spring.
Don’t let your outdoor HVAC units get smothered with clippings anytime you mow the yard. Shoot the grass away from the unit. The same goes for when you blow leaves, so make sure your are careful when moving any debris in the vicinity of your HVAC devices.
Turn off any outdoor condensers you have when it becomes cold out. This means that you should turn it off to prevent damage if the temperature drops below 60ºF to avoid damage. This will maximize the system running efficiently for many years to come.
Air conditioners tend to ice up.The drain line may also freeze over. If this happens, disable the compressor by turning your thermostat to the fan only setting. You should call a pro to fix this problem, but switching to the fan will make the ice melt.
As the leaves are falling off the trees, your HVAC system can really take a hit. Clean outdoor units often to remove leaves. When blockages restrict the flow of air to the fan, you could end up with serious issues on your hands.
Look for air conditioner sizing 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.
Companies that are well established have a better record than those that haven’t been. Hiring a contractor can be risky.
Put outdoor units in the shade if you are installing them. As you get your air conditioner to suck in cool air it won’t have to do too much work to cool it which saves you some money.
Ask your friends and trust for contractor recommendations. People that have had great service are usually more than willing to share this information. It’s also important to do this to learn which companies should avoid.
Many online sites provide an avenue for this information. This will be an excellent way to locate people you should work with and who isn’t.
It is a good idea to replace single-paned windows with ones that have double panes. Windows that are double pane keep the cool air in and can greatly reduce the amount of time your air conditioner will need to run. Conversely, this also works to keep warm air in during colder months.
Contractors charge different rates, so make sure to get multiple quotes. You can save tons of money by doing your homework. You want to call at least a handful of contractors to determine what price you can reasonably expect to pay.
Are you considering purchasing a new HVAC system? You need to take a few things into account. Systems have ratings according to the total area they can effectively heat or cool. You are better off purchasing a unit rather than a smaller one.
Regular maintenance of your unit should be performed annually. During the visit, the contractor will oil parts, inspect the motor and the freon levels. All of these little jobs will add up to big savings in energy use, with the improved efficiency.
Measure the area you wish to cool before going air conditioning. You can figure out the unit you need by calculating 20 BTU for each square foot. If you have multiple rooms to cool, just add their total square footage.
No one wants to deal with an HVAC unit that isn’t working correctly. However, taking the time to research the topic of HVAC systems, any homeowner can avoid the nightmare of dealing with a last minute fix. By keeping the above tips and tricks handy, any homeowner can have what it takes to solve such issues promptly and affordably.
Don’t allow your home to overheat. Air conditioners can cool a home by just twenty degrees in a short time. If your home happens to get near 100 degrees Fahrenheit, then you will only be able to reasonably cool to around 80. While it depends on the humidity, this is not safe for a human to sleep in to recover from the heat of the summer.