HVAC service and contracting isn’t something too many people are familiar with. This fact can pose a problem when it breaks down.
Before calling for help, know the system you have. Write down what brand your system is along with the model number and, if they’re available, maintenance records. This will give contractor’s a better idea of what to expect before they show up, which will help things go more smoothly on arrival.
If your HVAC is giving you problems, take a tour of the house prior to calling a professional. This information will help the contractor determine what the problem is and how to fix it.
Clean the fan blades and coils each spring to ensure that your condenser fan operates at it’s best. Clean the outdoor condenser unit regularly.
Clean the debris on your condenser units. Debris can pile up after a storm, bringing potential damage with it. Overheating can occur, which often spells disaster for your system.
Clean the debris on your outdoor condenser units. You don’t know when things are going to pile up, especially after a windy or rainy storm, and that can ruin your system. It will damage the system to malfunction by overheating.
Turn the power off first so nothing moves. Then, pop off its grills, pull the blades out, and gently clean them as well as the unit itself.
Don’t let your outdoor HVAC units get smothered with clippings anytime you mow the yard. Direct the clippings away from the equipment. This also applies to leaf blowing and any other yard work that results in debris.
Don’t let grass clippings on your outside unit. Aim your grass cuttings in a different direction away from the unit. This applies to leaf blowing and any other yard work that results in debris.
Your HVAC units might suffer when your trees begin dropping their leaves. Make sure the unit’s fan grill is cleaned frequently when the fall. The fan needs to be able to get proper air inside without any blockages, and any blockages create performance issues for the whole system.
Make sure your HVAC unit is in the shade. This will help you save on your energy bill.
Make sure your HVAC systems is checked at least twice a year. This should happen in the fall and again in the spring.
A programmable thermostat can help save money on your air conditioning costs. Some programmable thermostats can even be controlled from your smart phone or other device.
Replace single pane windows by installing double pane, if possible. Double-pane windows keep inside air cooler, allowing you to reduce AC usage in the summertime. It keeps heat in during the winter, too.
During your service visit, the system motor will be inspected, inspect the motor and the freon levels. These repairs will keep your system running at peak performance.
Never allow the temperature in your home to get dangerously hot inside. Air conditioners are limited in that they can only really cool your home down 20 degrees or so within a reasonable time limit. If your home become 100F or more, you will only be able to cool it down to 80. This won’t be a safe and comfortable temperature for you to sleep in.
Try to have your HVAC system looked at every year, because regular maintenance will go a long way in energy efficiency. When they visit to service the unit they’re going to inspect the motors, oil the parts that move, and see how much freon is in your system. This ensures your system runs smoothly.
Research the companies before hiring them. Check them out at the best one for reviews posted by former customers. These steps will help ensure you make the smartest and most informed choice.
Air conditioners sometimes ice up at times. The drain line may also freeze over. If this is something you notice, try switching your thermostat to just the fan so that it disables the compressor. You should call a pro to fix this problem, but switching to the fan will make the ice melt.
Icing up is common in air conditioners. There can be occasional freezes in their drain lines, and these are usually confused with plumbing leaks. Try switching to fan-mode and disabling your compressor to test whether the water is a leak or melting ice. Talk to a professional if you are unsure of how to do this.
Think about getting a radiant barrier in your attic so support the efficient functioning of your HVAC system can run better. It will make sure you won’t have to use more energy to keep your home and the outside. You may even find that you can use your attic as part of your living space if it is done right.
A tarnished HVAC can cause a lot of issues. However, if you just take your time to learn things about this kind of a topic before things go wrong, it won’t be so bad for you. Having these tricks and tips handy will help a homeowner solve any HVAC issues affordably and promptly.
Check the Internet for reviews on those who fix or install HVAC systems. There are a number of great sites out there that let customers talk about how they were treated by services. This will tell you who is great and who isn’t.