This article will help you out.
Before calling someone to repair your system, make sure you know what kind of HVAC system you actually have. You need to know who manufactured the product and the item number. Also, get the maintenance records from your files if you have them. That way you can provide the contractor with all the necessary information.
Know what work you want done before you hire a contractor. It will be difficult for a contractor to provide you with an estimate on the phone without knowing what your current system. It will be way more hard if you don’t know what’s wrong.
Clean any debris on an external condenser unit. 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.
Your outside condenser fan can be helped to run better by you cleaning the fan blades and coils prior to summer starting up. Always make sure you shut off the power before you do any work on the unit other than superficial cleaning. Leaves and debris can build up inside the unit and cause damage.
Grass Clippings
Don’t let grass clippings on your outdoor condenser.Direct the grass clippings away from the equipment. This also applies when you are taking care of the leaves in the yard.
If the fan condenser on your unit has ports for oil, make sure you lubricate it once a year. These ports have a metal covering. Sometimes it is rubber. Use SAE 20 oil that is non-detergent and lightweight, and put 10 drops or fewer in each port, but make sure to avoid overfilling them.
Your HVAC units might 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 becomes blocked, you’ll have a lot of headaches eventually.
Lubricate the oil ports on your fan condenser once each year. These ports are often covered by a rubber or metal caps. Use a lightweight, and put 10 drops or fewer in each port, but make sure to avoid overfilling them.
Turn off outdoor condenser units when weather turns cold. If it’s lower than 60 degrees, the time has come to turn it off. This will maximize the life of your unit.
A programmable thermostat is a simple way to help you save money on air conditioning costs. Some of these thermostats can even be controlled from a computer.
During the visit, professionals can help by inspecting the system’s motor, inspect the motor and the freon levels. This maintenance means that your system run better.
Sometimes, air conditioning units ice up. There are also occasional freezes in the drain line, which are often confused for plumbing leaks. When you see ice, turn the unit to fan. Get a professional to deal with this, even if you see the ice start melting because you turned the compressor off.
Air conditioners sometimes ice up at times. The drain line may also freeze over. If this is something that’s happening to you, immediately put your thermostat on the fan setting to turn off your compressor. You should call a pro to fix this problem, but switching to the fan will make the ice melt.
Look for air conditioner sizing calculators online to truly understand what size of unit you need for your home. Look at the manual to determine the manufacturer website for this information.
Make certain the HVAC company you choose has a proven track record. This gives you some history so that you can be sure the company is reliable. Hiring a new contractor comes with an element of risk.
Companies with proven track records that can help you decide if they’re worth your money and time. Hiring a contractor can be risky.
Ask people that you know and relations for contractor recommendations. People who’ve had great service are normally more than happy to recommend their contractors. This will also be used to see who you know which companies to stay away from.
If you current HVAC doesn’t work that well, try testing ducts for leaks. 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. You’ll see the test pays for itself once all leaks are fixed.
There are quite a few sites that let customers to share their reviews. This works both in finding those you with all the information you don’t.
Think about getting a radiant barrier installed in your attic so your HVAC system can run better. It ensures that your home cool when it’s hot outside. You could even use your attic space if it is done right.
The HVAC system is only one piece in an efficient home. You must also consider the quality of your windows and doors. They should have tight seals so outside air cannot get in and inside air can not get out. You can get these tested at little to no charge by a professional.
Check for duct leaks if your existing system is not be working efficiently. If you do end up paying, the money spent on finding and repairing the leak will pay for itself.
This article has proven that some helpful advice is all that is needed to understand an HVAC system. You must take the time and learn the basics. Use these suggestions as you need.
As you ponder where to install your new AC unit, think about how the air flows around the room. If it has to be placed in a corner, get a unit where the air won’t be trapped against the wall.