It is frustrating to have a failing HVAC system when the weather is at it’s peak.Learning as much as possible about HVAC systems prior to contacting a professional will help you choose the best way to locate the right company to repair old equipment or install new. Read this article to get started on to learn about that.
Before you start calling to find someone to fix your unit, make sure you know the type of system that is installed. Take a look at the system or the owner’s manual to find the name and model number. This information will be helpful to any contractor you hire to repair it.
Don’t let grass clippings on your outside unit. Aim the grass in the other direction. This also applies when you are taking care of the leaves in the yard.
Put outdoor units in places with shade.
Keeping the outside condenser clean of debris and leaves will improve the system’s efficiency. Always turn the unit off before you do anything to it, including leaning. Clean the outside of your condenser unit regularly.
Have your HVAC system serviced at least yearly. This should be checked often for debris and again in the spring.
It is a good idea to swap out single pane windows for double pane ones. This same effect also helps keep it warm air in the winter months.
Every spring you should clean the coils and fan blades on your condenser fan. Before you begin cleaning the unit, make sure that it is unplugged. Next, pop off the grill, pull out the blades and start cleaning them and the unit itself off gently.
During this service visit, the serviceman will inspect the unit’s motor, oil the unit’s moving parts and ensure the unit has proper freon levels. These few simple things are going to allow your system to run its best.
Never allow the temperature in your home to rise to a dangerously hot temperature. An air conditioner can only cool your home approximately twenty degrees in a fair time. If the temperature in your home rises above 100 degrees, it will only reduce it to 80 or more. This is not a healthy environment to live in.
Be sure you have the HVAC unit in your home checked about two times every year. This should be done in Fall and Spring to prepare it for the extreme months. Even if everything seems fine, check things out to find potential problems.
Air conditioners sometimes ice up at times. The drain line might also freeze up.If you see this happen, put the fan on to shut the compressor off. You should call a pro to fix this problem, but switching to the fan setting should start to melt the ice.
Look for calculators online to truly understand what size of unit is necessary for your home. Look at the manual or on the recommended size for this information.
Save some cash by shutting down the air-conditioning system when there is no one in the house. When it’s off the house will get hot, but only by a certain amount. The unit will use a large amount of electricity to combat the heat during the day when the house is empty.
Companies that are around awhile have a better record than those that can help you decide if they’re worth your money and time. It is always risky to hire someone who does not have a long history.
Speak with someone close to you to see if they can recommend someone good to service their HVAC contractor. People who they have had a good experience are worth calling. This can also provide you to figure out some names of businesses that you should avoid hiring.
Air conditioners occasionally freeze up, literally. Drain lines can also suffer an occasional freeze, and these are sometimes mistaken for plumbing leak issues. If this happens, put your thermostat over to fan. Once you know the problem, contact a local HVAC professional and let them know what’s going on in your system.
A radiant barrier is an awesome device which will help improve the efficiency of your HVAC. 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 outside.You may even find that you can use your attic as part of your living space more effectively.
Are you thinking of getting a cooling and heating system installed? You should first think about a few important things. Systems are given ratings by how effectively they can cool or heat an area well. You are better off purchasing a unit rather than purchasing one that is a smaller one.
To improve the efficiency of your HVAC system, think about placing a radiant barrier in your attic. This helps block the heat from outside, and will reduce the energy needed for cooling your home during the summer. It it’s installed properly, you might even be able to use your attic as an extra room.
Check the ducts to find any leaks if you you feel your unit seems to not be working efficiently. When the leaks are repaired, the tests will pay for themselves.
Figure out which direction your home is facing so your HVAC system can work better. The less heat, the less time that the AC has to work.
You can’t get the most out of your HVAC unit, unless you have efficient windows and doors installed. Your windows and doors should be able to stay tightly sealed so air doesn’t get in or out. Have them inspected by a professional. This is often a free service.
Make sure they have tight seals to keep air can’t seep in. You can get a professional out to help you test them.
Measure the area that needs cooling before going air conditioner shopping. You generally need by calculating 20 BTU per square foot. If you are cooling more than one room, add together their square footage to reach this calculation.
Be sure to replace your HVAC air filters every month. It will improve the efficiency of your unit. Filters only cost a few bucks, and it’s a small price to pay.
Without the correct information, hiring a HVAC professional might be intimidating. Knowledge will go a long way to improving the experience for you. Hopefully, you now have the information you need to work with your HVAC system.