Anyone that uses HVAC systems in their home knows how it important it is to have it running right. An HVAC unit operating at minimum efficiency is costing money on pricey repairs. This article can help you tips to keep your HVAC unit in tip top shape.
If you are having issues with your HVAC, do a tour of your house before you call in help. Determine which rooms are hotter or colder than they should be. That knowledge can help the technician figure out what is going on.
Know the name and type of your HVAC system you currently have before looking for a repair person. This makes sure the contractor has the information they will be sufficiently prepared.
Clean your fan and coils come spring. Clean the outside of your condenser unit.
When you are cutting the grass, be sure not to cover your outdoor units with clippings. Aim the grass clippings in the other direction. When blowing leaves, do the same. Always take care when passing your HVAC units while moving leaves, grass or other debris.
Clean the debris that accumulates on an external condenser units. Debris can pile up after a storm, and this can foul up the inner workings of your system.It will damage the system to malfunction by overheating.
During the visit, they will inspect the motor of the system, oil the moving parts and check the freon levels in the system. These few simple things will boost the performance of your system.
If you want things to be more efficient, get new units outside or have your current one moved into the shade. The unit will have to do less work cooling this air.
Research the reputation of companies before hiring them.Check with the BBB and look for reviews as well. These steps can help ensure your decision is a wise one.
Look for calculators online to help you determine the size of unit is necessary for your room or home. Look at the manual to determine the manufacturer website for this information.
A good way to save money with your air conditioning is by installing a programmable thermostat. In fact, you can save as much as 10 percent on both heating and cooling when you turn your thermostat by by 10-15 percent for at least 8 hours daily. Plus, some models allow you to control them over the internet or from a smartphone.
There are now different online sites these days that other customers can place their experiences with contractors. This is an excellent method of finding people that you are interested in dealing with and those that you don’t.
Contractors are responsible for their own charges and fees, so make sure that you acquire multiple estimates. You can save tons of cash simply by asking for many quotes. You want to call at least five contractors to determine what reasonable rates are.
Avoid allowing your home to ever get exceedingly hot. An AC unit will reduce the internal temperature of your home approximately twenty degrees in a fair time. This means that if the weather is above 100 degrees, then you’ll still be baking in 80 degree weather at first! If humidity is high, this temp is still unsafe for people.
Think about getting a radiant barrier installed in your attic so support the efficient functioning of your HVAC system can run better. It ensures that your home cool when it’s hot outside. You could even use the attic space more effectively.
Check for duct leaks if you you feel your existing system is not be working efficiently.When the leaks are repaired, the tests will pay for themselves.
Put a radiant barrier in your attic and what your HVAC performance improve. It blocks outside heat from coming in which will make sure you won’t have to use more energy to keep your home cool when it’s hot outside. If you do it right, you may be able to expand your living space into your attic.
If there’s a clicking in your HVAC unit, immediately check for any type of obstruction. Often it is being caused by debris that’s hitting the fans in the cooling system. Check this out before spending on a professional.
Make certain they are tightly sealed so air can’t seep in. You can get these tested at little to no charge by a professional to test them all for you and often this testing is free.
Check for duct leaks if your unit seems to not be working efficiently. Call the utility company to test for you, it will usually be cheaper than a contractor. The testing will pay for itself once you find and repair the leaks.
Measure the living area that requires air conditioner shopping. You generally need 20 BTU for each square foot. If you need to cool multiple rooms, add together their square footage to reach this calculation.
If all you have is a corner spot, use one that doesn’t blow into the wall.
It’s important to have doors and windows that are efficient for the most efficiency for your HVAC unit. Make sure that their seals are tight and that they do not allow air to seep in or out. A professional can also test the windows and many times the testing is free.
Ask any potential contractor about their experience prior to hiring them. Make sure they are experienced doing the kind of work that is needed.
Any HVAC contractor you hire should have a 24-hour emergency number available to customers around the clock. They should be there when you need them, whether during a heatwave or a terrible snowstorm.
Choose an efficient and knowledgeable HVAC company. The best companies out there have technicians that keep a schedule and their appointments too. Contractors ought to be able to find the problem quickly. After diagnosis, they should then know how to deal with the problem.
Some contractors attempt to add charges on material fees and other charges. Having a signed contract can help avoid issues like this.
Always check out any references that you by an HVAC contractor.
Only hire a contractor to install or repair your HVAC system if they offer a 24-hour hotline for emergencies. A good company will have repairman available in any weather situation.
This calculation will ascertain what the number of BTUs your system requires to keep the environment of your home comfortable.
Consider a programmable thermostat installed.This lowers your energy bills as it constantly adjusts your system rests while you are comfortably warm asleep in bed.
Cover your condenser in the winter. This will make sure the condenser will last for a long time. The unit’s compressor should never be on when the temperature is 60 degrees or below. Use the fan setting only to avoid straining the unit.
Now that you read the above article about HVAC systems, you should have a good understanding on what is needed to help keep it running perfectly for a very long time. You really do not want your HVAC system to be faulty since you could end up with excessive expense due to repairs and maintenance. Use these tips whenever you encounter a problem.