Many people struggle with the basic concepts of maintaining their HVAC system, but don’t know how to take care of them. Learning this is an important thing for a savvy homeowner can do. The article that follows below can assist you.
Be aware of the type of system that is installed in your home prior to calling a contractor to fix it. Know the model and brand and find it’s maintenance history, if possible. 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.
Know what work you want done before you hire a contractor. It will be difficult for an HVAC contractor to give you with an estimate over the phone if they have not seen your current system. It will be more difficult for him to assist you can’t figure out what they need to do.
Don’t get grass clippings on your outdoor condenser. Aim your grass in a different direction from the unit. This also applies when you are taking care of the leaves in the yard.
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. It could overheat and cause a disaster with your unit.
Your HVAC units might suffer when your trees begin dropping their leaves. Make sure the fan’s grill often during the fall. The fan must stay clear in order to function, and if debris is blocking this air flow, it could cause your system to break down.
Lubricate your condenser once a year. These are usually covered with rubber or metal cap. Use a lightweight, detergent-free SAE 20 oil, but make sure to avoid overfilling them.
When you cut the grass, make sure your mower isn’t tossing clippings toward your outdoor units. Turn your lawnmower in the opposite direction. Do the same when blowing snow or leaves.
Have the HVAC system inspected twice a year at the least.This should be done in the fall and the spring.
A programmable thermostat can really help save money on air conditioning costs. Some programmable thermostats can even be controlled from a computer.
In order for your new unit to be as efficient as possible, or to make older units more efficient, make sure it’s put in a shaded area. As your air conditioner sucks in cool air, little will have to be done to cool it any further, saving you a ton on your energy bills.
Do not allow your house to get dangerously hot. Air conditioners can only really cool down unreasonably high temps. So, if your home temp reaches 100 degrees, you won’t see the temperature go below 75 for a while.This is not a healthy environment to live in.
Air conditioners sometimes ice up at times. The drain line might also freeze up.If this happens, 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.
When it gets cold outside, turn off the outdoor condensers. If the temperature drops to under 60 degrees, you risk damage to the unit if you leave it on. Your system will work longer for you this way.
Companies that are around awhile have track records that can help you decide if they’re worth your money and time.It is riskier to hire a contractor with little experience.
Think about having a radiant barrier installed 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 cool when it’s hot outside. You may even find that you can use the attic as part of your living space more effectively.
Regularly having your HVAC system serviced can help keep your heating and cooling bills down. Make sure the person takes a look at the motor and examines the levels of freon. These repairs will keep your HVAC system running smoothly.
Are you looking at purchasing a cooling and heating system that’s new? You could keep a few important things. Systems have ratings according to how large an area they can effectively cool and heat. You are wise to err on the side of a bigger unit that is slightly too large for your needs than a bit too small.
The HVAC is one of the most important components of a comfortable, livable home environment. It can be pretty frustrated when this system breaks down. By using the above information, you now know what to do.
Before you go out there and hire an HVAC contractor, find out the length of time they’ve been in the industry. Obviously, a company with a longer history and a positive reputation is the better choice. Hiring a contractor who is just starting out can be risky.