This article has some great information to help you out.
Before you start calling to find someone to fix your unit, make sure you know the type of system that is installed. Get information on the make and model, plus if you have information on the history of maintenance, that will help, too. Then, you’ll be ready to tell the contractor what they need to know.
If your HVAC is running into problems, check the entire house before contacting someone to come for repairs. This will help the contractor determine where the problem is and how to fix it.
Know what work you need before you hire a contractor. It will be difficult for a contractor to give you with an estimate over the phone without knowing what your current setup is. It will be more difficult for him to assist you can’t figure out what they need to do.
To make sure your condenser fan works properly, keep the fan blades and the coils clean. Before you clean the surface, be sure to turn off the power. Remove leaves and debris from the outside condenser.
Clean the debris that accumulates on an external condenser unit. You never know when things can 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 it off so you don’t get hurt or break something. Then, take the grill off, pull the blades out, and begin cleaning the unit and them gently.
Keep your outdoor units free of debris when you are mowing the lawn. Aim the grass in a different direction from the unit. This also applies when you blow leaves, so be very careful near your exterior HVAC units when you move debris.
Your outdoor HVAC units might suffer when your trees begin dropping their leaves. Make sure the fan’s grill is cleaned frequently when the fall. The fan must stay clear in order to function, and if it is clogged, you will end up with many headaches with the unit.
Put outdoor condensers in the shade if you are installing them.
Have the HVAC system serviced twice per year. This should happen in the fall and the spring. Even if you don’t notice anything wrong, you can check it out to figure out what the potential issues are.
Turn off your outdoor condenser units when weather turns cold. This should turn it off to prevent damage if the temperature drops below 60ºF to avoid damage. This will help keep your system working for years and save you a lot on repairs.
It is a good idea to replace single-paned windows for double pane ones. This also helps keep it warm in the colder months.
A programmable thermostat is a simple way to help save money on air conditioning costs. If you adjust it to keep the house a little warmer or a little cooler during the time you are sleeping, you may see your energy bill go down by as much as ten percent. Some can even be controlled from a computer.
When they visit to service the unit they’re going to inspect the motors, expect inspections of freon levels and the motor, moving parts well oiled and the level of freon adjusted if necessary. This will keep your system performing at maximum efficiency.
Research and check the companies that you consider using. Check with different references to determine the BBB and look for reviews of potential companies online. These steps are going to help to ensure you make the smartest and most informed choice.
Before you hire any HVAC companies, find out how the amount of time they’ve been in business. Companies that are established have been proven, and you can use their track record to to determine if they provide good service. It is always risky to hire a contractor with little experience.
Speak with someone close to you to see if they can recommend someone good to service their HVAC contractor. People that have had quality work done are usually more than willing to share the information they know about it. This will also help you from getting scammed.
Contractors charge different rates, so make sure to get multiple quotes. You can save a lot of cash if you take the time to call around before you decide. You may want to call at least a handful of contractors in order to know what reasonable rates are.
Think about having a radiant barrier installed in your attic so support the efficient functioning of your HVAC system. This device helps block the heat from the outside, which reduces your dependency on your HVAC system, as well as your bill. If this is done properly, it will help extend your living space.
Think about getting a radiant barrier installed in your attic so your HVAC system can run better. 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 or cold as it should be. You may even use your attic as part of your living space more effectively.
Figure out which direction your home is facing so your HVAC system more efficient. The cooler your home already is, the less time that the AC has to work.
Decide which way your house faces to make sure your HVAC system can work its best. Trees in certain areas can provide shade, which means your house will stay cooler. If there is less heat coming into your home, then your air conditioning unit won’t have to work as hard.
If you hear a clicking noise coming from the HVAC unit, look for blockages right away. Sometimes there is debris that gets in the cooling system fans. Check the fan and coil before spending on a contractor.
Make certain they have tight seals to keep air can’t seep in.You can also hire someone to test things and a lot of the time the testing costs nothing.
If there’s only one thing that you do in terms of HVAC maintenance monthly, it should be to replace your air filter. This will help your unit run properly. Filters are inexpensive, so there is no excuse for not doing it.
Pick out an HVAC business that is fast and works quickly to solve the problem. The best companies will ensure that their technicians will always be on schedule and keep appointments. A knowledgeable technician will also have no problem diagnosing any problems with your HVAC unit quickly. After they figure out what is causing the problem, they should then know how to deal with the problem.
This article has proven that some helpful advice is all that is needed to understand an HVAC system. Be sure you pay close attention to everything as you learn. Start using them as soon as possible.
Prior to engaging the services of a contractor to handle your HVAC system, be sure to find out about the kind of experience he has. Make sure they are experienced with the kind of work that is needed. This will help to maximize their productivity.