Many folks don’t know how to properly maintain an HVAC system, but don’t know how to take care of them. Learning the best HVAC professional to maintain or repair your system is a wise move for any smart thing homeowners can do. The tips that follow will help put you started.
Prior to putting in a service call on your HVAC, be able to identify it. Get information on the make and model, plus if you have information on the history of maintenance, that will help, too. This will facilitate the process when your contractor asks for this information.
Clean your condenser’s fan blades and coils prior to summertime. Clean the outdoor condenser unit regularly.
Lubricate the oil ports on your condenser once a year. You can easily find the ports have a rubber or metal cap. Use a lightweight, detergent-free SAE 20 oil, but make sure to avoid overfilling them.
Clean the condenser coils and fan at the beginning of the year to help the unit run efficiently. Shut off power before working or cleaning your system. Remove leaves and debris from the outside condenser.
Put outdoor condensers in places with shade.
Turn off any outdoor condenser when it becomes cold out. This should turn it off to prevent damage if the weather falls under 60 degrees Farenheit. This will help keep it in good condition for many years to come.
Clean your condenser’s fan blades and coil in the spring. Before you get started, cut the power. Remove the grill and carefully clean the blades and surrounding areas.
It is a good idea to swap out single pane windows with ones that have double pane ones. This same effect also helps keep it warm in the winter months.
During the service check, the contractor will oil parts, oil the different moving parts as well as check the system’s freon levels. These few simple things will keep your system to run at its peak performance.
Put outdoor units in the shade if you are installing them. Your air conditioner won’t have to work so hard if the air is sucks in is already cool.
Don’t allow your home temperature get dangerously hot. Air conditioners only cool down unreasonably high temps. If the temperature in your home rises above 100 degrees, you’ll only cool down to still above 80. This won’t be a safe and comfortable temperature for you to sleep in.
Research the companies before hiring them.Check with different references to determine the best one for reviews of potential companies online. These simple steps are going to help make a wise one.
Service your HVAC unit at least one time a year. When it’s checked out, the motor will be inspected, moving parts well oiled and the level of freon adjusted if necessary. These simple things will keep your system running at peak performance.
Air conditioners tend to ice up. The drain line may also freeze over. If this happens, immediately put your thermostat on the fan setting to turn off your compressor. If the issue persists, call a professional.
Look for air conditioner sizing calculators online to truly understand what size of unit you need for your room or home. Look at the manual to determine the manufacturer website for air conditioners.
To help you pick a good HVAC contractor, be sure to research a number of different companies. Check with the BBB (Better Business Bureau), and look them up on review sites online to see what previous customers have to say about their experience. Doing these things beforehand will allow you to make a smart decision.
Companies that are around awhile have track records that can help you decide if they’re worth your money and time. Hiring a newer contractor comes with an element of risk.
There are few things more important to a comfortable home environment than a properly working HVAC system. If your system breaks down, it can be rather frustrating. But reading this article and putting the advice shared here into action can make the situation very simple.
Test your duct work for leaks. Your utility company can test this for you, oftentimes at no charge. If not, it should be less expensive than a HVAC contractor. When the leaks are repaired, you’ll find that the testing paid for itself.