Not everyone knows about HVAC service and contractors. This fact can cause problems when it breaks down.
Before you contact people to assist you in getting your system fixed, know what kind of system you’re working with in the first place. It is important to understand what model it is and which brand it is. Also, if it has been serviced before, you should have that information handy. This will enable you to give your chosen contractor any information they might need.
Know what you want done before you hire a contractor. It will be hard for an HVAC contractor to give you a price estimate over the phone without knowing what your current setup is. It will be more hard if you over the phone without the information readily available.
Clean your fan and coils each spring to ensure that your condenser fan operates at it’s best. Clean the outside of your external condenser unit.
When you cut the grass, make sure your mower isn’t tossing clippings toward your outdoor units. Now so the grass clippings are shot away from your unit. If you’re blowing leaves, this same problem can occur, so make sure you move around the unit and blow the leaves away from it.
Turn it off so nothing moves.Next, pop off the grill, put the blades out and start to gently clean them along with the unit.
Grass Clippings
Make sure your HVAC unit is in the shade. When your unit sucks in cooler air, then much less is required to cool it further, which saves you money on energy bills.
Don’t let grass clippings pile up against your outside unit. Aim the grass clippings in the unit. This also applies to leaf blowing and any other yard work that results in the yard.
Your outdoor HVAC units might suffer when trees lose their leaves. Make sure you clean out your fan grill often during the fall. The fan needs to have an unobstructed path for air to enter the unit, and if debris is blocking this air flow, you will have to contend with problems.
If possible, your single pane windows should be replaced with double-paned ones. Double-pane windows keep inside air cooler, allowing you to reduce AC usage in the summertime. Likewise, in the winter more hot air stays inside during the cold season.
Put your outdoor condensers in the shade.
Turn off outdoor condenser when it becomes cold out. This should turn it off to prevent damage if the temperature drops below 60ºF to avoid damage. This simple tip will maximize the system running efficiently for many years to come.
Save energy use and money by turning off the air conditioner if there is nobody home. When you turn the air conditioner off, the house may heat up a little but only a certain amount. If will be constantly fighting the heat and using lots of electricity if it is left on all day.
Install a programmable thermostat you can program to save money on cooling your home. Some programmable thermostats can even be controlled from a PC or computer.
When they visit to service the unit they’re going to inspect the motors, the motor will be inspected, moving parts well oiled and the level of freon adjusted if necessary. These few simple things will help your HVAC system running smoothly.
Checkout online reviews if you do not know which contractor to call for installation, maintenance or repair of your HVAC system. Many websites allow consumers to share their experience with a service. This will tell you who is great and who isn’t.
Research the reputation of companies that you consider using. Check them out at the BBB and look for reviews of potential companies online. This can help you make a smart decision.
Air conditioners tend to ice up.The drain line may also freeze over. If this is something you notice, immediately put your thermostat on the fan setting to turn off your compressor. If the issue persists, call a professional.
Determine the direction that your home faces. Consider where to place trees to reduce the morning sunlight on your home. This will reduce the work of your AC unit.
Companies that are around awhile have track records that can help you decide if they’re worth your money and time.Hiring a contractor may be taking a considerable risk.
Contractors charge different rates, so make sure to get multiple quotes. You will be likely to save some money this way. You may want to call at least a handful of contractors in order to know what reasonable rates are.
Think about the air flow direction of your A/C when figuring out where to put it. If it has to be placed in a corner, make sure your unit permits airflow to be redirected.
Are you looking at purchasing a cooling and heating system that’s new? You could keep a few things into account. Systems are given ratings by how well the system is able to cool and heat an area well. You are better off purchasing a unit that is slightly too large for your needs than a bit too small.
Check for duct leaks if you you feel your unit seems to not be working efficiently. When you get leaks repaired, you’ll see that the tests paid for themselves.
When you need to find a contractor to handle your HVAC work for you, make sure that the one you choose has a phone number they will answer 24-hours per day. They should be available to you if a problem arises.
Pick an HVAC business that know what they’re doing and works quickly to solve the problem. The best companies keep the technicians will always be on time. The technicians should also be able to help you and offer the best possible options. After a quick diagnosis, they should be able to get the work done quickly for your sake.
It can be very difficult for a homeowner to deal with a malfunctioning HVAC system. However, taking the time to research the topic of HVAC systems, any homeowner can avoid the nightmare of dealing with a last minute fix. By choosing to follow the great advice from the above article, any homeowner can quickly resolve issues in a prompt and affordable manner.
Always check out any references that are given to you by an HVAC contractor. Too many people take for granted that reference are indeed legitimate, when in fact they may not be. It just takes a couple minutes to check them out.