Many people don’t even think about their HVAC systems until it is too late. It is sometimes tricky to find the right person to fix a failing system. The tips listed here will help you work your way through this process.
Before calling someone to repair your system, make sure you know what kind of HVAC system you actually have. Write down what brand your system is along with the model number and, if they’re available, maintenance records. This will help you give the new contractor the necessary information.
Know the name and type of your HVAC system you currently have before calling someone to fix it. This makes sure the contractor will be sufficiently prepared.
Clean any debris on your condenser units. You never know when things can pile up, like right after it’s windy or rains, and that can throw a wrench in your system. It could overheat and cause your unit.
Your outside condenser fan can be helped to run better by you cleaning the fan blades and coils prior to summer starting up. Except when you do superficial cleaning, you need to always make sure the power is off on the unit. Remove leaves and debris from the outside condenser.
Turn it off first so nothing moves. Then, pop off its grills, pull the blades out, and gently clean them as well as the unit itself.
Don’t get grass clippings on your outdoor condenser.Aim the grass cuttings in a different direction from your unit. This applies when you are taking care of the leaves in debris.
Avoid showering your outdoor unit with grass clippings when you mow the lawn. Make sure you shoot the clippings in the other direction from the unit. The same should happen if you are blowing leaves, so be especially careful when you are going by your exterior HVAC devices whenever you are moving debris.
Leaves and debris can wreak havoc with your HVAC unit. Make sure you clean out your fan grill is cleaned often once nearby trees start shedding their leaves. The fan needs to have an unobstructed path for air to enter the unit, and if it gets blocked, it could cause your system to break down.
Put your outdoor unit in the shade if you are installing them.
When selecting the spot to put the outdoor compressor for your unit, choose somewhere that gets plenty of shade. The unit will operate more efficiently to cool your home if the intake air is cooler to begin with.
Have your heating and cooling system checked twice a year. This should be checked often for debris and the spring.
It is a good idea to swap out single pane windows for double panes. This will also helps keep it warm in heat when it gets cold.
Never allow the temperature in your home to rise to a dangerously high level. Air conditioners are limited in that they can only reduce the indoor temperature 20 degrees Fahrenheit in a reasonable time limit. If your home become 100F or more, it will only cool off to about 80F. This can still be way too warm for you.
During a maintenance visit, the contractor will oil parts, inspect the motor and the freon levels. These simple tasks will boost the performance of your system.
Research and check the companies that you consider using. Check them out at the BBB and online reviews posted by former customers. These steps will help ensure you make a better decision.
Try finding online A/C sizing calculators to figure out the ideal size for a unit for the house or a room. A unit that is bigger than you need simply isn’t efficient. Use the manual to determine what size is right for you.
Air conditioners sometimes ice up at times.The drain line may also freeze over.If this is something that’s happening to you, switch the thermostat in your home to fan only so the compressor is disabled. You should call a pro to fix this problem, but switching to the fan setting should start to melt the ice.
Companies with proven track record that you can use to decide if they are worth the time and money. Hiring a new contractor may be taking a considerable risk.
Ask people that you know and trust for contractor recommendations. Someone who has used a contractor in the past is generally willing to let you know what they thought about it. It’s also a good way to learn the names of contractors you should avoid.
There are quite a few sites these days that allow customers to share their reviews. This is an excellent method of finding people that you are interested in dealing with and those that you don’t.
Think about getting a radiant barrier in your attic so support the efficient functioning of your HVAC system. It ensures that your home cool when it’s hot outside. You could even find that you can use the attic as part of your living space more effectively.
Be sure to test for leaks in the ducts if your system seems inefficient. You can have your utility company test for you, sometimes for free or less than an HVAC contractor would charge. Once leaks have been fixed, you will save substantial money on heating and cooling costs.
Are you considering purchasing a new heating/cooling system? There are several things you need to keep in mind. Systems get rated according to how large an area they effectively cool and heat. You are wise to err on the side of a unit that is slightly too large for your needs than a smaller one.
Now that you know a thing or two about HVAC systems, you should feel comfortable dealing with them. Next time you have trouble with your unit, you will now be much better prepared. Remember this advice while you search for the right system.
Be sure to replace your HVAC air filters every month. This is an easy and essential thing to do. Filters only cost a couple of dollars, which is not that much.