Your home will feel comfortable by owning a good HVAC system. While an HVAC system may already be in place, they do sometimes have to be added on or replaced after some time has passed. Understanding how to properly maintain your system can really help you out when it comes to repairs.
Before calling for help, know the system you have. Know the brand name and model number. It is also helpful to have the maintenance history. The contractor will likely need all of this information.
Know what work you need before you select an HVAC contractor.It will be difficult for a contractor to provide you a price estimate on the phone if they have not seen your current system. It will be more hard if you can’t figure out what they need to do.
Be sure to clean debris from external condenser units. You don’t know when things are going to pile up, especially after a windy or rainy storm, and that can throw a wrench in your system. It can also cause your system to malfunction by overheating.
Clean any debris that accumulates on an external condenser unit. Your HVAC system may run into problems after storms if it is surrounded by debris. It can also cause it to overheat.
Turn it off so you don’t get hurt or break something. Then, pop off its grills, pull the blades out, and gently clean them as well as the unit itself.
Lubricate the oil ports on your fan condenser once each year. You can find these ports covered with rubber or metal cap. Use a lightweight, detergent-free SAE 20 oil, but make sure to avoid overfilling them.
If there are oil ports on your fan condenser, lubricate it annually. These ports are typically covered with caps made of metal or rubber. You should select an SAE 20 oil since it is lightweight and does not contain detergent. Be sure to use just 10 drops or so, or your system may overfill.
It is a good idea to swap out single pane windows for double pane ones. This also keeps warm air in the winter.
A programmable thermostat can help save money on air conditioning bill. Some can even be controlled from your smart phone or computer.
Look for shade when placing a compressor outdoors. The cooler air entering the unit will require less work to get to the proper temperature.
Research and check the companies before hiring them. Check with different references to determine the BBB and look for your situation. These simple steps are going to help to ensure your decision is a wise one.
Look for air conditioner sizing calculators online to truly understand what size of unit is necessary for your home. Look at the manual to determine the manufacturer website for this information.
Once it gets cold outside, you should turn off the outdoor condenser unit. The unit will become damaged if you do not take care of it. This will ensure your system stays in good working order every year, saving you money on costly repairs.
Companies with proven 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.
Ask your friends and relations for contractor recommendations. People who’ve had a good experience are often happy to share the name of it. This is also a great way to get names of companies that you should avoid.
If you’re away from home during the day, raise the temperature setting on your air conditioner to save money. Sure, the temp will rise, but no one is home anyway. It will use more electricity if you keep it running.
There are a lot of sites these days that let customers talk about the service they received. This will help filter out the people you would like to work with.
Think about having a radiant barrier in your attic so your HVAC system. It will make sure you won’t have to use more energy to keep your home cool when it’s hot outside. You could even find that you can use your attic space if it is done right.
Do your homework on a number of HVAC companies before selecting the one that has the best reputation and service record. It is always wise to check their status with the BBB. In addition, check out customer reviews that appear online. It would be wise of you to take these steps.
A good HVAC system is worth its weight in gold. When the time comes to replace your system or buy a new one, keep the above tips in mind. They will help you to make an educated buying decision and end up with a system you are happy with.