HVAC contracting isn’t something that you may know a lot about. This fact can pose a problem if it is time to work on a heating or cooling emergency.
If your HVAC doesn’t seem to be working properly, check things out yourself prior to calling in a technician. Determine which rooms are hotter or colder than they should be. This information will help the contractor determine where the problem is and how to fix it.
Clean your condenser’s fan blades and coils each spring to ensure that your condenser fan operates at it’s best. Clean the outside of your condenser as well.
Clean the debris off your outdoor condensers often. You don’t know when things are going to pile up, especially after a windy or rainy storm, and that can ruin your system. It will damage the system to malfunction by overheating.
If you need to decide the best place to put your outdoor compressor unit, consider putting it in a location that is in the shade. The cooler air that the unit can suck in, the less work it will need to do to further cool the air.
Turn it off so nothing moves. Then, take the grill off, pull the blades out, and begin cleaning the unit and them gently.
Don’t get grass clippings pile up against your outside unit. Aim your grass in a different direction from your unit. This also applies to leaf blowing and any other yard work that results in the yard.
If you are a homeowner, or if you can get permission from your landlord, install double-paned windows in place of any single panes in your home. Having a double pane window helps limit your need for air conditioning during the summer months. This will help you save a lot of money.
Your outdoor HVAC system could suffer when trees begin dropping their leaves. Make sure the fan’s grill often during the fall. The fan must be unobstructed to work properly, and if it is clogged, you will have to contend with problems.
Lubricate your condenser once a year. You will notice these ports as they have a rubber or metal cap. Use a lightweight, detergent-free SAE 20 oil, but make sure to avoid overfilling them.
Air conditioners sometimes ice up. You may even encounter a freeze in your drain line which is often confused with a plumbing leak. If you see this, immediately put your thermostat on the fan setting to turn off your compressor. Once you know the problem, contact a local HVAC professional and let them know what’s going on in your system.
Have the HVAC system inspected twice a year. This should be done in the fall and malfunctions.
It is always a good idea to swap out single pane windows with ones that have double panes. This same effect also keeps warm air during the winter months.
Use online reviews to help you find a source for HVAC maintenance. There are now different online sites that let customers share their service experiences. This is a great way to find people you want to work with and those you don’t want to work with.
Look for calculators online to truly understand what size of unit you need for your room or home. Look in the manual to determine the recommended size for this information.
Companies that have been around for longer have a proven track records typically provide better service. It is always risky to hire someone who does not have a contractor with little experience.
Your HVAC system can run more efficiently if your attic has a radiant barrier. This type of barrier will help to block heat, which in turn will help your system work less at cooling your home. If you do things right your attic can be used as a living space too.
There are a lot of sites now that let customers share their experiences with contractors. This can help filter out the people you to sort out the good from the bad.
Contractors determine their own fee levels, so make sure you get quotes from several contractors before you make any hiring decision. You can save tons of money this way. You want to call at least a handful of contractors in order to know what reasonable rates are.
Know which direction the house faces so that your HVAC system operates more efficiently. If you strategically place trees, it’s possible to block some of the morning sunlight so your home won’t become overheated. The less heat, the easier time the air conditioner in your home will have.
Homeowners fear their HVAC system breaking down. But a little learning prior to that happening can lessen the risk of trouble happening earlier than it needs to. Use the information in this article to assist you with your HVAC maintenance.