Everyone who owns an HVAC unit is aware that maintenance is important. An improperly or inefficiently functioning HVAC system that doesn’t work right is something that costs quite a lot of homeowner money. This article offers you tips to keep your HVAC unit in optimal condition.
Know what type of system you currently have before calling someone to fix it. Write down the make, model, and any maintenance history. This information will be helpful to any contractor you hire to repair it.
Know what type of your HVAC system you currently have before calling someone to fix it. This will let you to give your chosen contractor any information that can help them.
If your HVAC system us giving you issues, tour your home before calling a technician. This will help the repairman determine where the problem is and how to fix it.
If you have outside condenser units, make sure to regularly clean the debris that builds up. Your HVAC system may run into problems after storms if it is surrounded by debris. It can also cause it to overheat.
Clean any debris that accumulates on an external condenser units. Debris can pile up after a storm, and this can foul up the inner workings of your system.It could overheat and cause your unit.
10 Drops
Check to determine if the fan condenser on your HVAC system is equipped with oil ports, and if it is, be sure to lubricate every year. The port usually has either a rubber or metal cap on top of it. Chose SAE 20 oil, which has been proven to be the most effective.
Lubricate your fan condenser yearly if it has oil ports. You can easily find these ports as they have a rubber or metal cap. Use SAE 20 oil that is non-detergent and lightweight, and put 10 drops or fewer in each port, putting 10 drops in each port.
Have your heating and cooling system inspected twice a year at the least. This should be checked often for debris and again in the spring.
If possible, put your HVAC in a shaded area if it is outside. This will help you save on your energy bill.
Turn off any outdoor condenser when the weather gets cold. This means that you should be done when the temperature drops below 60ºF to avoid damage. This can keep your system working well throughout the years without the cost of repairs.
It is a good idea to replace single-paned windows for double pane ones. This will help you keep in heat when it gets cold.
You can keep energy costs in your home lower by choosing to have professional maintenance done on your HVAC unit. An HVAC specialist will inspect the entire system, including the oil, the motor, and the ducts. Small problems can occur in any of these areas and lead to serious issues if ignored for too long.
A programmable thermostat is a simple way to help save money on your air conditioning costs. Some of these thermostats can even be controlled from a PC or computer.
Air conditioners sometimes ice up at times. The drain line might also freeze up.If you notice this, disable the compressor by switching the thermostat to run the fan only. You should leave the repair to a professional, even if switching it to its fan setting starts making the ice melt.
To choose a HVAC contractor, it is important to check their reputations. Check reputations at the BBB, and read online reviews to gauge customer satisfaction. This will help you make the best choice.
Companies that are well established have a better record than those that haven’t been. Hiring a newer contractor means taking a considerable risk.
Contractors determine their own fee levels, so make sure you get quotes from several contractors before you make any hiring decision. You will be likely to save some cash simply by doing your homework. You should try to contact 5 to 6 contractors to determine what price you can reasonably expect to pay.
For greater efficiency, put a radiant barrier in your attic. This type of barrier will help to block heat, which in turn will help your system work less at cooling your home. It it’s installed properly, you might even be able to use your attic as an extra room.
Check the ducts to find any leaks if you you feel your existing system is not be working efficiently. When you repair the leaks, you’ll find that the testing paid for itself.
Determine the direction that your home faces in order to establish efficient HVAC operation. The cooler your home already is, the less time your air conditioner will have to work.
If you are purchasing an AC unit, take measurements. You need to know how big the area is that you want to have cooled off. You’ll need about 20 BTU per square foot of living space. If multiple rooms need cooling, add together their square footage to reach this calculation.
Make sure they are tightly sealed so air inside. You can get these tested at little to no charge by a professional to test them all for you and often this testing is free.
Measure the living area that requires air conditioner shopping. You generally need about 20 BTU for each square foot of room space. If you need to cool multiple rooms, just add their total square footage.
When you hire a contractor, make sure you ask for some references. This will show you their overall experience. This will allow you to stay away from people that will scam you, but only if you’re calling references.
Replace the air filter to keep your HVAC system every month. This is an easy thing to do and it keeps the system running at maximum efficiency.
Pick HVAC companies that know what they’re doing and works quickly to solve the problem. The best companies keep the technicians working honestly and on schedule. The technicians will be able to diagnose problems in your HVAC in no time. After they know what the problem is, they should then know how to deal with the problem.
Don’t purchase an HVAC system unless you know exactly what all is included in your system. Some contractors will attempt to overcharge you after the work is complete for fuel or extra material. Solid written contracts can help you avoid these issues.
Now that you read the above article about HVAC systems, you should have a good understanding on what is needed to help keep it running perfectly for a very long time. You don’t want a faulty HVAC since it can cost you lots of extra cash for maintenance and large bills. Keep reviewing these tips to make sure that you are upgrading and maintaining your home HVAC for a long while.