HVAC contracting isn’t something too many people know nothing about. This can cause problems when it comes time to handle a household heating or cooling emergency.
When you call an HVAC system for help, you need to be aware of what you need them to do before calling. It’s hard for these contractors to give phone estimates without seeing the current system you have. They also won’t be able to offer you a quote if they don’t have a detailed idea of what you want done. So be aware of this information ahead of time.
Hvac Contractor
Know what you want done before you select an HVAC contractor. It will be difficult for an HVAC contractor to provide you a price estimate over the phone without knowing what your current setup is. It will be way more difficult for him to assist you can’t figure out what they need to do.
Clean the fan blades and coils in your condenser each spring. Don’t forget to disconnect the power first. After you have turned the power off, you simply remove the grill and the blades to perform a gentle cleansing.
Turn the power off first so nothing moves. Next, pop off the grill, put the blades out and start to gently clean them along with the unit.
Don’t get grass clippings pile up against your outside unit. Aim the grass cuttings in a direction away from the unit. This also applies when you are taking care of the leaves in the yard.
Leaves falling from trees can wreak havoc with your HVAC unit. Make sure you clean out your fan grill often once nearby trees start shedding their leaves. The fan must not have anything in the way so that air can flow into it, and if it is clogged, you’ll have a lot of headaches eventually.
Put outdoor units in places with shade.
Turn off any outdoor condensers you have when the weather turns cold. This means that you should be done when the weather falls under 60 degrees Farenheit. This can keep your system running efficiently for many years to come.
Lubricate your condenser yearly if it has oil ports. You will notice these ports have a rubber or metal cap covering them. Buy an SAE 20 product that is lightweight, and then put no more than ten drops into the ports.
It is always a good idea to replace single-paned windows for double panes.This also help you keep the warm air inside.
A programmable thermostat can help you save money on air conditioning bill. Some of these thermostats can even be controlled from your smart phone or other device.
It’s a good idea to put your outdoor compressor in a shady area. When your unit takes in cool air, it takes less energy to tool the air, thus boosting efficiency.
Research and check the companies that you consider using. Check with different references to determine the best one for reviews posted by former customers. This is what you have to do in order to make a contractor that is of high quality.
Look for air conditioner sizing calculators online to truly understand what size of unit you need for your home. Look in the manual to determine the manufacturer website for this information.
It is very important that your HVAC system is serviced two times a year. The ideal thing to do would be to have it checked out in the fall and spring so you’re able to figure out if everything is ready for the cold and hot months. It doesn’t matter if your unit seems to be properly working, it is still advisable that you perform maintenance and resolve any potential problems.
Companies that are around awhile have track records that can help you decide if they’re worth your money and time.It is riskier to hire a long history.
Ask around so you can find a HVAC contractor. People who’ve had great service are usually willing to tell of their contractor. This will also a great way to get names of companies that should be avoided.
Turn off your outdoor condenser when it’s getting cold. If you get into temperatures that are less than 60 degrees you need the unit to be shut off so it doesn’t get damaged. This helps the system last much longer and will have to be repaired less often.
There are a lot of sites these days that let customers share their service experiences. This works both in finding those you with and those you need to make the best hiring decisions.
Think about getting a radiant barrier installed in your attic so support the efficient functioning of your HVAC system can run better. It blocks outside heat from coming in which will serve as a barrier between your home and the outside. You could even use the attic as part of your living space more effectively.
Installing double paned windows can save a lot of money over single panes, so upgrade if you are able. In warmer months, these windows will help to maintain the cooler inside temperature. This will also help you keep in heat when it gets cold.
Make certain they are tightly sealed so air inside. You can hire someone to test them all for you and often this testing is free.
Square Footage
You can keep energy costs in your home lower by choosing to have professional maintenance done on your HVAC unit. When they come out for a service visit, expect inspections of freon levels and the motor, and they will oil all the moving parts. This ensures your system runs smoothly.
Measure the area that requires air conditioner shopping.You generally need 20 BTU for each square footage of the room. If you need to cool multiple rooms, combine all the square footage.
If it must be in a corner, be sure you can change the direction of air flow to avoid having it hit the wall.
When you are away from home, adjust your thermostat to a money saving temperature. You don’t need to keep the house cool if you aren’t there. When you keep it on, you will be using electricity.
Always get some references when you are considering a HVAC contractor.
Any HVAC contractor you hire should have a 24-hour emergency number available to customers around the clock. They owe it to you to show up to fix anything, no matter what.
Always take the time to check out the reputation of any HVAC contractor before you consider hiring them. It is a good idea to check with the BBB and look for reviews from prior clients. You will make a more informed choice if you use these resources.
There are dishonest contractors out there that will try to overcharge you later for things like fuel charges and material fees. Having a solid written contract will help you avoid issues like this.
Cover your condenser when the winter. This will allow it to last longer when not in use. Use the fan setting only to avoid putting strain on the unit.
Some air conditioners can ice up. You may even mistake the frozen drains as an issue for a plumber. If you see this, put the fan on to shut the compressor off. If the issue persists, call in help.
A failed HVAC system can be a problem that every homeowner fears. But, taking time to study the topic makes the process much easier. Keep the information from this article handy so you can solve and issues that arise quickly and at a reasonable cost.