A properly running HVAC system can make one’s home really enjoyable. However, if the system fails, it can cause a lot of headaches. Learning about your unit minimizes the chances of a breakdown; these tips will prove very useful.
Know the name and type of your HVAC system before looking for a repair person. Know the model and brand and find it’s maintenance history, if possible. This will facilitate the process when your contractor asks for this information.
If your HVAC system us giving you issues, take a tour of the house prior to calling a professional. This will help the contractor determine where the problem is and how to fix it.
Know what you want done before you select an HVAC contractor. It will be hard for an HVAC contractor to give you with an estimate on the phone if they have not seen your current setup is. It will be more difficult for him to assist you can’t figure out what they need to do.
Each spring it’s time to clean the inside of your condenser unit, including the fan and the sensitive coil. Before you do anything, however, turn the power off. Remove the grill and carefully clean the blades and surrounding areas.
Clean the fan blades and coils come spring. Clean the outside of your condenser unit.
Clean the debris off your condenser unit. 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.
Put outdoor units in the shade if you are installing them. When your unit sucks in cooler air, then much less is required to cool it further, which saves you money on energy bills.
Turn it off first so nothing moves. Then, take the grill off, pull the blades out, and begin cleaning the unit and them gently.
Don’t let grass clippings pile up against your outside unit. Aim the grass in the unit. This also applies when you are taking care of the leaves in debris.
Don’t let your home get too hot. An air conditioner can only cool your home by 20ºF quickly. If you have your home at above 100 degrees then you can only get it to about 80 or above. Depending on how humid it is, this isn’t really that safe for a person to sleep in when it’s really hot.
It is a good idea to swap out single pane windows for double pane ones. This also helps retain heated air during the winter months.
A programmable thermostat is a simple way to help you save money on air conditioning costs. Some programmable thermostats can even be controlled from a PC or computer.
It is possible for air conditioners to ice over. In addition, the drain line sometimes freezes, and people often think that there is a plumbing leak. Turn your unit to the fan setting to turn off the compressor. You should still call a professional to help regardless.
Research and check the reputation of companies that you consider using. Check with the BBB and look for reviews posted by former customers. These steps can help make the smartest and most informed choice.
Look for air conditioner sizing calculators online to help you determine the size of unit you need for your room or home. Look in the manual to determine the recommended size for air conditioners.
If you need recommendations for an HVAC contractor, check online. There are a lot of sites these days that let customers talk about their experiences with contractors. This will make it easier for you to find the right contractor.
Ask for helpful information when you can find a reputable HVAC contractor. People that have had a good experience are usually more than willing to share the name of their contractor. It’s also a good way to learn the names of contractors you should not be contracted for work.
There are many sites that let customers can place their reviews. This is useful for finding people that you wish to work with and those you need to make the best hiring decisions.
If you would like your HVAC unit to be more efficient, simply look at where the front of your home faces. If you strategically place trees, it’s possible to block some of the morning sunlight so your home won’t become overheated. If there’s less heat inside your home, your AC will work less.
Are you thinking about having a new HVAC system? You need to think about a few things into account. Systems have ratings according to the total area they can effectively heat or cool. You are wise to err on the side of a unit that is slightly too large for your needs than purchasing one that is a smaller one.
Check for duct leaks if your unit seems to not up to snuff. When the leaks are repaired, the tests will pay for themselves.
When thinking of what kind of air conditioner you should get, you should measure the area that you need to cool. You can usually substitute 20 BTU for each square foot in the area to be cooled. Account for all of the rooms in the house.
If there’s a clicking in your HVAC unit, see if there is any debris in it. Often the issue is some sort of debris that’s hitting the fans in your cooling system. Look at the system before you call up a service technician.
Make sure they have tight seals to keep air can’t seep in. You can also hire someone to test them all for you and often this testing is free.
Avoid using any contractor for HVAC repairs or installation, unless they provide you with a 24-hour number for emergency situations. They need to be able to come to a home when needed, whether during a heatwave or a terrible snowstorm.
Square Footage
Measure the area that needs cooling before going air conditioner shopping. You will need 20 BTU for each square footage of room space. If you are cooling more than one room, get their square footage added together.
Make certain that any potential contractor calculates potential heat loss. This calculation will ascertain what the correct BTU is for the system you need for your home or business. The contractor should also count the number of doors and windows in your home, as well as check insulation, and measure the internal space.
Replace the air filter to keep your HVAC system every month. This is the simplest thing to do to keep your HVAC system running well.
Your HVAC unit is vital to your home. Failing to keep your system in working order will cause bad things to happen. Luckily, this article should have given you tips to keep your HVAC working properly.
Choose a contractor that prefers Energy Star products. If they have Energy Star logo, then you know that the product has met the standards set for energy efficiency set forth by the EPA. This will help you save cash on energy all year.