A reliable HVAC system can make one’s home life more pleasant. If an HVAC system should fail, it can be very frustrating. Learning how to maintain your unit minimizes the chances of a breakdown; these tips below.
Be aware of the type of system that is installed in your home prior to calling a contractor to fix it. Know what the manufacturer’s name is, which particular model you have and what’s gone on with the unit in the past. This information will be helpful to any contractor you hire to repair it.
If you struggle with your HVAC, check out each room in your house before calling for assistance. This information will help the contractor determine where the problem is.
Clean your fan blades and coils prior to summertime. Clean the outdoor condenser unit regularly.
Before selecting a HVAC repairman, know what you need done. A contractor will be hard pressed to provide you with an over-the-phone estimate if unfamiliar with your system. If you are unable to explain the work that needs to be taken care of, the conversation will be even less fruitful. Know this stuff ahead of time.
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 your grass in a direction away from your unit. This also applies when you are taking care of the leaves in debris.
It’s a good idea to put your outdoor compressor in a shady area. When the unit sucks in cooler air, then less work is required to cool it further which in turn boosts the units efficiency.
Your HVAC system could suffer when trees lose 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’ll have a lot of headaches eventually.
Lubricate your fan condenser at least once each year. These ports are often covered with rubber or metal caps. Use a lightweight, detergent-free SAE 20 oil, but make sure to avoid overfilling them.
You need to have a contractor review your unit twice a year. Checks in the spring as well as in autumn are the best. Even if everything seems fine, check things out to find potential problems.
Turn off outdoor condenser units when it’s getting cold. This should turn it off to prevent damage if the temperature drops below 60ºF to avoid damage.This can keep your system working well throughout the years and save you a lot on repairs.
Install a programmable thermostat you can program to save money on cooling your home. Some programmable thermostats can even be controlled from your smart phone or computer.
Installing a programmable digital thermostat can help save money. These can save you around 10 percent on your heating and cooling costs by just turning it back 10 percent to 15 percent for around eight hours each day. Additionally, some models of programmable thermostats actually allow you to control them remotely from your office computer or cell phone.
Never let your home reach a dangerously high level. An air conditioner can only cool your home approximately twenty degrees in a fair time. If the temperature in your home rises to 100 degrees F or higher, it will only reduce it to 80 or more. This is not a healthy environment to live in.
Companies that are well established have track records typically provide better service. It is riskier to hire a long history.
Shop around before hiring an HVAC contractor. Check with the BBB and look for reviews of potential companies online. Taking these steps will help ensure that you make a wise decision.
There are many sites these days that allow customers to share their reviews. This can help you find a top notch professional.
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 cool when it’s hot outside. You could even find that you can use the attic space if it is done right.
Think about having a radiant barrier installed in your attic so support the efficient functioning of your HVAC system. It blocks the heat from inside, reducing how much energy you need to cool down your home during summer. If this is installed correctly, it will give you the ability to actually use your attic as extra space to live in.
Are you thinking of getting a new HVAC system installed? There are some things you should consider. Systems have a rating based on how effectively they can cool and heat an area well. You are wise to err on the side of a bigger unit that is slightly too large for your needs than purchasing one that is a smaller one.
Now that you’re done reading this article, you understand how important it is to have a properly maintained HVAC system. If it isn’t maintained properly, it could break. Fortunately, you came across the info here, and you now know what you must do to keep your system in working order.
Check the ducts to find any leaks if you you feel your existing system is not up to snuff. Often, utility companies will test them free of charge. When the leaks are repaired, you’ll find that the testing paid for itself.