You think anything dealing with HVAC is really complex. This is due to the fact that goes into these things.
Get all of the details regarding a broken system before calling for repair. Know the model and brand and find it’s maintenance history, if possible. Your contractor will appreciate this information.
Know the name and type of your HVAC system you currently have before calling someone to fix it. This will ensure that you can give your new contractor any information they might need.
If problems arise with the HVAC system, look around your home before calling in people to help. This will help the repairman determine where the problem is.
Clean your fan blades and coils each spring to ensure that your condenser fan operates at it’s best. Except when cleaning the outside, turn the unit off when performing any type of maintenance. Remove leaves and debris from the condenser outside.
Know what work you need before you select an HVAC contractor. It will be hard for a contractor to provide you a price estimate over the phone if they have not seen your current setup is. It will be way more hard if you don’t know what’s wrong.
Turn it off so nothing moves. Then, take the grill off, pull the blades out, and begin cleaning the unit and them gently.
When the leaves start to fall, the HVAC equipment can be harmed. Be sure to clean your fan grill frequently when trees nearby are shedding. An obstruction, such as a leaf, prevents the maximum amount of cool air from entering the system.
Don’t let grass clippings on your outdoor condenser. Aim your grass in a direction away from your unit. This applies when you are taking care of the leaves in debris.
Sae 20 Oil
Be sure to have twice annual HVAC system checks. The normally recommended time for HVAC system inspections is once before the peak cooling season when it gets hot and you’ll be using your AC, and once before the peak heating season, during the cold months when you’re likely to be using your heat. Even though it may seem as nothing is wrong with the unit, a simple inspection can prove otherwise.
Lubricate your condenser at least once a year. You will notice these ports as they have a rubber or metal cap covering them. Use SAE 20 oil that is non-detergent and lightweight, detergent-free SAE 20 oil, putting 10 drops in each port.
Put outdoor unit in the shade.
Get your HVAC unit serviced yearly. The service will include motor inspection, oiling of moving parts, and a freon level check. These few simple things will help your system to run at its peak performance.
Turn off your outdoor condenser when weather turns cold. This should turn it off to prevent damage if the temperature drops below 60ºF to avoid damage. This can keep your system working for many years to come.
A programmable thermostat is a simple way to help save money on your air conditioning bill. Some programmable thermostats can even be controlled from a computer.
Contractors charge different rates, so make sure that you acquire multiple estimates. By calling around and asking a few different contractors, you can save a ton of money. You may want to get quotes from at least five contractors in order to know what you should be paying.
When they come out for a service visit, the motor will be inspected, and they will oil all the moving parts. These simple things are going to allow your system to run its best.
Don’t allow your home get too hot. An air conditioning unit will reduce the temperature by twenty degrees in a short time span. If your home happens to get near 100 degrees Fahrenheit, it will only cool off to about 80F. This is not a healthy environment to live in.
Do you need a new cooling system? There are some things to consider. Systems have a rating based on how well the system is able to cool or heat an area well. It is always better to buy a unit that is a little bit bigger rather than one that might be slightly smaller.
Research the companies before hiring them. Check with different references to determine the BBB and look for reviews posted by former customers. This is what you have to do in order to make a contractor that is of high quality.
Companies that have been around for longer have a proven track records typically provide better service. It is riskier to hire a contractor with little experience.
Your HVAC can work more efficiently if you take into consideration which way your home faces. If you have trees placed in strategic areas, you can block the sunlight in the morning. If there’s less heat inside your home, your AC will work less.
Speak with family and friends to get a recommendation for a reputable HVAC unit. People who have had a good experience are usually more than willing to share this information. This can also a great way to get names of those companies that should be avoided.
Contractors charge different rates, so make sure you get quotes from several contractors before you make any hiring decision. You have the potential to save some money when you call different companies for price quotes. Call at least four or five different HVAC specialist to find out what the rates are.
Before you decide on the location of your air conditioning unit, take a look at the air flow direction. If you have to put the unit in a corner, use one that doesn’t blow into the wall.
This article was written to help make you comfortable and familiar with the average HVAC system. It can be difficult to get into this type of thing unless you’re motivated to do well, so use this advice to get you started in the right direction. You’ll be happy you did when things start clicking in your mind!