You might believe that HVAC is really complex. This is probably due to the fact that a lot will go into these things.
If you have some problems with the HVAC system, check out your home before calling a contractor. Pay attention to which areas of the house are warm and which ones are cool. That way, the contractor will have an easier time diagnosing the problem and repairing it fast.
Know what type of system before calling someone to fix it. This will enable you know that you’re able to give your chosen contractor the information they might need.
If you’ve been having trouble with an HVAC system, take a tour of the house prior to calling a professional. This information will help the contractor determine what the problem is.
Clean the fan blades and coils on the condenser fan every spring. Don’t forget to disconnect the power first. Then you need to get the grill popped off and get the blades out so you can clean them and your unit gently.
Know what work you want done before you hire a contractor. It will be difficult for an HVAC contractor to give you a price estimate over the phone without knowing what your current setup is. It will be way more hard if you don’t know what’s wrong.
Turn it off first so nothing moves. Next, pop off the grill, put the blades out and start to gently clean them along with the unit.
During the fall, leaves can gather around your HVAC. 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.
Lubricate your condenser once each year. These are often covered by a rubber or metal cap. Use a lightweight, and put 10 drops or fewer in each port, but make sure to avoid overfilling them.
Have the HVAC system serviced twice a year. This should be checked often for debris and again in the spring.
Once it grows cold outside, turn off your outside condenser unit. If it’s less than 60 degrees outside, turn the unit off. You’ll pay less for repairs which you follow this tip.
Turn off your outdoor condensers you have when the weather gets cold. This means that you should turn it off to prevent damage if the temperature drops below 60ºF to avoid damage. This simple tip will help keep your system running efficiently for years and save you a lot on repairs.
It is always a good idea to replace single-paned windows with ones that have double panes. This also keeps warm air during the winter months.
Make sure to have your unit serviced once a year. This inspection will ensure that your unit is working efficiently, including a freon level and motor check, and oiling moving parts. These simple things will keep your system running at peak performance.
A programmable thermostat can really help save money on air conditioning costs. Some can even be controlled from a PC or other device.
During your service visit, the system motor will be inspected, oil the moving parts and check the freon levels in the system. These things are going to allow your system.
Make certain you properly investigate any company prior to hiring them. You may also want to check with the BBB for information. These steps can help ensure you make the smartest and most informed choice.
Do not allow your house get extremely hot. Air conditioners cannot sufficiently cool down a home by 20 degrees. If your home happens to get near 100 degrees Fahrenheit, it will only cool off to about 80F. This won’t be a safe and comfortable temperature for you to sleep in.
Research the companies before hiring them. Check them out at the best one for reviews posted by former customers. These simple steps will help to ensure your decision is a better decision.
Look online for a/c sizing calculators so you can really understand the unit size needed for your home or room. Buying one that’s too large will not cool that well. Look at the manual to figure out the manufacturing rates the unit for accurate cooling information.
Look for calculators online to help you determine the size of unit is necessary for your home. Look in the manual or on the recommended size for air conditioners.
Ask people that you know and trust for their HVAC contractor recommendations. People who’ve had a good experience are usually willing to tell of their contractor. This can also help you with good information on which contractors you should avoid.
Look for leaks in the ducts if your system isn’t working right. Your local energy company may do such testing at a reduced cost or maybe even for free. The testing will pay for itself once you find and repair the leaks.
Think about having a radiant barrier 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.
This article was written to help make you comfortable and familiar with the average HVAC system. Take all that you’ve just read into account when working on any system. You will be glad you did when everything begins to make sense to you!
Always make sure to get references from a contractor. Find out if the contractor stayed within budget and performed the task in the allotted time they said. That is why it is vital that you check references, so you don’t run into those shady contractors!