This article can be a big help to those that are looking to familiarize yourself with the HVAC system.
Prior to putting in a service call on your HVAC, be able to identify it. Write down what brand your system is along with the model number and, if they’re available, maintenance records. If you have to have someone come out to repair the unit, you will be able to help the contractor understand more about what is going on.
Know what type of your HVAC system you currently have before looking for a repair person. This information will help make sure that the contractor you hire to repair it.
If you have some problems with the HVAC system, 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.
Keep your outdoor units free of debris when your cutting grass. Now so the grass clippings are shot away from your unit. If you’re blowing leaves, this same problem can occur, so make sure you move around the unit and blow the leaves away from it.
Know what you want done before you hire a contractor. It will be hard for a contractor to provide you a price estimate on the phone without knowing what your current setup is. It will be way more hard if you over the phone without the information readily available.
Clean any debris on an external condenser unit. You don’t know when things are going to pile up, especially after a windy or rainy storm, and that can throw a wrench in your system. It could overheat and cause your unit.
Look for shade when placing a compressor outdoors. The cooler air that the unit can suck in, the less work it will need to do to further cool the air.
Don’t let grass clippings on your outdoor condenser.Aim the grass cuttings in a direction away from your unit. This applies to leaf blowing and any other yard work that results in the yard.
Your HVAC units might suffer when your trees lose leaves. Make sure the fan’s grill often once nearby trees start shedding their leaves.The fan must stay clear in order to function, and if it is clogged, you will end up with many headaches with the unit.
Have the HVAC system checked twice a year at the least. Checks in the spring as well as in autumn are the best. This will help you to avoid problems.
Lubricate your fan condenser once a year. You can find the ports as they have a rubber or metal caps. Use a lightweight, detergent-free SAE 20 oil, but make sure to avoid overfilling them.
Make sure you have your HVAC system checked twice a year. This should be checked often for debris and the spring.
Regularly having your HVAC system serviced can help keep your heating and cooling bills down. An HVAC specialist will inspect the entire system, including the oil, the motor, and the ducts. These easy to do things are going to allow your system to run its best.
Turn off outdoor condenser units when the weather gets cold. This should be done when the weather falls under 60 degrees Farenheit.This helps your system last much longer and will have to be repaired less often.
Install a programmable thermostat to save money on cooling your home. Some programmable thermostats can even be controlled from your smart phone or computer.
You can get ice in your air conditioner. Drain lines can also suffer an occasional freeze, and these are sometimes mistaken for plumbing leak issues. If this is something that’s happening to you, change the setting on your thermostat to the fan setting and this will disable the compressor. The ice will melt. You will likely need professional help to stop the problem.
Ask your friends and family for their HVAC contractor recommendations. People who have had a good experience are often happy to share this information. This is also a great way to find which companies to stay away from.
Think about getting a radiant barrier in your attic so support the efficient functioning of your HVAC system. It blocks outside heat from coming in which will make sure you won’t have to use more energy to keep your unit stays hot or cold as it should be. You could even find that you can use your attic as part of your living space if it is done right.
Use recommendations when you are looking for a contractor. Anyone that has previously needed work done on their HVAC unit are more than happy to tell you their experiences. It’s also important to do this to learn which companies should not be contracted for work.
As you can see, information goes a long way in understanding. It is worth the investment of your time. Use the guideline above to help you make those important decisions.