It can be difficult for homeowners to know where to go when their heating or cooling system isn’t working properly. To stop disaster from ensuing, spend time getting to know the subject before something goes awry. This article was written to help conscientious homeowners learn how to hire the help they need.
Tour your home before calling a contractor. Note which rooms are hot and which are cold. Doing so can help your technician fix your HVAC issue quickly.
Know what type of system before calling someone to fix it. This will help make sure that the contractor the necessary information.
If your HVAC is giving you problems, check things out yourself prior to calling in a technician. This information will help the repairman determine where the problem is and how to fix it.
Clean the condenser coils and fan at the beginning of the year to help the unit run efficiently. Before you clean the unit, be sure to turn off the power. Take away all of the debris as well.
Turn the power off first so nothing moves. Then, take the grill off, pull the blades out, and begin cleaning the unit and them gently.
10 Drops
Be careful when doing yard work that you do not get debris on or in your unit. Direct the clippings away from the equipment. This also applies when you blow leaves, so be very careful near your exterior HVAC units when you move debris.
Lubricate your fan condenser yearly if it has oil ports. These are usually covered by a rubber or metal cap. Use a lightweight, and put 10 drops or fewer in each port, putting 10 drops in each port.
Put outdoor unit in the shade.
Many homeowners forget to oil their condenser at least once per year, but it is required. These ports are typically covered with caps made of metal or rubber. Choose a SAE 20 oil whch is lightweight and non-detergent and place 10 drops or less into each port, ensuring it doesn’t overfill.
Turn off any outdoor condensers you have when the weather turns cold. This should be done when the weather falls under 60 degrees Farenheit.This helps your system remain in good condition for many years.
It is always a good idea to replace single-paned windows with ones that have double pane ones. This same effect also keeps warm air during the winter months.
To boost the efficiency of your HVAC system, you should put your unit in a shady place. As you get your air conditioner to suck in cool air it won’t have to do too much work to cool it which saves you some money.
Degrees Fahrenheit
Don’t ever let your home to become dangerously hot. Air conditioners really can only cool down about 20 degrees Fahrenheit within a reasonable amount of time. If your house’s interior temperature hits 100 degrees Fahrenheit, cooling it will only drop the temperature to 80 degrees F. This is not a healthy environment to live in.
It is very important that your HVAC system is serviced two times a year. Check into it twice a year before you head into the hot and cold months. This will help you to avoid problems.
Research and check the reputation of companies that you consider using. Check with the best one for reviews of potential companies online.These simple steps are going to help to ensure your decision is a better decision.
Look for calculators online to truly understand what size of unit is necessary for your home. Look at the manual or on the recommended size for this information.
Once it gets cold outside, you should turn off the outdoor condenser unit. To prevent damage, turn off your unit if the outside temperature is less than 60 degrees. This will allow your system to work well every year, and that saves you quite a bit on making repairs.
Companies that have been around for longer have a proven track records typically provide better service. Hiring a new contractor may be taking a bigger risk.
Contractors charge different rates, so make sure you get quotes from several contractors before you make any hiring decision. You can save some cash if you take the time to call around before you decide. You want to get quotes from at least a handful of contractors to determine what you should be paying.
Replace any single-paned windows with double-paned versions. In warmer months, these windows will help to maintain the cooler inside temperature. This will help you save a lot of money.
Do you want to find a new HVAC system? There are things to consider. Systems are given ratings by how well the system is able to cool or heat an area. You are better off purchasing a unit rather than purchasing one that is a smaller one.
Check the ducts to find any leaks if your unit seems to not be working efficiently. When the leaks are repaired, the testing has paid for itself.
Install a thermostat you can program to save money on cooling your home. A programmable thermostat can save you up to ten percent on your cooling and heating costs by simply turning the thermostat back ten to fifteen percent for eight hours a day. Furthermore, there are a few programmable thermostats that you can control from your computer or any other web-connected device.
Figure out the direction your home faces in order to make your HVAC system can work better. The less heat, the less work your AC will have to do.
If the HVAC unit makes a clicking noise, see if there is any debris in it. Often it is being caused by debris that’s hitting the fans in the cooling system. Check this out yourself first before you call in the professionals.
You should have your HVAC system inspected at least once, but preferably twice, per year. The motor should be checked, the parts oiled and the freon levels inspected. These repairs will keep your HVAC system running smoothly.
When a homeowner’s HVAC unit stops working, they could find themselves in a real pickle. You must have this knowledge in advance though. These tips are very simple, but they can help you avoid expensive fees by teaching you to handle the maintenance yourself.