Your home can be made much more comfortable with a good HVAC system. Many homes already have this type of system in place, but they do need to be replaced from time to time. Understanding what to look for in an HVAC system will help you out when the time is right.
If the condenser for your HVAC system is located outside, make sure you clear away any debris that might settle in or around it. Leaves, twigs and other troublesome objects can accumulate, particularly after very windy weather, and this will wreak havoc on your system. It could get too hot, leading to even more problems.
Know the name and type of system before calling someone to fix it. This will facilitate the process when your contractor you hire to repair it.
If your HVAC doesn’t seem to be working properly, take a look around the house prior to calling a contractor. This will help the repairman determine where the problem is.
A shady spot is always a good choice for the placement of your outdoor compressor. If the unit is taking in cooler air, the efficiency will be boosted since it will not need to work as hard.
Know what you want done before you select an HVAC contractor. It will be difficult for a contractor to give you with an estimate over the phone without knowing what your current system. It will be more hard if you over the phone without the information readily available.
Clean the fan blades and coils each spring to ensure that your condenser fan operates at it’s best. Clean the outside of your condenser as well.
Be sure to have twice annual HVAC system checks. The spring and autumn times are the best time to have it checked. Although there might not be any noticeable issues, it is important to provide regular upkeep to prevent bad things from happening.
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.
Your outdoor HVAC units might suffer when trees start to lose their leaves. Make sure the fan’s grill is cleaned frequently when the leaves begin to fall. The fan needs unobstructed air flow, and if it becomes blocked, you will end up with many headaches with the unit.
One way to save some money with A/C is by having a programmable thermostat installed. In fact, you can save as much as 10 percent on both heating and cooling when you turn your thermostat by by 10-15 percent for at least 8 hours daily. You can often control it from your mobile phone!
Sae 20 Oil
Lubricate the oil ports on your fan condenser at least once each year. You can easily find the 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.
Do not allow your home to reach excessive levels of heat during the summer. Air conditioners can cool a home by just twenty degrees in a short time. If the temperature in your home reaches 100 degree Fahrenheit, it will only reduce it to 80 or more. If humidity is high, this temp is still unsafe for people.
Put outdoor unit in the shade.
Turn off your 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 will help keep the life of your unit.
Ask friends and family for contractor recommendations. You should be able to find someone that has had a good experience. You can also get company names that you should stay away from.
It is a good idea to replace single-paned windows with ones that have double pane ones. This also helps keep it warm in the colder months.
During the visit, the serviceman will inspect the unit’s motor, oil the different moving parts as well as check the system’s freon levels. These simple things will keep your system to run at its peak performance.
Each contractor establishes his own fees, so before you hire one, obtain a few estimates. You can save tons of money by asking for many quotes. Call around to find out what the rates are.
Never allow your home to get dangerously hot temperature. Air conditioners really can only cool a home by just twenty degrees in a reasonable amount of time. If your home become 100F or more, then you will only be able to reasonably cool to around 80. This is not a healthy environment to live in.
Air conditioners sometimes ice up at times. The drain line may also freeze over. If you notice this, put the fan on to shut the compressor off. You should call a pro to fix this problem, but switching to the fan setting should start to melt the ice.
Check for debris if you hear clicking in the HVAC unit. This may be because debris is restricting the movement of the fan blades. Simply get rid of the debris to get rid of the issue. Always check for yourself before getting someone out to repair the unit.
Contractors charge different rates, so make sure to get multiple quotes. You can save a lot of cash if you take the time to call around before you decide. You want to get quotes from at least a handful of contractors in order to know what you should be paying.
Think about having 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 and the outside. You may even use your attic as part of your living space more effectively.
Always get some references before hiring any contractor. It helps to find out whether prior customers were satisfied with their overall experience. This will allow you to stay away from people that will scam you, but only if you’re calling references.
One of the best investments you can make is an HVAC system; it makes your home feel comfortable. When it is finally time for you to select a replacement, remember these tips and they should make the process easier. You will make better choices and have a great system.