Anyone that has a HVAC system in their home knows the importance of properly maintained. A poorly functioning HVAC system that does no function properly can cost a lot of money. This article offers you keep your HVAC unit in tip top shape.
Keeping the outside condenser clean of debris and leaves will improve the system’s efficiency. Except when cleaning the outside, turn the unit off when performing any type of maintenance. In addition, always remove all debris such as leaves from the outside condenser unit.
Know the name and type of your HVAC system you currently have before calling someone to fix it. This information will be helpful to any contractor asks for this information.
Clean the debris on your outdoor condenser units. Debris can pile up at rates that increase during rainy or windy weather, bringing potential damage with it. It can cause a disaster with your unit.
Be sure to clean the fan blades and coils of the condenser fan. Turn the power off so nothing moves. Remove the grill and the blades, and then you can give them all a gentle clean.
Your outdoor HVAC system could suffer when trees begin dropping their leaves. Make sure the unit’s fan grill is cleaned often during the fall. The fan must be unobstructed to work properly, and if debris is blocking this air flow, you will have to contend with problems.
Put your outdoor unit in the shade if you are installing them.
Many homeowners forget to oil their condenser at least once per year, but it is required. A rubber or metal cap is typically placed over such ports. Put 10 drops of lightweight, non-detergent SAE oil in each port. Be careful not to use too much.
Be sure to have twice annual HVAC unit in your home checked about two times every year. This should be done in the fall and malfunctions.
Turn off outdoor condenser when it’s getting cold. This should turn it off to prevent damage if the weather falls under 60 degrees Farenheit. This can ensure your system remain in good working order.
Keep your air conditioner off when people aren’t home to save you money. The house will heat up, but not too much. If will be constantly fighting the heat and using lots of electricity if it is left on all day.
Install a programmable thermostat you can program to save energy costs. Some programmable thermostats can even be controlled from a computer.
During this service visit, the system motor will be inspected, oil the moving parts and check the freon levels in the system. This ensures your system will operate optimally.
Figure out how long the HVAC company you choose has been in business. It is more likely that a contractor who has been in business for a longer time will give you better value for your money. Taking risks is not something that you want to do in this area.
Don’t allow your house get too hot. Air conditioners are limited in that they can only really cool your home down 20 degrees Fahrenheit in a reasonable time limit. If the temperature in your home rises to 100 degrees F or higher, it will only reduce it to 80 or more. This won’t be a safe and comfortable temperature for you to sleep in.
Research the reputation of companies that you consider using. Check them out at the BBB and look for your situation. This is what you to choose a contractor that is of high quality.
Every contractor out there is responsible for setting up their own fees, so get several quotes before hiring anyone. By calling around and asking a few different contractors, you can save a ton of money. Contact a minimum of five contractors so you can determine realistically what the price will be.
Companies that are around awhile have track records that can help you decide if they’re worth your money and time.Hiring a new contractor means taking a considerable risk.
Ask for helpful information when you can find a reputable HVAC contractor. People will tell you who they have used and if they are often happy to share the name of their contractor. It’s also important to do this to learn the names of contractors you should not be contracted for work.
Make sure that your doors and windows are efficient. They have to have a tight seal, stopping air from going in or out. You can hire a professional to test them all for you and often this testing is free.
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 outside.You could even find that you can use your attic as part of your living space more effectively.
Check for duct leaks if your existing system is not be working efficiently. When you get leaks repaired, you’ll see that the tests paid for themselves.
As you are thinking about where to put your AC unit, consider how the air moves out of it. If you have to place it in a corner of your home, be sure you’re getting a unit that has air flow coming from a direction that’s not facing the wall.
Hvac System
The suggestions above should help you develop a strategy for keeping your HVAC system in good working order. An HVAC system that is not cared for will cost you with large electricity bills and repair costs. As a homeowner, proper HVAC system maintenance should help you save money.
Understand the costs beforehand with your HVAC unit. Some contractors overcharge for add-ons like travel expense or fees for additional materials. Contracts will avoid these issues.