Anyone that has an HVAC unit in their house knows the importance of properly maintained. A HVAC system that does no function properly can cost a lot of money. The following tips concerning HVAC maintenance and learn what to do if you eventually need to replace it.
If you are having issues with your HVAC, do a tour of your house before you call in help. Make a list of the rooms which are comfortable and which just aren’t. This will help the repairman determine what the problem is.
Know the name and type of your HVAC system you currently have before calling someone to fix it. This will let you know that you’re able to give your chosen contractor the information they might need.
Know what you need before you select an HVAC contractor.A contractor will be hard pressed to provide you an over-the-phone estimate if unfamiliar with your system. It will be way more difficult for him to assist you can’t figure out what they need to do.
Clean the coils of your condenser fan each month. If you are doing more than a light surface cleaning, make sure that the power is shut off to the HVAC unit. Additionally, remove leaves and any other debris from the outside condenser unit.
Clean the debris on your condenser unit. 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 system to malfunction by overheating.
Turn the power off so you don’t get hurt or break something.Next, pop the grill off, pull out the blades and start cleaning them and the unit itself off gently.
Make certain that you clean your condenser when the weather begins to warm. Before you do so, shut off the power to ensure that none of the parts will move while you work on it. Then you need to get the grill popped off and get the blades out so you can clean them and your unit gently.
Don’t let grass clippings pile up against your outside unit. Aim your grass in a different direction away from the unit. This also applies to leaf blowing and any other yard work that results in the yard.
10 Drops
As the trees around your home lose leaves, it can cause your HVAC unit trouble. During this time of year, check and clear off the fan grill on your unit on a regular basis. The fan needs to be able to get proper air inside without any blockages, and extra blockage can later develop into more serious problems.
Lubricate your fan condenser once a year. You will notice these ports as they have 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 condensers in the shade if you are installing them.
You want to put the outdoor compressor device in a shaded area. The cooler the air that the unit is able to access, the less work it has to perform.
Have your HVAC system serviced at least yearly. This should be checked often for debris and the spring.
Turn off outdoor condenser units when weather gets cold. This should turn it off to prevent damage if the weather falls under 60 degrees Farenheit. This simple tip will help keep the system working for many years and save you a lot on repairs.
Do not allow your house to get extremely hot. AC units will only cool a house down 20 degrees. So, if your home temp reaches 100 degrees, your air conditioning will only bring that temp down to about 80 degrees. This isn’t a very safe condition for a homeowner to sleep in, especially when the humidity levels are considered.
A programmable thermostat can help you save money on your air conditioning costs. Some programmable thermostats can even be controlled from your smart phone or other device.
Degrees Fahrenheit
AC units will tend to get ice on them due to the cold. In addition, the drain line sometimes freezes, and people often think that there is a plumbing leak. If this happens, turn the thermostat so it is on fan only mode, which will disable the compressor. The fan setting can help melt some of the ice, but you should still call a professional to check your unit out.
Don’t let your home to become dangerously hot. Air conditioners are limited in that they can only really cool your home down 20 degrees Fahrenheit in a reasonable time period. If your home happens to get near 100 degrees Fahrenheit, you would only be able to cool it down just above 80 degrees. This won’t be a safe and comfortable temperature for you to sleep in.
Ask for helpful information when you can find a HVAC contractor. People who’ve had done in the past are normally more than happy to recommend their contractors. This can also a great way to get names of companies that should avoid at all costs.
When you need the services of an HVAC professional, ask your friends and family if they can recommend someone to you. People usually love to boast about the wonderful work they have had done, so you should be given great leads to follow. You are likely to also hear about negative experiences.
The suggestions above should help you develop a strategy for keeping your HVAC system in good working order. Regular maintenance will make sure your operating costs are lower in the long term. Use these handy tips to keep your HVAC system running for as long as possible.