Having an HVAC system in good working order can make a home run better. But if you experience a failure of your HVAC system, the situation can become frustrating very quickly. Learning about your unit minimizes the tips below.
Get all of the details regarding a broken system before calling for repair. Find out the brand and model and, if possible, dig out the maintenance history. This will ensure that you can give your new contractor all the information they need.
Clean your condenser’s fan blades and coils prior to summertime. Clean off any leaves or debris from your external condenser unit regularly.
Leaves falling from trees can wreak havoc with your system. Make sure you clean out your fan grill is cleaned frequently when the leaves begin to fall. The fan needs unobstructed air flow, and if debris is blocking this air flow, you will end up with many headaches with the unit.
Before choosing an HVAC contractor, think of what you wish to have done. A contractor will not be able to give you an accurate price without accurate information about your system. Being unable to explain what has been already done will make it even harder. Thus, it is worthwhile to have this knowledge ahead of time.
Lubricate the oil ports on your fan condenser once a year.You can easily find these ports as they have a rubber or metal caps. Use a lightweight, detergent-free SAE 20 oil, but make sure to avoid overfilling them.
Have the HVAC serviced twice per year. This should happen in the fall and again in the spring.
Clean any debris that accumulates on an external condenser unit. Things tend to pile up around these units, especially after storms come through, which could cause problems to your system. It could get too hot, leading to even more problems.
It is always a good idea to replace single-paned windows with ones that have double panes. This same effect also keeps warm air in heat when it gets cold.
Install a thermostat to save energy costs. Some programmable thermostats can even be controlled from a computer.
As you notice the tress begin to lose their leaves, keep an eye on your outdoor condenser unit. When you notice your trees shedding, frequently clean your unit’s fan grill. Your fan needs an unobstructed way to get air inside, and the more blocked up it becomes, the more headaches will develop for you with the system.
Never allow the temperature in your home to rise to a dangerously hot inside. Air conditioners can only cool a home by just twenty degrees in a short time. If your home happens to get near 100 degrees Fahrenheit, it will only cool off to about 80F. This is not a healthy environment to live in.
Look for air conditioner sizing calculators online to truly understand what size of unit you need for your room or home. Look in the manual to determine the recommended size for air conditioners.
Make sure you have your HVAC system checked at least twice a year. The normally recommended time for HVAC system inspections is once before the peak cooling season when it gets hot and you’ll be using your AC, and once before the peak heating season, during the cold months when you’re likely to be using your heat. Even if you do not detect a problem, you can identify and fix any potential problems when you have it checked.
Companies with proven track records that can help you decide if they’re worth your money and time. Hiring a new contractor means taking a considerable risk.
There are plenty of great sites out there that let customers talk about how they received. This method provides you are interested in dealing with all the information you want to avoid.
Ask people that you know and trust for contractor recommendations. People who have been happy with work they have had done in the past are normally more than happy to recommend their contractors. This will also help you avoid scammers.
Contractors are responsible for their own charges and fees, so make sure that you acquire multiple estimates. You can save tons of money by asking for price quotes. You want to get quotes from at least a handful of contractors in order to know what reasonable rates are.
A radiant barrier is an awesome device which will help improve the efficiency of your HVAC. It ensures that your home cool when it’s hot or cold as it should be. You could even use the attic as part of your living space if it is done right.
Contractor set their own prices; this is why you should get many quotes. You should save some money this way. Compare the rates of at least 5 or 6 contractors to help you decide on the most reasonable rate for the job you need done.
Are you going to buy a cooling and heating system that’s new? There are things you should consider. Systems have ratings according to the total area they can effectively cool and heat. You are wise to err on the side of a bigger unit rather than purchasing one that is a bit too small.
You should now have a better idea about why proper HVAC system maintenance is necessary. By failing to do routine inspections, you’re setting yourself up for failure. Hopefully, you’ll keep up the regular HVAC maintenance and won’t ever need to worry about this nightmare gripping you or your home.
Check for duct leaks if your unit seems to not be working efficiently. This is a job your local utility provider may do for you inexpensively or even free of charge. Once leaks have been fixed, you will save substantial money on heating and cooling costs.