You may think that anything to do with HVAC is complicated. This is probably because so much information is available on the technical nature of these systems.
Before calling anyone to repair your system, know what system you have. It is important to understand what model it is and which brand it is. Also, if it has been serviced before, you should have that information handy. This will enable you to give your chosen contractor any information they might need.
Know the name and type of system you currently have before calling someone to fix it. This will enable you to give the contractor the information they might need.
Know what you want done before you select an HVAC contractor. A contractor will be hard pressed to provide you with an accurate estimate if unfamiliar with your system. It can be harder if you can’t figure out what they need to do.
Before choosing an HVAC contractor, think of what you wish to have done. Providing you with an accurate estimate over the telephone may be difficult to impossible is they can’t see the system you have. Being unable to explain what has been already done will make it even harder. It’s a good idea to learn this information in advance.
Clean your condenser’s fan and coils when the weather begins to warm. Clean the outside of your external condenser unit regularly.
Turn it off first so nothing moves. Then, take the grill off, pull the blades out, and begin cleaning the unit and them gently.
Regularly remove debris from outside condenser units. Things pile up after storms and damage your system. Debris like this can cause it to overheat, which could be detrimental to your system.
Don’t get grass clippings pile up against your outdoor condenser. Aim the grass in a direction from your unit.This applies when you are taking care of the leaves in debris.
10 Drops
You need to have a contractor review your unit twice a year. Check into it twice a year before you head into the hot and cold months. Regular inspection will help you avoid unexpected repairs.
Lubricate the oil ports on your condenser at least once each year. You will see rubber or metal cap covering the ports. Use SAE 20 oil that is non-detergent and lightweight, and put 10 drops or fewer in each port, putting 10 drops in each port.
Put outdoor condensers in places with shade.
Install a programmable thermostat to save energy costs. If you adjust it to keep the house a little warmer or a little cooler during the time you are sleeping, you may see your energy bill go down by as much as ten percent. Some newer programmable thermostats have computerized controls you can access from your personal computer, laptop or mobile media device.
Your HVAC unit requires regular maintenance at least two times a year. This should be checked often for debris and the spring.
Turn off any outdoor condensers you have when it becomes cold out. This should turn it off to prevent damage if the weather falls under 60 degrees Farenheit. This simple tip will maximize the system running efficiently for many years to come.
Shut off the air conditioning if nobody is home. Turning it off does allow the temperature to rise, but only so far. Leaving it on all the time only makes it work harder and results in a larger utility bill.
It is always a good idea to swap out single pane windows with ones that have double panes. This same effect also helps keep it warm in the winter.
During the service check, the system motor will be inspected, oil the moving parts and check the freon levels in the system. These simple tasks will help your HVAC system to run at its peak performance.
Make certain you properly investigate any company prior to hiring them. Inquiring with the Better Business Bureau is always a good idea, as is looking for online review sites where previous customers can post their experiences. You will make a more informed choice if you use these resources.
Never let your home to rise to a dangerously high level. Air conditioners are limited in that they can only reduce the indoor temperature 20 degrees or so within 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 is not a healthy environment to live in.
Research the reputation of companies that you consider using. Check with different references to determine the best one for reviews of potential companies online. These steps will help to ensure your decision is a wise one.
To improve the efficiency of your HVAC system, think about placing a radiant barrier in your attic. It blocks the heat from inside, reducing how much energy you need to cool down your home during summer. If you do things right your attic can be used as a living space too.
Getting familiar with the HVAC unit is something that this article should have helped you with. With the above tips and some motivation, it will be easy to delve into this world. When things begin to click, you’ll be glad you did.