When HVAC is something you want to learn a little bit about, you need the right information. This article can help you get more acquainted with the process of keeping your knowledge base. Take some time to read along and you will do just fine.
If you are having issues with your HVAC, do a tour of your house before you call in help. Make a list of the temperatures in each room and whether they are hot or cold. Taking this step aids a contractor in figuring out what the problem is and how to repair it as quickly as possible.
Know what type of system before looking for a repair person. This will help make sure that the contractor the necessary information.
If you are having issues with your HVAC, check out each room in your house before calling for assistance. This will help the contractor determine where the problem is and how to fix it.
Clean your fan and coils when the weather begins to warm. Be safe and turn off the power supply before working on your HVAC unit. In addition, always remove all debris such as leaves from the outside condenser unit.
Know what you want done before you hire a contractor. It will be hard for a contractor to give you with an estimate over the phone without knowing what your current setup is. It will be way more difficult for him to assist you can’t figure out what they need to do.
Clean the debris on your outdoor condenser unit. Debris can pile up after a storm, and this can foul up the inner workings of your system.It can also cause your system to malfunction by overheating.
If your condenser comes with oil ports, you should lubricate it yearly. These ports are typically covered with caps made of metal or rubber. Choose an oil graded SAE 20, it is non-detergent and lightweight. Place about 10 drops into each of the ports, taking care that it does not overfill.
Don’t get grass clippings on your outdoor condenser. Direct the clippings away from the HVAC unit. This applies to leaf blowing and any other yard work that results in the yard.
Sae 20 Oil
You can boost the efficiency of your HVAC unit by replacing it with a new energy efficient one or moving your old one to a shady outside location. If your air conditioner is able to constantly suck in cool air, it won’t have to work overtime to cool your space, which can in turn save you money on your electricity bills.
Lubricate your condenser once each year. You can find the ports covered with rubber or metal cap. Use SAE 20 oil that is non-detergent and lightweight, detergent-free SAE 20 oil, but make sure to avoid overfilling them.
Put outdoor units in the shade.
Double pane your windows to prevent drafts. Having a double pane window helps limit your need for air conditioning during the summer months. This also helps keep it warm in the winter.
Have the HVAC serviced at least yearly. This should be done in the fall and the spring.
Turn off outdoor condenser units when the weather gets cold. This should turn it off to prevent damage if the weather falls under 60 degrees Farenheit. This can keep the system running and can save you money on repairs.
Icing up is common in air conditioners. Freezes also occur in your drain line. These freezes are easily confused as leaks to the untrained eye. If this happens, disable the compressor by switching the thermostat to run the fan only. You should still call a professional to help regardless.
During a maintenance visit, the system motor will be inspected, oil the moving parts and check the freon levels in the system. These things will help your system to run at its peak performance.
Research and check the reputation of companies that you consider using. Check with the BBB and look for reviews posted by former customers. These steps will help to ensure your decision is a better decision.
Try to get as many quotes from contractors that you can. This can help you to save money by knowing what people are charging. Ideally, you should call five to six contractors to get a good idea of what a reasonable rate is.
Fan Setting
Air conditioners sometimes ice up at times. The drain line may also freeze over. If you notice this, change the setting on your thermostat to the fan setting and this will disable the compressor. You can call a HVAC professional, but switching to the fan setting should start to melt the ice.
If you do only one thing for HVAC maintenance, it ought to be replacing the air filter. It is the easiest and cheapest way you can take care of it. Filters don’t cost too much to use, and that isn’t a lot each month for you to pay.
Ask your friends and relations for contractor recommendations. People who’ve had a good experience are often happy to share the name of their contractor. This is also help you learn the names of those companies that should be avoided.
Contractors are responsible for their own charges and fees, so make sure to get multiple quotes.You will be likely to save a lot of cash if you take the time to call around before you decide. You may want to call at least a handful of contractors in order to know what you should be paying.
Gather the level of experience of the company you are working with. They should have a good history of working with HVAC units. You want a top professional on the job.
Check for duct leaks if your existing system is not be working efficiently. If you do have leaks that are repaired, you’ll find that fixed leaks are worth the money.
Figure out which direction your home is facing so your HVAC system can work better. The less amount of heat inside of your home, the less you’ll have to use your air conditioner to cool things off.
Know what’s included in any repair work you contract. There are contractors that will try to overcharge you later for things like fuel charges and material fees. Ensure your contract is solid to avoid any problems.
If your HVAC system is producing any type of clicking sounds, look immediately to see if there is an obstruction. Sometimes debris that gets in the fan’s way. Check it out before you waste time contacting a contractor.
This information should have helped you understand your HVAC better. You just have to learn the information and do things step-by-step so that you don’t run into any trouble. Hopefully, you will be able to get things working well now.
Before you hire an HVAC contractor, research their references. Do not make the mistake of assuming that these people were pleased with their experience. Calling a reference only takes a few minutes and can save you a lot of time and trouble hiring the wrong company.