Your house will stay comfortable with a good HVAC system. While many homes come with these systems in place, you may need to upgrade or replace it at some point. Understanding how to properly maintain your system can really help you out when it comes to repairs.
If the condenser for your HVAC system is located outside, make sure you clear away any debris that might settle in or around it. Falling leaves and wind or rain may cause debris to reduce the efficiency of your unit. It may even overheat, which can ruin your system.
Know the name and type of your HVAC system before calling someone to fix it. This will ensure that you to give your new contractor all the information they need.
If problems arise with the HVAC system, do a tour of your house before you call in help. This will help the repairman determine where the problem is.
Each spring, try cleaning the fan blades and coils on the condenser fan. First, make sure the power is off to ensure nothing moves while you are working. After you have turned the power off, you simply remove the grill and the blades to perform a gentle cleansing.
Clean your condenser’s fan and coils when the weather begins to warm. Clean the outside of your external condenser unit.
Clean any debris that accumulates on your condenser units. Debris can pile up at rates that increase during rainy or windy weather, bringing potential damage with it. It can cause it to overheat.
The operation of your HVAC system can be in danger when the tree leaves begin to fall. Make sure the unit’s fan grill is cleaned frequently when the leaves begin to fall. The fan should have a clear path for air to come in. If it is blocked, your system will suffer.
Turn the power off first so you don’t get hurt or break something. Then, take the grill off, pull the blades out, and begin cleaning the unit and them gently.
Grass Clippings
If you need to decide the best place to put your outdoor compressor unit, consider putting it in a location that is in the shade. The cooler the air that the unit is able to access, the less work it has to perform.
Don’t get grass clippings pile up against your outside unit. Direct the grass clippings away from the HVAC unit. This also applies to leaf blowing and any other yard work that results in the yard.
Lubricate your condenser if it has oil ports. You can find the ports covered with rubber or metal caps. 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 your outdoor unit in places with shade. 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.
Be sure to have twice annual HVAC unit in your home checked about two times every year. This should be checked often for debris and again in the spring.
Turn off any outdoor condenser units when the weather gets cold. This means that you should be done when the temperature drops below 60ºF to avoid damage. This can keep your system remain in good working order.
Your HVAC unit requires regular maintenance at least two times per each 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 everything seems okay, it doesn’t hurt to check things out.
It is a good idea to swap out single pane windows with ones that have double panes. This same effect also keeps warm air in during the winter.
A programmable thermostat is a simple way to help you save money on air conditioning bill. Some programmable thermostats can even be controlled from your smart phone or computer.
To save money and be more comfortable in your home, install double-paned windows instead of single pane. Double pane windows will help keep your home cooler in the summer. They help in the winter, too, keeping the heat in.
Look for calculators online to help you determine the size of unit you need for your room or home. Look in the manual to determine the recommended size for this information.
Ask your friends and family for their HVAC contractor recommendations. People that have had great service are usually willing to share this information. This is also help you learn the names of companies that should be avoided.
Equipping your home with a programmable thermostat can be an excellent way to cut utility costs. Programmable thermostats can reduce your power HVAC energy costs by as much as ten percent, just by dialing back your thermostat ten or fifteen percent up to eight daily hours. In addition, some models make things really easy on you, allowing you to adjust them from the computer.
Think about getting a radiant barrier installed in your attic so your HVAC system. It will make sure you won’t have to use more energy to keep your home cool when it’s hot outside. You may even find that you can use the attic as part of your living space more effectively.
Check the ducts to find any leaks if your existing system is not be working efficiently. If you do end up paying, this testing will pay for itself.
Regular maintenance of your unit should be performed annually. The contractor should oil the parts that move and check the motor and freon levels. These simple things will keep your system running at peak performance.
HVAC systems are the best investments that you can make in your home. When your system needs to be replaced or repaired, remember these helpful tips. This will assist you in making an educated purchase.