A reliable HVAC system is important for your home. However, if your system fails, it can be a nightmare.Learning how to maintain your HVAC system begins with the chances of a breakdown; these tips will prove very useful.
Cleaning the blades and coils will help the system run better. Always shut off all power to your unit for any work beyond superficial cleaning. Clean the outdoor condenser as well.
Know the name and type of your HVAC system before calling someone to fix it. This will help you to give the new contractor any information they might need.
Clean the debris that accumulates on your condenser units. You never know when things can pile up, especially after a windy or rainy storm, and that can ruin your system. It can cause your unit.
Clean the debris from outside units often. Leaves, twigs and other troublesome objects can accumulate, particularly after very windy weather, and this will wreak havoc on your system. Overheating can occur, which often spells disaster for your system.
Turn it off first so nothing moves. Next, pop off the grill, put the blades out and start to gently clean them along with the unit.
Put outdoor unit in the shade if you are installing them.
Keep your outdoor units free of debris when you are mowing the lawn. Aim the grass in a different direction from the unit. When blowing leaves, do the same. Always take care when passing your HVAC units while moving leaves, grass or other debris.
Have the HVAC system checked twice a year. This should be done in the fall and the spring.
A programmable thermostat is a simple way to help you save money on air conditioning bill. Some programmable thermostats can even be controlled from a PC or computer.
Leaves and debris can damage your system. Whenever leaves are falling, consistently clean the fan grill. The fan must stay clear in order to function, and if it gets blocked, you will have to contend with problems.
During a maintenance visit, professionals can help by inspecting the system’s motor, the moving parts will be oiled and the freon levels will be checked These few simple things will help your system to run its peak performance.
Don’t ever let your house get dangerously high. Air conditioners can only cool a home down about 20 degrees in a reasonable amount of time. If your home happens to get near 100 degrees Fahrenheit, it will only cool off to about 80F. This won’t be a safe and comfortable temperature for you to sleep in.
If you want to know where you should put an outdoor compressor, you should place it somewhere where there is a lot of shade. When the unit sucks in cooler air, then less work is required to cool it further which in turn boosts the units efficiency.
Research the reputation of companies that you consider using. Check with different references to determine the BBB and look for your situation. These steps can help ensure you make a better decision.
Companies that are around awhile have a better record than those that can help you decide if they’re worth your money and time. Hiring a new contractor who is just starting out can be risky.
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. When your unit sucks in cooler air, then much less is required to cool it further, which saves you money on energy bills.
Ask people that you know and relations for contractor recommendations. People who have had a good experience are usually more than willing to share the name of their contractor. This can also help you learn the names of companies that you should be avoided.
Contractors determine their own fee levels, so make sure you get quotes from several contractors before you make any hiring decision. You should save some cash if you take the time to call around before you decide. You may want to call at least five contractors in order to know what reasonable rates are.
Be sure to have twice annual HVAC system checks. The ideal thing to do would be to have it checked out in the fall and spring so you’re able to figure out if everything is ready for the cold and hot months. Even if nothing seems wrong, checking it out can help you find and fix potential issues.
Check the ducts to find any leaks if you you feel your unit seems to not up to snuff. When you get leaks repaired, you’ll find that the testing paid for itself.
If you hear a clicking noise coming from your HVAC unit, see if there are any obstructions right away. Sometimes there is debris that gets in the cooling system fans. Take a look before you call a service technician.
Condenser units for the outdoors should be shut off when it starts to get cold outside. If it’s less than 60 degrees outside, turn the unit off. Your system will work longer for you this way.
Make certain they have tight seals to keep air can’t seep in.You can get a professional out to help you test them.
Measure the living area that needs cooling before going air conditioner shopping. You generally need 20 BTU for each square foot of the room. If the unit will be cooling several rooms, combine all the square footage.
If at all possible, install double-paned windows in your home instead of those with a single pane. Windows that are double pane keep the cool air in and can greatly reduce the amount of time your air conditioner will need to run. Likewise, heat is better retained during the winter.
Replace the air filter monthly to keep your HVAC system every month. This is the system running at maximum efficiency.
Pick an HVAC business that is fast and works quickly to solve the problem. The most reliable companies make sure their technicians will always be on schedule and keep appointments. A knowledgeable technician should also easily diagnose any problems with your HVAC unit quickly. After diagnosis, they should be able to get the work done quickly for your sake.
Putting in a programmable thermostat is a smart way to cut back on air-conditioning costs. You have greater control over the temperature settings with these. Additionally, some programmable thermostats can be controlled remotely using a web-connected device.
Now that you have read this article, you understand that it is imperative that you keep your HVAC unit working well. Without regular maintenance, your unit may experience untimely problems. The excellent tips provided above will help you to keep your HVAC system in tip top shape.