Anyone that has a HVAC system in their home knows the importance of properly maintained. An HVAC system wastes a bit of money. This article will give you keep your HVAC unit in tip top shape.
Every spring you should clean the coils and fan blades on your condenser fan. Don’t forget to disconnect the power first. Pull out each of the blades and clean them one by one.
Know what type of your HVAC system you currently have before looking for a repair person. This will be helpful to any contractor you hire to repair it.
Know what work you want done before you hire a contractor. It will be hard for an HVAC contractor to give you a price estimate over the phone if they have not seen your current setup is. It will be way more difficult for him to assist you can’t figure out what they need to do.
Try to prevent debris from getting in your HVAC unit. During this time of year, check and clear off the fan grill on your unit on a regular basis. A blocked unit can quickly become a broken unit.
Put outdoor condensers in places with shade.
Have the HVAC system inspected twice a year. This should be checked often for debris and again in the spring.
Lubricate your fan condenser at least once a year. These are usually covered with rubber or metal caps. You should select an SAE 20 oil since it is lightweight and does not contain detergent. Be sure to use just 10 drops or so, or your system may overfill.
Turn off your outdoor condenser when weather turns cold. This means that you should be done when the temperature drops below 60ºF to avoid damage. This helps your system working for years and save you a lot on repairs.
When it’s checked out, expect inspections of freon levels and the motor, and see how much freon is in your system. These repairs will help your HVAC system to run at its peak performance.
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. Even if you don’t think anything’s wrong, it’s still worth an inspection.
Don’t let your home temperature get overly hot. Air conditioners can only cool a home down about 20 degrees in a short time. If your home become 100F or more, you would only be able to cool it down just above 80 degrees. This is not a healthy environment to live in.
Look for air conditioner sizing calculators online to help you determine the size of unit you need for your home. Look in the manual to determine the manufacturer website for air conditioners.
If you can, use double-paned windows instead of single-paned ones. You can reduce your energy costs from energy leaking out through your windows by installing window that are double-paned. When it is cold in the winter months, these same windows will keep the warm air inside as well.
Ask friends and family for their HVAC contractor recommendations. People who’ve had great service are normally more than happy to recommend their contractors. This is also help you learn the names of companies that should be avoided.
There are many review sites you can place their reviews. This is a good way to find contractors that do good work and ones that are poor.
Have a smart thermostat installed. You have greater control over the temperature settings with these. Furthermore, there are a few programmable thermostats that you can control from your computer or any other web-connected device.
Contractors are responsible for their own charges and fees, so make sure that you acquire multiple estimates. You should save some cash if you take the time to call around before you decide. You want to get quotes from at least a handful of contractors in order to know what reasonable rates are.
Think about getting a radiant barrier installed in your attic so support the efficient functioning of your HVAC system. It blocks outside heat from coming in which will make sure you won’t have to use more energy to keep your home and the outside. You could even use your attic space if it is done right.
You should have your HVAC system inspected at least once, but preferably twice, per year. Make sure the person takes a look at the motor and examines the levels of freon. This will help your system run better.
Are you considering purchasing a new heating/cooling system? You need to think about several things. Systems have a rating based on how effectively they can cool and heat an area well. You are wise to err on the side of a bigger unit rather than purchasing one that is a bit too small.
Check for duct leaks if you you feel your unit seems to not be working efficiently. When the leaks are repaired, the tests will pay for themselves.
Save energy use and money by turning off the air conditioner if there is nobody home. When you turn it off, the house heats up, but only to a certain threshold. If will be constantly fighting the heat and using lots of electricity if it is left on all day.
Figure out the direction your home faces in order to make your HVAC system more efficient. The less heat in your home, the less work your AC will have to do.
Hvac System
Problems with an air conditioning unit happen when it ices up. The drain line might also freeze over. If this is something you notice, switch the thermostat in your home to fan only so the compressor is disabled. Talk to a professional if you are unsure of how to do this.
Now that you’ve read the advice above, you should know more about how to keep an HVAC running for a long time. You really do not want your HVAC system to be faulty since you could end up with excessive expense due to repairs and maintenance. Use these handy tips to keep your HVAC system running for as long as possible.