It is not easy for homeowners to understand where to go when the HVAC system begins to fail. To avoid creating costly repairs, knowledge is power. This article was put together to help homeowners to find the help they need.
Before you call someone to help you fix your system, be sure to know what sort of system you have in place. Know the model and brand and find it’s maintenance history, if possible. This will enable you to give your chosen contractor any information they might need.
Clean your condenser’s fan blades and coils prior to summertime. Clean the outside of your condenser as well.
Clean the debris off your condenser unit. Debris can pile up after a storm, and this can foul up the inner workings of your system.It can also cause the unit to overheat and break down.
If your HVAC system is acting up, take a tour of the house prior to calling a professional. Determine which rooms are hotter or colder than they should be. Figuring this out will the contractor to diagnose the issues and quickly get to work on fixing it.
Don’t get grass clippings pile up against your outside unit. Aim your grass cuttings in a different direction away from your unit. This also applies when you are taking care of the leaves in debris.
10 Drops
When you mow your lawn, take care that you don’t get grass clippings all over your outdoor unit. Direct the clippings away from the equipment. The same should happen if you are blowing leaves, so be especially careful when you are going by your exterior HVAC devices whenever you are moving debris.
Lubricate the oil ports on your condenser once a year. These ports are often covered with rubber or metal cap. 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 the shade if you are installing them.
Put outdoor units in the shade if you are installing them. If the air your machine draws in is already cooler, it will require less energy to regulate before it’s filtered into your home.
Turn off your outdoor condenser units when it becomes cold out. This should turn it off to prevent damage if the weather falls under 60 degrees Farenheit. This helps the system last much longer and save you a lot on repairs.
It is always a good idea to replace single-paned windows for double panes.This will also helps keep in the winter.
It is very important that your HVAC system is serviced two times a year. 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 you can’t see anything wrong, checking it may help you locate and repair some possible issues.
A programmable thermostat is a simple way to help you out when it comes to your power bills. Some of these thermostats can even be controlled from your smart phone or other device.
Don’t let your home get too hot to where it’s dangerous. Air conditioners only cool a home down 20 degrees or so within a reasonable time period. If your home gets above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, then you will only be able to reasonably cool to around 80. This is not a healthy environment to live in.
Turn off your outdoor condenser when it’s getting cold. If it’s less than 60 degrees outside, turn the unit off. You’ll pay less for repairs which you follow this tip.
Air conditioners sometimes ice up at times. The drain line may also freeze over. If you see this, disable the compressor by switching the thermostat to run the fan only. You should call a pro to fix this problem, but switching to the fan setting should start to melt the ice.
Companies that are well established have a better record than those that haven’t been. Hiring a newer contractor comes with an element of risk.
Consider getting a programmable thermostat for your AC. Programmable thermostats can automatically dial back settings, saving you money. Some newer programmable thermostats have computerized controls you can access from your personal computer, laptop or mobile media device.
Contractors determine their own fee levels, so make sure you get quotes from several contractors before you make any hiring decision. You can save tons of cash simply by doing your homework. You should try to contact 5 to 6 contractors to find out what reasonable rates are.
Think about having a radiant barrier installed in your attic so 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 cool when it’s hot or cold as it should be. You may even find that you can use your attic space if it is done right.
Get your HVAC unit serviced yearly. When they come out for a service visit, expect inspections of freon levels and the motor, and they will oil all the moving parts. This maintenance means that your system will operate optimally.
Nobody ever wants their heating and/or cooling systems to go out when it is really hot or really cold. However, homeowners who are educated in basic heating and cooling maintenance can overcome many of the issues that may arise during trying times. Follow these tips to take good care of your HVAC system.