Anyone that has a HVAC unit in their home knows how it important it is to have it properly maintained. A HVAC system that does no function properly can end up costing the homeowner a lot of money. The article you’re about to read is composed of multiple tips will help you care for your HVAC maintenance and learn what to do if you eventually need to replace it.
Before the summer you should clean out your condenser fan’s blades and coils. Turn off the power if you are going to work on your HVAC system. Clean the outside of your condenser unit regularly.
Know what work you want done before you hire a contractor. It will be difficult for a contractor to provide you with an estimate over the phone without knowing what your current system. It will be way more difficult for him to assist you can’t figure out what they need to do.
Clean your fan blades and coils prior to summertime. Clean off any leaves or debris from your condenser unit.
If the outside of your home has condenser units, ensure they are constantly cleaned. The dirt could pile up and harm your system. It may begin to overheat, causing massive damage.
Be sure to clean external condenser units. You don’t know when things are going to pile up, especially after a windy or rainy storm, and that can ruin your system. It could overheat and cause a disaster with your system to malfunction by overheating.
Grass Clippings
Lubricate your fan condenser if it has oil ports. These ports are often covered by a rubber or metal cap. Choose a SAE 20 oil whch is lightweight and non-detergent and place 10 drops or less into each port, ensuring it doesn’t overfill.
Don’t get grass clippings pile up against your outside unit. Direct the grass clippings away from the HVAC unit. This also applies when you are taking care of the leaves in debris.
Lubricate the oil ports on your fan condenser at least once each year. You can find these ports covered with rubber or metal caps covering the ports. 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.
It’s a good idea to put your outdoor compressor in a shady area. If it sucks in cool air, it will need to work less to coll the air inside, which can make it last longer.
Have your heating and cooling system serviced twice a year. This should be checked often for debris and again in the spring.
It is always a good idea to swap out single pane windows for double panes. This same effect also helps retain heated air during the winter months.
When it gets cold outside, it is necessary to turn off outdoor condenser units. If the temperature outside is less than 60ºF, be sure to turn off the unit so that you don’t damage it. This can ensure your unit is working well throughout the years without the cost of repairs.
A programmable thermostat can help save money on air conditioning costs. Some can even be controlled from a PC or other device.
When they come out for a service visit, oil the parts that move, and see how much freon is in your system. This will help your system performing at maximum efficiency.
Double pane your windows to prevent drafts. They help cool air remain inside your home, effectively cutting back on how much you have to run your air conditioner. This also works during the cold months to keep the warm air inside.
Companies with proven track record that you can use to decide if they are worth the time and money. It is riskier to hire someone who does not have a contractor with little experience.
Are you thinking of getting a cooling and heating system installed? You could keep a few things into account. Systems have a rating based on how effectively they can cool or heat an area. You are wise to err on the side of a unit rather than purchasing one that is a bit too small.
Install a programmable thermostat to save energy 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. Some of these thermostats can even be controlled from your smart phone or computer.
Measure the living area you wish to cool before buying a unit. You generally need about 20 BTU for each square foot of the room. If you have multiple rooms to cool, add together their square footage to reach this calculation.
Pick an HVAC companies that know what they’re doing and can work quickly. The most reliable companies will ensure that their technicians will always be on schedule. A knowledgeable technician should also have no problem diagnosing any potential faults with your HVAC unit quickly. Once they know what’s wrong, fixing it should be quick and easy.
In order to keep energy costs down, make sure heating and cooling systems are services at least once per year. This inspection will ensure that your unit is working efficiently, including a freon level and motor check, and oiling moving parts. This will keep you energy efficient and comfortable.
If you can only put the unit in the corner, be sure to buy a unit which allows for the air flow direction to be changed away from the wall.
Always request references before hiring any contractor.
If nobody is home, turn off the air conditioner to save money. The house will heat up when it is turned off, but only a certain amount. If will be constantly fighting the heat and using lots of electricity if it is left on all day.
Any HVAC contractor or installer should have an emergency hotline. They must be able to reach your home at any time, whether during a heatwave or a terrible snowstorm.
There are contractors out there that will try to overcharge you later for things like fuel charges and material fees. Having a good written contract can help to avoid issues like that.
Research and check the reputation of companies before hiring them. It can be helpful to check out the online reviews of previous customers and it is always wise to check their reputation as listed on a Better Business Bureau website. This is what you have to do in order to make a smart decision.
Hopefully, you now feel a little more confident in your HVAC knowledge. You really do not want your HVAC system to be faulty since you could end up with excessive expense due to repairs and maintenance. Keep these tips in mind, because they will only help you out over the life of your system.