How on earth will you know what type of system to get? What size do you buy? What features will you need? It can be hard to figure out each day.
When you start making calls to get someone to help with your HVAC system, it’s a good idea to know what system you have before that phone call. Get the brand, model name, and if you can you should get the maintenance history out. That way you can provide the contractor with all the necessary information.
Clean any debris that accumulates on your 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 can also cause your system to malfunction by overheating.
Don’t let grass clippings on your outside unit. Aim the grass cuttings in a different direction away from your unit. This also applies when you are taking care of the leaves in the yard.
Think about what improvements you want made before picking an HVAC contractor. It’s hard for these contractors to give phone estimates without seeing the current system you have. If you can’t explain anything to them, this will be even more difficult. Having this information handy will make the process much smoother.
Leaves falling from trees can wreak havoc with your system. Make sure the unit’s fan grill is cleaned often during the leaves begin to fall. The fan needs to have an unobstructed path for air to enter the unit, and if debris is blocking this air flow, it could cause your system to break down.
Make sure your HVAC system checked twice a year. This should happen in the fall and again in the spring.
You should clean your condenser fan’s blades and coils every spring. Before you do anything, however, turn the power off. Next, pop off the grill, pull out the blades and start cleaning them and the unit itself off gently.
A programmable thermostat is a simple way to help you save money on air conditioning costs. Some of these thermostats can even be controlled from a computer.
Do not let your house get extremely hot. Air conditioners are limited in that they can only really cool your home down 20 degrees or so within a reasonable time period. If your home happens to get near 100 degrees Fahrenheit, cooling it will only drop the temperature to 80 degrees F. This won’t be a safe and comfortable temperature for you to sleep in.
Make sure that you do not cover your outdoor components with grass clippings when you are trimming the grass. Make sure you shoot the clippings in the other direction from the unit. The same goes for when you blow leaves, so make sure your are careful when moving any debris in the vicinity of your HVAC devices.
Companies that are around awhile have track records that haven’t been. It is always risky to hire someone who does not have a long history.
Contractors charge different rates, so make sure you get quotes from several contractors before you make any hiring decision. You should save a great deal of money this way. You want to call at least a handful of contractors in order to know what you should be paying.
As you notice the tress begin to lose their leaves, keep an eye on your outdoor condenser unit. Make sure the unit’s fan grill is cleaned frequently when the leaves begin to fall. The fan needs unobstructed air flow, and if debris is blocking this air flow, then your system could suffer.
Do you want to buy a quality HVAC? There are several things you need to keep in mind. Systems have a rating based on how effectively they can cool or heat an area. You are better off purchasing a bigger unit rather than a bit too small.
Check the ducts to find any leaks if you you feel your existing system is not be working efficiently. When the leaks are repaired, the tests will pay for themselves.
If your condenser comes with oil ports, you should lubricate it yearly. You’ll find these ports are covered with a metal or rubber cap. 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.
Determine the direction that your home faces in order to establish efficient HVAC operation. The less amount of heat inside of your home, the less work your AC will have to do.
Make certain they are tightly sealed so air can’t seep in. You can also hire a professional to test them.
Try to choose a shady place to locate the outdoor compressor device. When the unit sucks in cooler air, then less work is required to cool it further which in turn boosts the units efficiency.
Measure the living area that requires air conditioning. You can easily calculate this by using the formula: 20 BTUs per square foot of room space. If you have multiple rooms to cool, just add their total square footage.
Replace the air filter monthly to keep your HVAC system every month. It is the efficiency of your unit.
Your system should be checked twice a year. Ideally, you should have it looked at in the spring and fall so you know everything is set for the hot and cold months. Even though it may seem as nothing is wrong with the unit, a simple inspection can prove otherwise.
It can feel overwhelming or confusing to choose an HVAC system. This article has made your choice easy. Take your time to go over these tips if you need to again, and be sure you use them when you’re doing things in the future so it can help you to be more comfortable.