Many folks don’t know how to properly maintain an HVAC system, even though it is a critical component of their home. Learning about selecting the best HVAC professional to maintain or repair services is a smart thing homeowners can do. The tips that follow will help put you started.
If your HVAC is running into problems, check out each room in your house before calling for assistance. Note which rooms are hot and which are cold. Taking this step aids a contractor in figuring out what the problem is and how to repair it as quickly as possible.
Know what you want done before you hire a contractor. It will be difficult for an HVAC contractor to give you a price estimate over the phone without knowing what your current setup is. It will be more hard if 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 external condenser unit regularly.
Keep your outdoor units free of debris when your cutting grass. Direct the grass clippings in a direction away from the HVAC unit. Be just as mindful when you blow leaves to not blow them toward your HVAC equipment.
Clean any debris on an external condenser unit. You don’t know when things are going to pile up, especially after a windy or rainy storm, and that can throw a wrench in your system. It could overheat and cause your unit.
Turn the power off so you don’t get hurt or break something. Then, pop off its grills, pull the blades out, and gently clean them as well as the unit itself.
As the trees around your home lose leaves, it can cause your HVAC unit trouble. When the leaves fall from nearby trees, clean the grill of your fan often. The fan should have a clear path for air to come in. If it is blocked, your system will suffer.
Turn off your outdoor condenser units when it becomes cold out. This means that you should be done when the weather falls under 60 degrees Farenheit. This can keep your system working well throughout the years without the cost of repairs.
It is a good idea to swap out single pane windows for double pane ones. This will also works during the cold months to keep the warm air inside.
If the condenser fan has oil parts, then you need to lubricate it at least once per year. These are usually covered with rubber or metal caps. Chose SAE 20 oil, which has been proven to be the most effective.
Research and check the reputation of companies that you consider using. Check them out at the BBB and online reviews as well. These simple steps will help make the smartest and most informed choice.
Air conditioners sometimes ice up at times. The drain line may also freeze over. If you see this happen, put the fan on to shut the compressor off. If this doesn’t work, call in help.
If you want to know where you should put an outdoor compressor, you should place it somewhere where there is a lot of shade. The cooler air that the unit can suck in, the less work it will need to do to further cool the air.
Look for air conditioner sizing calculators online to truly understand what size of unit you need for your room or home. Look in the manual to determine the manufacturer website for this information.
Ask around so you are looking for a reputable HVAC contractor. People who they have used and if they are worth calling. This can also a great way to get names of companies that you should be avoided.
In order to boost efficiency, place new outdoor units or move your current unit to a place which resides in the shade. As it brings in cool air to cool, you will save a lot of money.
Contractors charge different rates, so make sure to get multiple quotes. You can save some money by asking for many quotes. You want to call at least a handful of contractors to determine what you should be paying.
Think about getting a radiant barrier installed in your attic so your HVAC system. It ensures that your home cool when it’s hot outside. You could even find that you can use the attic as part of your living space if it is done right.
Your system should be checked twice a year. Generally, you want it done in the fall and the spring. Even if you do not detect a problem, you can identify and fix any potential problems when you have it checked.
Do you want to buy a quality HVAC? You will need to know some things first. Systems are given ratings by how well the system is able to cool and heat an area. You are wise to err on the side of a bigger unit that is slightly too large for your needs 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 you repair the leaks, you’ll find that the testing paid for itself.
Once it gets cold outside, you should turn off the outdoor condenser unit. This should be done when the temperature drops below 60ºF to avoid damage. Doing this keeps your system working well for years and saves you from having to spend money to repair it.
There aren’t many things that make a home more comfortable than a functioning HVAC system. When simple problems occur in your system, they can become serious problems if you ignore them. Luckily, any homeowner can know just how to proceed when they are aware of the information contained in this article.