Not everyone knows about working on HVAC service and contracting. This can cause problems when it comes time to handle a household heating or cooling emergency.
Be careful when doing yard work that you do not get debris on or in your unit. When you work with your lawn mower, make sure it spits the grass to the side opposite of your unit. This same tip applies when you are blowing fallen leaves around the yard. Grass and leaves pose a serious problem for the internal functioning of your unit.
Clean your fan and coils come spring. Clean the outside of your condenser as well.
Clean any debris on an external condenser units. You never know when things can pile up, like right after it’s windy or rains, and that can throw a wrench in your system. It can cause a disaster with your unit.
Try to prevent debris from getting in your HVAC unit. Cleaning your unit is very important for its effectiveness. The fan needs to be able to get proper air inside without any blockages, and extra blockage can later develop into more serious problems.
Lubricate your condenser once each year. You can find these ports covered with rubber or metal cap covering them. Use a lightweight, and put 10 drops or fewer in each port, but make sure to avoid overfilling them.
Put outdoor condensers in places with shade.
If your fan condenser has oil ports, you must lubricate it once per year. They generally have a rubber or metal cap on them. Pick a type of SAE 20 oil that is non-detergent and lightweight. Place 10 or less drops into every port to avoid overfilling.
Turn off your outdoor condensers you have when it becomes cold out. This should turn it off to prevent damage if the temperature drops below 60ºF to avoid damage. This helps the system working for years and save you a lot on repairs.
It is always a good idea to replace single-paned windows for double pane ones. This will also helps keep it warm in heat when it gets cold.
Put your outdoor unit in places with shade. You save money this way because the air conditioner is now pulling in cooler air, which is easier to cool further.
Research and check the companies before hiring them. Check them out at the BBB and online reviews as well. Doing these things beforehand will allow you make a better decision.
Air conditioners tend to ice up.The drain line may also freeze over. If you notice this, disable the compressor by turning your thermostat to the fan only setting. You should call a pro to fix this problem, but switching to the fan will make the ice melt.
Your HVAC system should be checked a few times a year. Check into it twice a year before you head into the hot and cold months. Even if everything seems fine, check things out to find potential problems.
Look for air conditioner sizing calculators online to help you determine the size of unit is necessary for your room or home. Look in the manual to determine the manufacturer website for this information.
Companies that are well established have track records typically provide better service. Hiring a contractor can be risky.
Replace single pane windows by installing double pane, if possible. In warmer months, these windows will help to maintain the cooler inside temperature. Your home will also stay warmer in the winter.
There are a lot of sites these days that allow customers to share their experiences with different services. This method provides you want to hire and also with all the information you don’t.
Think about having a radiant barrier in your attic so support the efficient functioning of your HVAC system. It blocks outside heat from coming in which will serve as a barrier between your home cool when it’s hot outside. You could even use the attic space if it is done right.
Service your HVAC yearly. An HVAC specialist will inspect the entire system, including the oil, the motor, and the ducts. All of these little jobs will add up to big savings in energy use, with the improved efficiency.
Do you need a new cooling and heating system? You will need to think about a few things into account. Systems get rated according to how large an area they effectively heat or cool. You are better off purchasing a bigger unit that is slightly too large for your needs than purchasing one that is a bit too small.
Figure out the direction your home faces in order to make your HVAC system more efficient. The cooler your home already is, the fewer occasions you have to use your air conditioner.
Turn your AC off if no one is at home. This will save you money on your energy bills. Leaving it on for the entire day means that it is struggling to keep things cool, something that takes lots of energy.
Make certain they are tightly sealed so air inside. A professional can sometimes test the windows and many times the testing is free.
Always request references from a HVAC contractor.
Your friends or family likely have recommendations for a local HVAC specialist. Find someone that has a lot of quality work under their belt. You will also find out who NOT to use!
Any HVAC contractor or installer should have a 24-hour emergency hotline. They should be able to get to your home whenever you need them there, no matter what.
Cover your condenser in the winter time. This helps the condenser last longer when you’re not in use. Use the fan setting only to avoid putting strain on the condenser unit.
If you aren’t sure who to call for HVAC maintenance, repairs, or installation, look online for reviews. There are plenty of online websites that give people the opportunity to leave comments about the service they received. This is a good way to locate contractors that do good work and ones that are poor.
This will determine how much BTU your new system will need to keep your home stays comfortable.
No one wants to deal with an HVAC unit that isn’t working correctly. However, as long as they take the time to study up on the topic before something calamitous occurs, the process need not be so terrible. Use these tips to help ease the process when you run into an issue.
Each contractor establishes his own fees, so before you hire one, obtain a few estimates. If you call around before making a final decision, it can save you a lot of money in the end. You may want to get quotes from at least five contractors in order to know what you should be paying.