The comfort of a home has a lot to do with whether or not it is being heated and cooled properly. This is why your HVAC system is constantly checked and you ensure it is properly working. If you do not properly care for it, you can expect costly repairs and miserable living conditions. Here are some tips to get you keep your HVAC system running smoothly.
Before calling for help, know the system you have. Know the model and brand and find it’s maintenance history, if possible. The contractor will likely need all of this information.
If you have some problems with the HVAC system, take a tour of the house prior to calling a professional. This will help the contractor determine where the problem is.
Know what work you need before you select an HVAC contractor.It will be difficult for a contractor to provide you with an estimate over the phone if they have not seen your current system. It will be way more difficult for him to assist you can’t figure out what they need to do.
Before you ever begin looking for an HVAC contractor, first consider the entire job that you’ll need completed. If you can’t describe the problem, you may not get an accurate quote. If you do not know what you want, the process can become tedious, especially over the phone. This is information that you should have prepared in advance.
Be sure to regularly clean external condenser units. Debris can pile up after a storm, and this can foul up the inner workings of your system.It will damage the system to malfunction by overheating.
Don’t get grass clippings pile up against your outside unit. Aim the grass in the other direction. This also applies when you are taking care of the leaves in the yard.
Make sure that you regularly clean debris that might build up on external condenser units. You can never tell when things will pile up, especially following rain or wind storms. These can wreak havoc on your units. It can get overheated, which will cause problems with the whole system.
Your HVAC unit may suffer when trees begin dropping their leaves. Make sure the fan’s grill is cleaned frequently when the fall. The fan must not have anything in the way so that air can flow into it, and if debris is blocking this air flow, then your system could suffer.
Have the HVAC system serviced twice a year. This should happen in the fall and malfunctions.
Find a place that is shaded for your compressor. The cooler air entering the unit will require less work to get to the proper temperature.
It is a good idea to replace single-paned windows for double panes. This also works during the cold months to keep in heat when it gets cold.
Install a thermostat to save money on cooling your home.Some programmable thermostats can even be controlled from your smart phone or other device.
If you want things to be more efficient, get new units outside or have your current one moved into the shade. When the air conditioner pulls in cooler air, it won’t have to do much more to cool it and that will save you a lot of money on energy bills.
Air conditioners sometimes ice up at times. The drain line might also freeze up.If this happens, change the setting on your thermostat to the fan setting and this will disable the compressor. If this doesn’t work, call in help.
Look for calculators online to truly understand what size of unit you need for your home. Look in the manual to determine the recommended size for this information.
Once it grows cold outside, turn off your outside condenser unit. If it’s lower than 60 degrees, the time has come to turn it off. This will help keep your HVAC system in good health for years, which means you will save on repair bills.
Contractors are responsible for their own charges and fees, so make sure that you acquire multiple estimates. You will be likely to save a lot of cash if you take the time to call around before you decide. Call around to find out what the best deal possible.
Think about getting a radiant barrier installed in your attic so support the efficient functioning of 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 unit stays hot or cold as it should be. You may even use the attic space more effectively.
If you are a homeowner, or if you can get permission from your landlord, install double-paned windows in place of any single panes in your home. Double pane windows can help minimize how much you use your air conditioner in the summer, because they keep cool air inside the home. Conversely, this also works to keep warm air in during colder months.
Are you thinking about having a HVAC system installed? There are some things you must consider first. Systems have a rating based on how well the system is able to cool and heat an area well. You are wise to err on the side of a bigger unit rather than purchasing one that is a smaller one.
Figure out the direction your home faces in order to make your HVAC system more efficient. The less heat, the less time your air conditioner will have to work.
Before you go out there and hire an HVAC contractor, find out the length of time they’ve been in the industry. It is more likely that a contractor who has been in business for a longer time will give you better value for your money. New companies are just too risky.
If you hear a clicking noise coming from your HVAC unit, look for blockages right away. Often the issue is some sort of debris hitting fans in your cooling system. Check it out before calling a contractor.
Make certain they have tight seals to keep air can’t seep in.A professional can also test these for you for free.
Check around and get a number of quotes prior to hiring a contractor. You will be likely to save some cash if you take the time to call around before you decide. To figure out what a good rate is, speak with about five or six contractors.
You should now have a better idea of how to keep that HVAC unit running smoothly. Don’t let it go bad on you by not paying attention to regular maintenance. Use what you’ve learned here to keep things working right so you don’t get home and find out there’s a disaster on your hands.