Letting your HVAC system break is not something you want to deal with. You may be here because you want to learn all you can to make your HVAC system last a long time. The following article offers lots of great suggestions for you!
Before calling for help, know the system you have. Find out the brand and model and, if possible, dig out the maintenance history. In this way, you can be sure your repair person has all vital information.
Know what type of system you currently have before looking for a repair person. This will help you give the new contractor you hire has all the necessary information.
Clean your condenser’s fan and coils come spring. Clean off any leaves or debris from your condenser unit.
If you have outside condenser units, make sure to regularly clean the debris that builds up. Excess debris can really affect your system’s quality. It may begin to overheat, causing massive damage.
Clean any debris on your 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 can also cause the unit to overheat and break down.
Turn it off so you don’t get hurt or break something. Next, pop off the grill, put the blades out and start to gently clean them along with the unit.
Cover your unit when you are mowing the lawn. Make sure you shoot the clippings in the other direction from the unit. This also applies to leaf blowing and any other yard work that results in debris.
Your outdoor HVAC unit may suffer when trees lose their leaves. Make sure you clean out your fan grill is cleaned often once nearby trees start shedding their leaves. The fan must be unobstructed to work properly, and if it becomes blocked, you will end up with many headaches with the unit.
Put outdoor unit in places with shade.
It is very important that your HVAC system is serviced two times a year. This should be checked often for debris and malfunctions. Even if you can’t see anything wrong, checking it may help you locate and repair some possible issues.
Turn off outdoor condenser when it’s getting cold. This means that you should turn it off to prevent damage if the temperature drops below 60ºF to avoid damage. This can keep your unit is working well throughout the years without the cost of repairs.
It is a good idea to replace single-paned windows for double panes. This same effect also keeps warm air in during the colder months.
Search online for reviews to find an HVAC customer you can trust. Many online review sites provide an avenue for this information. This works both in finding those you want to hire and also with those you want to avoid.
A programmable thermostat can really help you save money on your power bills. Some programmable thermostats can even be controlled from a computer.
Research and check the reputation of companies that you consider using. Check with different references to determine the best one for reviews of potential companies online. Doing this can help you make a smart decision.
To improve the efficiency of your HVAC system, think about placing a radiant barrier in your attic. It will block the heat and lower the energy necessary to keep your home cool in the summertime. You might even be able to start living in your attic.
Air conditioners sometimes ice up at times. The drain line might also freeze up.If you see this happen, put your thermostat over to fan.If the issue persists, call a professional.
Look for calculators online to truly understand what size of unit is necessary for your room or home. Look at the manual or on the manufacturer website for air conditioners.
Figure out which direction your home faces in order to make your HVAC system more efficient. You can help keep your home cool with the strategic placement of trees. A cooler home means less work for your air conditioner.
Companies that are well established have a better record than those that can help you decide if they’re worth your money and time. Hiring a new contractor may be taking a bigger risk.
Ask your friends and trust for contractor recommendations. People will tell you who they have had a good experience are worth calling. This will also help you should avoid hiring.
Replace the air filter monthly. This is an easy way to help you keep things running well for you overall. A new air filter is only a couple of bucks at your local hardware store.
Check for duct leaks if you you feel your unit seems to not be working efficiently. When you get leaks repaired, you’ll find that the testing paid for itself.
Measure the area you wish to cool before going air conditioning. You will need about 20 BTU per square foot of the room. If the unit will be cooling several rooms, be sure to add their square footage together.
When deciding where to place your AC, condition the direction of air flow. If it must be in a corner, make certain that the air does not point towards a wall.
If you have to place it in a corner of your home, get a unit where the air won’t be trapped against the wall.
Any HVAC contractor you hire should have a 24-hour emergency number available to customers around the clock. They need to be able to come to you when they are needed, no matter what.
Always follow up on any references provided to you by a prospective HVAC contractor. Too many people just assume these contactors are legitimate becuase they offered these references freely, but if you don’t actually check them out, there could be serious consequences. It only takes a couple minutes to call, so be sure and do it.
There are contractors that will overcharge you. Having a signed contract will help to avoid any issues like that.
Always follow up on any references that you by a prospective HVAC contractor.
An Energy Star system is really the way to go when it comes to your HVAC. These products are held to a high standard of efficiency. The units are evaluated by the United States. Environmental Protection Agency generally. Spending time looking into these units could lead to long-term savings on your energy costs.
This will tell you the number of BTUs your system requires to keep the environment of your home comfortable.
Your HVAC system is an important unit. When this unit fails, you will be in a lot of trouble. You can easily prevent serious damage by performing simple maintenance techniques found above.
Choose a contractor that prefers Energy Star products. This will ensure that your system has met the EPA standards for efficiency. This helps save you money on your energy bills during the year.