HVAC contracting isn’t something too many people know nothing about. This can pose a problem when it breaks down.
If you struggle with your HVAC, try touring your home before calling a professional. You will be looking to see which of your rooms feel hotter or colder than they should be. If you do this, it will be a great help to the future contractor, who will now be able to quickly locate the problem issue.
Know the name and type of system before calling someone to fix it. This will help you give your chosen contractor any information they might need.
If your HVAC doesn’t seem to be working properly, check out each room in your house before calling for assistance. This will help the contractor determine where the problem is and how to fix it.
Before choosing an HVAC contractor, think of what you wish to have done. You might not be able to get a price quote unless you let the contractor see your current system first. In addition, you need to be able to tell the contractor what you have already tried. This is information that you should have prepared in advance.
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.
Don’t let grass clippings on your outdoor condenser.Aim the grass cuttings in a different direction from the unit. This applies to leaf blowing and any other yard work that results in the yard.
Clean your condenser’s fan blades and coils come spring. Except when cleaning the outside, turn the unit off when performing any type of maintenance. Remove leaves and debris from the condenser outside.
10 Drops
Lubricate the oil ports on your fan condenser at least once each year. You can find these ports have a rubber or metal cap covering them. Use SAE 20 oil that is non-detergent and lightweight, and put 10 drops or fewer in each port, putting 10 drops in each port.
As the leaves are falling off the trees, your HVAC system can really take a hit. When you see nearby trees shedding their leaves, clean the fan grill on your unit constantly. The fan must be unobstructed to work properly, and if it becomes blocked, it could cause your system to break down.
Put your outdoor unit in the shade if you are installing them.
It is a good idea to replace single-paned windows for double pane ones. This also helps keep in heat when it gets cold.
Some fan condensers may contain oil parts, and if yours does, ensure it is lubricated at least once per year. You will see rubber or metal caps covering the ports. Use SAE 20 oil that is non-detergent and lightweight, and put 10 drops or fewer in each port, but make sure to avoid overfilling them.
A programmable thermostat is a simple way to help you save money on your air conditioning costs. Some of these thermostats can even be controlled from your smart phone or other device.
Research the reputation of companies that you consider using. Check with different references to determine the BBB and look for reviews of potential companies online. Doing this can help you hire the best company for your HVAC needs.
When selecting a location for an outdoor compressor, opt for a shady area, if possible. Your unit won’t have to work as hard to cool the inside air if the outside air it sucks from is cooler.
Air conditioners tend to ice up.The drain line might also freeze up.If this is something that’s happening to you, switch the thermostat in your home to fan only so the compressor is disabled. You should leave the repair to a professional, even if switching it to its fan setting starts making the ice melt.
There are a number of great sites now that allow customers talk about how they were treated by services. This is a good way to locate contractors that you wish to work with and ones that are poor.
Update the windows in your home to double-paned if you own it. Windows that are double pane keep the cool air in and can greatly reduce the amount of time your air conditioner will need to run. This will also help you keep in heat when it gets cold.
Contractors charge different rates, so make sure to get multiple quotes. You have the potential to save a great deal of money by asking for many quotes.You want to get quotes from at least five contractors to determine what you should be paying.
Think about having a radiant barrier installed in your attic so 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 outside.You could even find that you can use the attic as part of your living space if it is done right.
A good way to save money with your air conditioning is by installing a programmable thermostat. It changes the temperature so the system isn’t in use when it’s cooler outside or no one is home. Some newer programmable thermostats have computerized controls you can access from your personal computer, laptop or mobile media device.
Are you looking at purchasing a new heating and cooling system? There are things to think about first. Systems have ratings according to how large an area they effectively cool and heat. You are wise to err on the side of a unit rather than a smaller one.
Hvac System
Regular maintenance of your unit should be performed annually. This inspection will ensure that your unit is working efficiently, including a freon level and motor check, and oiling moving parts. Your unit will last longer this way.
Dealing with an HVAC system that’s not working right can be a nightmare for most people. The smartest homeowners will study their HVAC system prior to a problem ever occurring. Keep these tips handy so that you can refer to them as needed.