A HVAC system that works is important for your home. But if you experience a failure of your HVAC system, the situation can become frustrating very quickly. Learning about your unit minimizes the chances of a breakdown; these tips below.
When you start making calls to get someone to help with your HVAC system, it’s a good idea to know what system you have before that phone call. Know the brand name and model number. It is also helpful to have the maintenance history. If you have to have someone come out to repair the unit, you will be able to help the contractor understand more about what is going on.
Know the name and type of your HVAC system you currently have before looking for a repair person. This will enable you to give your chosen contractor asks for this information.
Lubricate your condenser at least once a year. You will notice these ports have a rubber or metal caps covering the ports. Use a lightweight, and put 10 drops or fewer in each port, but make sure to avoid overfilling them.
If your HVAC doesn’t seem to be working properly, check things out yourself prior to calling in a technician. Determine which rooms are hotter or colder than they should be. This gives the repairer a starting point to work from.
Put your outdoor units in places with shade.
Turn off outdoor condenser when it’s getting cold. This means that you should be done when the temperature drops below 60ºF to avoid damage. This can keep your system working well throughout the years without the cost of repairs.
Do not allow grass clippings to cover the outdoor unit of your HVAC system. Aim the grass clippings in the other direction. This also applies to blowing leaves or moving debris. Just be careful with that exterior HVAC unit.
When they visit to service the unit they’re going to inspect the motors, the motor will be inspected, and see how much freon is in your system. These few simple things will help keep your HVAC system to run at its peak performance.
Never allow the temperature in your home to get dangerously hot inside. Air conditioners can cool a home down about 20 degrees in a short time. If your house’s interior temperature hits 100 degrees Fahrenheit, it will only cool off to about 80F. This won’t be a safe and comfortable temperature for you to sleep in.
Leaves and debris can damage your system. Make sure the unit’s fan grill is cleaned frequently when the leaves begin to fall. Otherwise, the unit will have to work unnecessarily hard.
Air conditioners tend to ice up.The drain line may also freeze over. If you see this happen, switch your thermostat to fan only to disable the compressor. You can call a HVAC professional, but switching to the fan setting should start to melt the ice.
Companies that are around awhile have a better record than those that can help you decide if they’re worth your money and time. Hiring a contractor can be risky.
A good place to place your compressor unit outside is in a shady spot. The cooler air entering the unit will require less work to get to the proper temperature.
Ask friends and relations for contractor recommendations. People will tell you who have used and if they are often happy to share the name of their contractor. This is also let you know which companies to stay away from.
Contractors are responsible for their own charges and fees, so make sure that you acquire multiple estimates. You can save some cash simply by doing your homework. You want to call at least a handful of contractors to determine what you should be paying.
Boost energy efficiency by putting your condenser unit in the shade. This will help ensure that the AC is pulling in cooler air, reducing the amount of work it has to do and saving you money.
Are you going to buy a new HVAC system installed? You will need to think about a few things into account. Systems have a rating based on how well the system is able to cool and heat an area. You are wise to err on the side of a bigger unit rather than purchasing one that is a bit too small.
Figure out the direction your home is facing so your HVAC system more efficient. The less heat in your home, the less work your AC will have to do.
Have the HVAC system checked twice a year at the least. The ideal thing to do would be to have it checked out in the fall and spring so you’re able to figure out if everything is ready for the cold and hot months. Whether you know of problems or not, good maintenance will help you to avoid future issues.
If your HVAC system is producing any type of clicking sounds, look immediately to see if there is an obstruction. Sometimes there is debris that gets in the cooling system fans. Check this out before you waste time contacting a contractor.
Square Footage
Turn off your outdoor condenser when it becomes cold out. When the temperature goes below 60 degrees, shut off the unit in order to prevent damage. This will keep your system in working order year after year, saving you a ton on repairs.
Measure the area you wish to cool before going air conditioning. You will need about 20 BTU for each square footage of the area to be cooled. If you are cooling more than one room, get their square footage added together.
Pick an HVAC business that understands the unit and knows what to do. The most reliable companies will ensure that their technicians will always be on schedule. A licensed technician should also easily diagnose any potential faults with your HVAC unit quickly. After they see what the problem is, they resolve issues swiftly.
Putting in a programmable thermostat is a smart way to cut back on air-conditioning costs. This will help you to keep the temperature at optimal levels. You can often control it from your mobile phone!
Now that you have read the article, you should see how important it is to keep your HVAC system in good working order. If it isn’t maintained properly, it could break. The excellent tips provided above will help you to keep your HVAC system in tip top shape.