You may think that anything to do with HVAC is complex. This is because so much information is available on the right information on hand.
Know what type of system you currently have before calling someone to fix it. Know the model and brand and find it’s maintenance history, if possible. This will ensure that you can give your new contractor all the information they need.
If you’ve been having trouble with an HVAC system, try touring your home before calling a professional. This information will help the contractor determine what the problem is and how to fix it.
Know what work you want done before you hire a contractor. A contractor cannot give an over-the-phone estimate if unfamiliar with your system. It will be way more difficult for him to assist you can’t figure out what they need to do.
If there are condenser units as part of your HVAC system, clean them often as they tend to have lots of debris. You don’t know when things are going to pile up, like right after it’s windy or rains, and that can ruin your system. Left unchecked, your unit is more likely to break down.
Clean your condenser’s fan blades and coils each spring to ensure that your condenser fan operates at it’s best. Clean the outside of your external condenser unit regularly.
Grass Clippings
Put your outdoor unit in places with shade. This will ensure cool air is sucked in, meaning less cooling must be done by the unit.
Don’t let grass clippings pile up against your outside unit. Aim the grass clippings in a direction away from your unit. This also applies when you are taking care of the leaves in the yard.
Your HVAC unit may suffer when your trees start to lose their leaves. Make sure you clean out your fan grill is cleaned often once nearby trees start shedding their leaves. The fan needs unobstructed air flow, and if it gets blocked, you will end up with many headaches with the unit.
During cold weather , be sure to turn off outdoor condenser units. This should be done when the temperature drops below 60ºF to avoid damage. This will ensure your system stays in good working order every year, saving you money on costly repairs.
Put outdoor unit in places with shade.
It is always 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.
Keep energy costs from rising by having your system serviced annually. When they visit to service the unit they’re going to inspect the motors, oil the parts that move, and see how much freon is in your system. All of these little jobs will add up to big savings in energy use, with the improved efficiency.
During the service check, they will inspect the motor of the system, the moving parts will be oiled and the freon levels will be checked These few simple things will keep your system to run at peak performance.
Research and check the reputation of companies that you consider using. Check them out at the BBB and online reviews as well. Doing all of this will make sure you make a better decision.
Icing up is common in air conditioners. Freezing drain lines are also possible and can be mistaken for leaks. If this is something that’s happening to you, change the setting on your thermostat to the fan setting and this will disable the compressor. Talk to a professional if you are unsure of how to do this.
Air conditioners tend to ice up.The drain line may also freeze over. If you see this, switch your thermostat to fan only to disable the compressor. You should leave the repair to a professional, but switching to the fan will make the ice melt.
Look for air conditioner sizing calculators online to help you determine the size of unit you need for your home. Look in the manual to determine the recommended size for this information.
Speak with family and friends to get a recommendation for a reputable HVAC contractor. When someone hires a quality professional, they are usually happy to share their info. This will prevent you from getting scammed.
Companies that are well established have a better record than those that can help you decide if they’re worth your money and time. It is always risky to hire someone who does not have a contractor with little experience.
Ask friends and trust for their HVAC contractor recommendations. People who’ve had great service are usually willing to tell of their contractor. This is also help you to figure out some names of companies that should be avoided.
For greater efficiency, put a radiant barrier in your attic. It blocks the heat from inside out, reducing the energy that’s needed for your home to get cooled during the summer. If you install the unit properly, you can even begin to use the attic as a bedroom as it will be so comfortable!
There are a number of great sites out there that give people the opportunity to leave comments about the service they were treated by services. This is a great way to find people you want to hire and also with and those you don’t want to work with.
The above article has given you some HVAC knowledge. Once you are motivated to learn, it’s easier to get started, so make sure you take this into consideration before you begin. You will be glad you did when everything begins to make sense to you!
When your unit is clicking, immediately go out and look to see if anything is inside it. Most of the time such a noise is created by an object striking the blades of the fan in the system. Cleaning the debris will likely stop the noise. Check it out yourself first before you call in the professionals.