The heating and cooling systems of a home has a lot to do with whether or not it is being heated or cooled properly. This means that it is of utmost importance your HVAC system needs to be in top shape.If you don’t properly care for your unit, you will be costing yourself a lot of money. Here are some tips to help you keep your HVAC system running smoothly.
What system do you have? You need this information to tell your contractor. Know what the manufacturer’s name is, which particular model you have and what’s gone on with the unit in the past. This will let you know that you’re able to give the contractor the information that can help them.
If problems arise with the HVAC system, do a tour of your house before you call in help. This will help the repairman determine where the problem is and how to fix it.
Clean the debris on your outdoor condenser units. You never know when things can pile up, like right after it’s windy or rains, and that can throw a wrench in your system. It can also cause your system to malfunction by overheating.
Clean the coils and blades in your condenser at the beginning of summer. Except when cleaning the outside, turn the unit off when performing any type of maintenance. Clean the outside of your condenser unit regularly.
Turn the power off so you don’t get hurt or break something. Then, take the grill off, pull the blades out, and begin cleaning the unit and them gently.
Don’t let grass clippings on your outside unit. Aim your grass cuttings in a direction away from the unit. This applies to leaf blowing and any other yard work that results in the yard.
When you cut the grass, don’t cover the outdoor units with their clippings. Shoot the grass away from the unit. This also applies to blowing leaves or moving debris. Just be careful with that exterior HVAC unit.
Your HVAC unit may suffer when trees lose leaves. Make sure the fan’s grill is cleaned often once nearby trees start shedding their leaves. The fan must stay clear in order to function, and if it is clogged, you will end up with many headaches with the unit.
Put outdoor unit in the shade.
Look for shade when placing a compressor outdoors. Your unit won’t have to work as hard to cool the inside air if the outside air it sucks from is cooler.
A programmable thermostat is a simple way to help save money on your air conditioning costs. Some of these thermostats can even be controlled from a computer.
During the service check, professionals can help by inspecting the system’s motor, oil the unit’s moving parts and ensure the unit has proper freon levels. These simple things will help your system running smoothly.
Once it gets cold outside, you should turn off the outdoor condenser unit. If temps go below 60 you run the risk of damaging a unit that remains on. This can keep your HVAC running and can save you money on repairs.
Don’t ever let your home get way too hot to where it’s dangerous. Air conditioners can only cool a home by just twenty degrees in a reasonable amount of time. If your home become 100F or more, you’ll only cool down to still above 80. This won’t be a safe and comfortable temperature for you to sleep in.
Companies with proven track records that can help you decide if they’re worth your money and time. Hiring a new contractor may be taking a bigger risk.
Install a thermostat you can program to save money on cooling your home. If you adjust it to keep the house a little warmer or a little cooler during the time you are sleeping, you may see your energy bill go down by as much as ten percent. You can often control it from your mobile phone!
Contractors charge different rates, so make sure you get quotes from several contractors before you make any hiring decision. You can save tons of money by asking for price quotes. Call around to find the best rates.
Think about having a radiant barrier in your attic so support the efficient functioning of your HVAC system can run better. It will serve as a barrier between your home cool when it’s hot outside. You may even find that you can use the attic space if it is done right.
Spend some time on researching for reliable HVAC companies to ensure that they have a good reputation. Check out the online reviews, and run a quick search on the BBB website to make sure they have been good to past customers. This is what you have to do in order to make a smart decision.
Are you going to buy a new HVAC system installed? You could keep a few important things. Systems are given ratings by how well the system is able to cool or heat an area. You are wise to err on the side of a bigger unit that is slightly too large for your needs than a bit too small.
Check for duct leaks if you you feel your unit seems to not up to snuff. When you have leaks repaired, you’ll see that the tests paid for themselves.
Ask friends and family for contractor recommendations. People that have gotten great work done in the past generally love to share the information they know about it. It’s also a good way to learn the names of contractors you should avoid.
Figure out which direction your home is facing so your HVAC system more efficient. The less your home is heated, the less work your AC will have to do.
If the HVAC unit makes a clicking noise, check for any sort of obstructions immediately. Often it is being caused by debris that’s hitting the fans in your cooling system. Check the fan and coil before you waste time contacting a repairman.
To keep your HVAC unit running at full capacity, you should have quality doors and windows installed that are efficient. Make certain they have tight seals to keep air inside. Professional testing is available, and it is often free of charge.
Hopefully, this article has helped you understand more about your HVAC system. Never allow it to falter just because you have of of paid attention to maintenance. Use the tips in this article to keep it operating efficiently, and you can avoid coming home to a home that is too cold or too hot.