Even though it is important to have a well functioning HVAC system, not all homeowners understand how to keep it in good shape. Learning about selecting the ins and outs of choosing an HVAC professional replacement or repair your system is a smart homeowner. The following article will get you in a great position.
Know what work you want done before you select an HVAC contractor. If you can’t describe the problem, you may not get an accurate quote. It can be harder if you don’t know what’s wrong. So, have this information ready.
If you have some problems with the HVAC system, do a tour of your house before you call in help. This will help the contractor determine where the problem is and how to fix it.
Know what you want done before you hire a contractor. It will be difficult for a contractor to give you a price estimate over the phone without knowing what your current setup is. It will be more difficult for him to assist you can’t figure out what they need to do.
Keep outside condenser fans running smoothly by cleaning fan blades and coils before the summer begins. Except when cleaning the outside, turn the unit off when performing any type of maintenance. Clean off any leaves or debris from your external condenser unit.
Clean your condenser’s fan and coils come spring. Clean off any leaves or debris from your condenser unit.
Don’t get grass clippings on your outdoor condenser. Aim the grass in a direction away from your unit. This also applies when you are taking care of the leaves in the yard.
Clean any debris that accumulates on an external condenser unit. Debris can pile up at rates that increase during rainy or windy weather, and this can foul up the inner workings of your system. It may begin to overheat, causing massive damage.
Your HVAC units might suffer when trees begin dropping their leaves. Make sure you clean out your fan grill is cleaned frequently when the leaves begin to fall. The fan must be unobstructed to work properly, and if it is clogged, you will have to contend with problems.
Turn off any outdoor condenser units when the weather turns cold. This means that you should be done when the temperature drops below 60ºF to avoid damage. This can ensure your system remain in good working order.
When spring rolls around, give the condenser fan blades and coils a good clean. First, turn off the power so that nothing will move as you are working on it. Then remove the grill, remove the blades and clean it from top to bottom gently.
It is always a good idea to replace single-paned windows with ones that have double panes. This same effect also keeps warm air in the winter.
Research and check the companies before hiring them. Check with different references to determine the BBB and online reviews as well. This will help you make the right choice.
When you mow your lawn, take care that you don’t get grass clippings all over your outdoor unit. Aim the grass in a different direction from the unit. The same should happen if you are blowing leaves, so be especially careful when you are going by your exterior HVAC devices whenever you are moving debris.
Air conditioners tend to ice up.The drain line may also freeze over. If you see this happen, try switching your thermostat to just the fan so that it disables the compressor. You should leave the repair to a professional, even if switching it to its fan setting starts making the ice melt.
Ask friends and relations for their HVAC contractor recommendations. People who’ve had a good experience are usually willing to tell of their contractor. This will also be used to see who you should be avoided.
If you need to decide the best place to put your outdoor compressor unit, consider putting it in a location that is in the shade. This will limit the work that it has to do.
Think about having a radiant barrier installed in your attic so your HVAC system can run better. It ensures that your unit stays hot outside. You could even use your attic as part of your living space more effectively.
Are you looking at purchasing a HVAC system installed? You need to think about several things. Systems have ratings according to how large an area they effectively heat or cool. You are wise to err on the side of a unit rather than a smaller one.
For maximum efficiency, place outdoor units in a shady spot. If your air conditioner is able to constantly suck in cool air, it won’t have to work overtime to cool your space, which can in turn save you money on your electricity bills.
Check for duct leaks if you you feel your unit seems to not up to snuff. Once you fix the leaks, you will save substantial money on heating and cooling costs.
Figure out which direction your home is facing so your HVAC system more efficient. The less your home is heated, the less time your air conditioner will have to work.
You can keep energy costs in your home lower by choosing to have professional maintenance done on your HVAC unit. The motor should be checked, the parts oiled and the freon levels inspected. These few simple things will help your system to run at its peak performance.
Make sure they have tight seals to keep air can’t seep in. You can hire a professional.
Measure the living area that needs cooling before going air conditioner shopping. You can easily calculate this by using the formula: 20 BTU for each square foot of room space. If the unit will be cooling several rooms, sum their areas.
Do not let your house get dangerously hot. Even the best air conditioners can only realistically cool your home approximately 20 degrees Farenheit. The temperature will only reduce to about 80 if your home heats up to 100 degrees. Depending on what the humidity is, this may not be cool enough to be a safe temperature to sleep at when recovering from the harsh summer heat.
When your HVAC works correctly, your home will be comfortable. But, if you don’t have the right knowledge when it comes to hiring the right repairman, you can get a lot of frustration when breaks. Homeowners who have read the tips above will now have a better grasp of HVAC systems and how to work with them properly.