Your house will stay comfortable by owning a HVAC system. Many homes already have this type of system in place, but they do need to be replaced from time to time. Understanding what to look for in an HVAC system will help you to buy a great product when it comes to repairs.
Clean the fan blades and coils on the condenser fan every spring. For safety, always turn the power off first. Next, pop the grill off, put the blades out and start to gently clean them along with the unit.
If your HVAC is giving you problems, try touring your home before calling a professional. This will help the contractor determine where the problem is.
Clean your fan blades and coils come spring. Clean off any leaves or debris from your condenser unit.
Check to determine if the fan condenser on your HVAC system is equipped with oil ports, and if it is, be sure to lubricate every year. You’ll see that the ports here are closed with a rubber or metal cap. You should select an SAE 20 oil since it is lightweight and does not contain detergent. Be sure to use just 10 drops or so, or your system may overfill.
Be sure to clean debris from external condenser units regularly. You don’t know when things are going to pile up, like right after it’s windy or rains, and that can throw a wrench in your system. It will damage the system to malfunction by overheating.
Turn the power 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.
Turn off outdoor condenser units when weather turns cold. If temps go below 60 you run the risk of damaging a unit that remains on. This can ensure your unit is working well throughout the years without the cost of repairs.
Your HVAC unit may suffer when your trees lose their leaves. Make sure the unit’s fan grill is cleaned often during the fall. The fan must be unobstructed to work properly, and if it is clogged, then your system could suffer.
10 Drops
Consider getting a programmable thermostat for your AC. Programmable thermostats can automatically dial back settings, saving you money. This will save you a lot of money during the year.
Lubricate your condenser once a year. You will notice these ports have a 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, putting 10 drops in each port.
Have the HVAC system serviced twice a year. This should happen in the fall and again in the spring.
Use online reviews to help you find a source for HVAC maintenance. There are quite a few sites now that allow customers to share their experiences with different services. This will help you to sort out the good from the bad.
It is always a good idea to swap out single pane windows with ones that have double pane ones. This same effect also keeps warm in the winter months.
Never let your home to rise to a dangerously hot temperature. Air conditioners can only really cool a home down about 20 degrees Fahrenheit within a reasonable amount of time. If your home gets above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, cooling it will only drop the temperature to 80 degrees F. This won’t be a safe and comfortable temperature for you to sleep in.
Consider installing a radiant barrier to your attic to help your HVAC system run more efficiently. It will block the heat and lower the energy necessary to keep your home cool in the summertime. If you install the unit properly, you can even begin to use the attic as a bedroom as it will be so comfortable!
Look for calculators online to help you determine the size of unit is necessary for your room or home. Look at the manual to determine the manufacturer website for this information.
Companies that are well established have a better record than those that haven’t been. Hiring a new contractor means taking a considerable risk.
If your system doesn’t seem to be working efficiently, check your ducts for leaks. Call local utility companies to test it for you since many do it for a small fee or even free, which is lower than HVAC contractors. When you repair the leaks, the tests will pay for themselves.
There are now different online websites that let customers share their service they received. This is useful for finding people that you are interested in dealing with as well as those that you want to avoid.
An HVAC system is a great investment, and it really helps your home to stay comfortable year round. When it is finally time for you to select a replacement, remember these tips and they should make the process easier. You will make better choices and have a great system.
Your HVAC system will run more efficiently if your windows and doors are energy efficient. Be sure their seal is tight so no exterior air gets in or interior air gets out. A professional can also test the windows and many times the testing is free.