The comfort of a home has a lot to do with whether or not it is being heated and cooled properly. This is why your HVAC system is constantly checked and you ensure it is properly working. If you aren’t taking care of your system, you should expect terrible living conditions and expensive repairs. Here are some great tips to get you keep your HVAC system running smoothly.
Before calling someone to repair your system, make sure you know what kind of HVAC system you actually have. Learn the brand and the model. This makes sure your contractor will be sufficiently prepared.
If your HVAC system is acting up, check out your home before calling a contractor. This will help the contractor determine where the problem is and how to fix it.
Hvac Contractor
Clean the fan blades and coils on the condenser fan every spring. For safety, always turn the power off first. After you have turned the power off, you simply remove the grill and the blades to perform a gentle cleansing.
Know what you want done before you select an HVAC contractor. It will be hard for an HVAC contractor to give you a price estimate over the phone if they have not seen your current setup is. It will be way more difficult for him to assist you can’t figure out what they need to do.
Clean the debris on your outdoor condenser unit. You don’t know when things are going to pile up, especially after a windy or rainy storm, and that can throw a wrench in your system. It could overheat and cause your unit.
Check your unit at least twice each year. 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. Even if everything seems fine, check things out to find potential problems.
Don’t let grass clippings on your outside unit. Aim the grass cuttings in a direction away from your unit. This applies when you are taking care of the leaves in debris.
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 not have anything in the way so that air can flow into it, and if it is clogged, then your system could suffer.
Get a handful of quotes before accepting any. You should be able to hire the best contractor for the job if you take the time to do this. It is best to speak to several contractors so that you know which rates are reasonable.
Put your outdoor unit in the shade if you are installing them.
Turn off your outdoor condenser when weather turns cold. This should be done when the weather falls under 60 degrees Farenheit.This helps the system working for years and will have to be repaired less often.
Figure out the direction your home is facing so your HVAC system can work better. Strategically placing trees around your home can block some of the heat coming from the sun, preventing your home from overheating. If there is less heat coming into your home, then your air conditioning unit won’t have to work as hard.
It is always a good idea to swap out single pane windows for double panes. This same effect also keeps warm in the winter months.
During the visit, professionals can help by inspecting the system’s motor, inspect the motor and the freon levels. This will help your system runs smoothly.
All of your windows and doors must be air-tight, in order for your HVAC system to run at maximum efficiency. Make certain they have tight seals to keep air inside. A professional can easily have this tested for you, and oftentimes, this service is free.
Degrees Fahrenheit
Don’t allow your home get overly hot. Air conditioners really can cool a home down about 20 degrees Fahrenheit within a short time. If your house’s interior temperature hits 100 degrees Fahrenheit, you’ll only cool down to still above 80. This is not a healthy environment to live in.
It is important to pick out the right HVAC company for your needs as you will need professional assistance. The best companies out there have technicians that keep a schedule and their appointments too. A knowledgeable technician will also easily diagnose any problems with your HVAC. They should offer you answers which can be implemented right away.
Research the reputation of companies that you consider using. Check them out at the BBB and look for reviews as well. These steps will help make a wise one.
Companies that are well established have track records that haven’t been. Hiring a contractor can be risky.
Gather the level of experience of the company you are working with. It is best to match the job you have to a company with that kind of experience. Less experienced workers could work out just fine, but you really shouldn’t take any chances.
Ask around so you can find a HVAC contractor. People who have had a good experience are worth calling. This can also help you learn the names of companies that should be avoided.
Figure out the direction your home is facing so your HVAC system more efficient. The less heat in your home, the easier time the air conditioner in your home will have.
Drape a cover over your condenser unit in the winter to protect it. This can help it last longer when it is not in use. Don’t run the compressor if the temperature dips into the 50s. You should use the fan instead since this will stop your unit from getting strained.
Make sure they have tight seals to keep air inside. You can hire a professional to test them.
Square Footage
See about getting a programmable thermostat on your HVAC unit. These newer thermostats will help you to save more money on electricity because you can program them to shut off anytime you want them to.
Measure the area that needs cooling before going air conditioner shopping. You will need about 20 BTU for each square footage of room space. If the unit will be cooling several rooms, get their square footage added together.
Replace the air filter monthly to keep your HVAC system every month. This will help your unit remains in good operating condition.
It is amazing that 66 percent of homes have ducts that leak. This can cost around a quarter of utility costs. Sealing your ducts is both easy and cheap, and it is something you can do yourself, saving you money on your utility bills every year from then on.
Always request references when you are considering a contractor.
Cover your condenser in the winter time. This helps the life of your condenser operating longer when not in use. Use the fan instead to avoid putting strain on the unit.
When you clean heat ducts in the HVAC system regularly, you’ll have fresher, cleaner air and heating will be more efficient. Make sure to look at the ducts often and fix anything that you see wrong. Ducts that have some damage will make you pay more in heating because you have to pay more to keep the area warm.
Now you know how to maintain the HVAC in your home. Never allow it to falter just because you have of of paid attention to maintenance. Use these tips to keep your HVAC system from failing when it should be running smoothly. It’s not really a tough job at all!