A quality HVAC system is important for an enjoyable home. However, if the system fails, it can cause a lot of headaches. Learning about your unit minimizes the chances of a breakdown; these tips will prove very useful.
When you start making calls to get someone to help with your HVAC system, it’s a good idea to know what system you have before that phone call. Find out the brand and model and, if possible, dig out the maintenance history. 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, tour your home before calling a technician. This information will help the repairman determine where the problem is and how to fix it.
Clean your condenser’s fan and coils when the weather begins to warm. Clean the outside of your external condenser unit.
If the outside of your home has condenser units, ensure they are constantly cleaned. After a wind or rain storm things may pile up, causing problems with your HVAC system. It can overheat, leading to disaster within your system.
Turn the power off first so nothing moves. Then, pop off its grills, pull the blades out, and gently clean them as well as the unit itself.
Don’t get grass clippings pile up against your outside unit. Aim your grass in a direction from the unit. This also applies when you are taking care of the leaves in debris.
Look for shade when placing a compressor outdoors. The cooler the air which goes in, the less work the unit will have to do.
Lubricate your condenser once each year. You can find the ports as they have a rubber or metal caps. Use a lightweight, detergent-free SAE 20 oil, but make sure to avoid overfilling them.
Have your HVAC system checked twice a year at the least. This should happen in the fall and again in the spring.
Installing double paned windows can save a lot of money over single panes, so upgrade if you are able. Good double pane windows keep cool air in during the summer and minimize your utility expenses. It keeps heat in during the winter, too.
Turn off any outdoor condenser units when the weather gets cold. This should turn it off to prevent damage if the temperature drops below 60ºF to avoid damage. This simple tip will help keep the system running efficiently for years and save you a lot on repairs.
During your service visit, the serviceman will inspect the unit’s motor, the moving parts will be oiled and the freon levels will be checked These few simple things will help your system to run at its best.
Do not allow your house to get extremely hot. An AC unit will reduce the internal temperature of your home approximately twenty degrees in a fair time. This limits their overall benefit. This can still be way too warm for you.
Never let your home to rise to a dangerously high level. An air conditioning unit is really only able to reduce the temperature by 20ºF quickly. If the temperature in your home reaches 100 degree Fahrenheit, you’ll only cool down to still above 80. This won’t be a safe and comfortable temperature for you to sleep in.
Air conditioners sometimes ice up at times. The drain line may also freeze over. If you see this, switch the thermostat in your home to fan only so the compressor is disabled. You should call a pro to fix this problem, but switching to the fan setting should start to melt the ice.
Speak with family and friends to get a recommendation for a reputable HVAC contractor. People who’ve had great service are usually willing to tell of it. This will also let you know which companies to stay away from.
Think about having a radiant barrier installed in your attic so your HVAC system. It will serve as a barrier between your home cool when it’s hot outside. You could even find that you can use your attic space more effectively.
Are you looking at purchasing a new HVAC system? There are some things you should consider. 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.
For greater efficiency, put a radiant barrier in your attic. This type of barrier will help to block heat, which in turn will help your system work less at cooling your home. This can also help you make the attic useful again.
Check the ducts to find any leaks if your unit seems to not up to snuff. When you get leaks repaired, the testing has paid for itself.
Make sure they have tight seals to keep air inside. A professional can also test these for you for free.
Your HVAC can work more efficiently if you take into consideration which way your home faces. If you strategically place trees, it’s possible to block some of the morning sunlight so your home won’t become overheated. You will reduce the need for AC when your home is naturally cooler.
Now you know how to ensure your HVAC is working smoothly. Without regular maintenance, your unit may experience untimely problems. Luckily, this article should have given you tips to keep your HVAC working properly.