You might not pay attention to your HVAC system until it breaks down. It can be hard to find the right individual to fix a good HVAC contractor. The tips here will ensure you do that and much more!
Check out the system that you have before you call a professional. Learn the brand, model, and if you have it, the maintenance history. This helps make sure the contractor has the information they will need.
If your HVAC system us giving you issues, take a tour of the house prior to calling a professional. This information will help the repairman determine where the problem is and how to fix it.
Know what work you need before you hire a contractor. A contractor will be hard pressed to provide you an over-the-phone estimate if unfamiliar with your system. It will be more hard if you over the phone without the information readily available.
Keeping the outside condenser clean of debris and leaves will improve the system’s efficiency. The power to the unit should be removed before you begin any maintenance, even cleaning. Clean the outdoor condenser as well.
Clean your fan blades and coils when the weather begins to warm. Clean the outside of your condenser as well.
Turn it off first so nothing moves. Then, take the grill off, pull the blades out, and begin cleaning the unit and them gently.
Clean the debris on your condenser units. You never know when things can pile up, especially after a windy or rainy storm, and that can throw a wrench in your system. Overheating may be the result if you don’t.
Don’t let grass clippings on your outdoor condenser.Direct the clippings in a direction away from the equipment. This applies to leaf blowing and any other yard work that results in the yard.
Make sure you have your HVAC systems is checked at least twice a year. This should happen in the fall and again in the spring.
Lubricate your condenser yearly if it has oil ports. You’ll see that the ports here are closed with a rubber or metal cap. Chose SAE 20 oil, which has been proven to be the most effective.
It is a good idea to replace single-paned windows for double panes. This also keeps warm in the winter.
A programmable thermostat can really help save money on air conditioning costs. Some programmable thermostats can even be controlled from a PC or computer.
Find a place that is shaded for your compressor. The cooler the air that the unit is able to access, the less work it has to perform.
During your service visit, the contractor will oil parts, oil the unit’s moving parts and ensure the unit has proper freon levels. These simple things will help your system to run at peak performance.
Research and check the reputation of companies that you consider using. Check with the BBB and online reviews posted by former customers. Doing all of this will make sure you make a better decision.
Make sure your HVAC unit is in the shade. This will help you save on your energy bill.
Look for calculators online to help you determine the size of unit you need for your room or home. Look at the manual to determine the manufacturer website for this information.
Ask friends and relations for their HVAC contractor recommendations. People who’ve had great service are normally more than happy to recommend their contractors. This can also a great way to get names of companies that should avoid.
Consumers are usually advised to have their HVAC systems inspected twice a year. Most homeowners choose to have their unit inspected during the spring and the fall months. This helps prepare for the coming weather changes of summer and winter. A quick check is worth it to avoid problems down the road.
Contractors determine their own fee levels, so make sure you get quotes from several contractors before you make any hiring decision. You should save a great deal of money this way. You may want to get quotes from at least a handful of contractors to determine what reasonable rates are.
Are you thinking of getting a HVAC system? You need to take a few things into account. Systems have a rating based on how well the system is able to cool and heat an area. You are better off purchasing a bigger unit rather than purchasing one that is a smaller one.
Have a smart thermostat installed. Such thermostats help you save around ten percent when it comes to energy costs. Some newer programmable thermostats have computerized controls you can access from your personal computer, laptop or mobile media device.
Check for duct leaks if you you feel your existing system is not up to snuff. If you do have leaks that are repaired, the money spent on finding and repairing the leak will pay for itself.
Now that you have finished reading this article, you should know a lot more about the different kinds of HVAC systems. Whether you need repairs on your existing system or need a new one altogether, you should be more aware of what to search for. Refer back to this article as necessary to make sure that you’re on the right track.
If you want your energy costs to go down, have the heating an cooling system you own serviced every year at least. The contractor should oil the parts that move and check the motor and freon levels. This will help keep your system performing at maximum efficiency.