The way your home is heated and cooling it. That means your HVAC system healthy. If you’re not able to take care of it, then your repair costs can mount while your living conditions deteriorate. Here are some suggestions to help you started.
Before you start calling to find someone to fix your unit, make sure you know the type of system that is installed. Learn the brand and the model. This will facilitate the process when your contractor asks for this information.
If you are having issues with your HVAC, check things out yourself prior to calling in a technician. This will help the contractor determine what the problem is and how to fix it.
Turn it off first so nothing moves. Then, pop off its grills, pull the blades out, and gently clean them as well as the unit itself.
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. In addition, always remove all debris such as leaves from the outside condenser unit.
Don’t get grass clippings pile up against your outside unit. Aim the grass in a direction away from your unit. This also applies to leaf blowing and any other yard work that results in the yard.
10 Drops
Make sure clippings don’t get on your outdoor units when your mowing your lawn. Instead, make sure that the grass is shooting in the opposite direction. Be just as mindful when you blow leaves to not blow them toward your HVAC equipment.
Lubricate your condenser once a year. You can find these ports have a rubber or metal cap covering them. 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.
Put outdoor units in places with shade.
If at all possible, install double-paned windows in your home instead of those with a single pane. Double pane windows help minimize your air conditioning use in the summer by keeping the cooler air inside your home. It keeps heat in during the winter, too.
Have your HVAC serviced twice per year. This should be done in the fall and malfunctions.
Turn off any outdoor condenser units when the weather turns cold. This should be done when the weather falls under 60 degrees Farenheit.This can keep your system running efficiently for years to come.
Avoid allowing your home to ever get exceedingly hot. AC units will only cool a house down 20 degrees. So, if you house heats up to about 95, you won’t see the temperature go below 75 for a while. This won’t be a healthy environment to live in.
A programmable thermostat is a simple way to help you save money on your air conditioning costs. Some programmable thermostats can even be controlled from a computer.
Air conditioners tend to ice up.The drain line might also freeze up.If this happens, disable the compressor by turning your thermostat to the fan only setting. You can call a HVAC professional, but switching to the fan setting should start to melt the ice.
AC units will tend to get ice on them due to the cold. Freezes also occur in your drain line. These freezes are easily confused as leaks to the untrained eye. If this happens, turn the thermostat so it is on fan only mode, which will disable the compressor. The ice will melt. You will likely need professional help to stop the problem.
Companies with proven track record that you can use to decide if they are worth the time and money. Hiring a newer contractor comes with an element of risk.
Ask people that you know and family for their HVAC contractor recommendations. People who have had a good experience are usually more than willing to share the name of their contractor. This can also provide you learn the names of those companies that you should avoid.
Prior to hiring any HVAC contractor, you should ask how long their business has operated. A company that has been in business for a long time will have a solid track record, and you can use this to figure out if you should spend your money with them. Hiring a new contractor means taking a bigger risk.
Contractors are responsible for their own charges and fees, so make sure that you acquire multiple estimates. You can save some cash if you take the time to call around before you decide. You want to call at least a handful of contractors to determine what price you can reasonably expect to pay.
Are you looking at purchasing a new HVAC system? You need to think about several things. 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 unit rather than purchasing one that is a bit too small.
Each contractor will have their own fee schedule, so make sure you get several different quotes before you hire anybody. You will be likely to save some cash if you take the time to call around before you decide. You should try to contact 5 to 6 contractors to find out what price you can reasonably expect to pay.
Make certain they are tightly sealed so air inside. You can get these tested at little to no charge by a professional to test them all for you and often this testing is free.
Now you know what you have to do to keep your home HVAC system healthy. Avoid letting it fail by regularly maintaining the system. Use the above tips to make sure it keeps working properly.
To gain maximum HVAC efficiency, you need efficient windows and doors too. All should be tightly sealed with no air getting inside or out. You can get these tested at little to no charge by a professional.