Anyone who has an HVAC system in their house knows the importance of properly maintaining it. A HVAC system can end up costing the homeowner a lot of money. The article you’re about to read is composed of multiple tips will help you care for your HVAC maintenance and repairs.
If your HVAC system us giving you issues, take a look around the house prior to calling a contractor. Jot down the rooms that are hot and the ones that are cold. Give this information to your contractor when they arrive.
Clean your fan and coils each spring to ensure that your condenser fan operates at it’s best. Clean the outside of your condenser as well.
Clean the debris that accumulates on your condenser units. Debris can pile up at rates that increase during rainy or windy weather, bringing potential damage with it. It could overheat and cause your system to malfunction by overheating.
Know what you need before you hire a contractor. It is going to be hard to get a price estimate on the phone if the current system isn’t something they’ve seen. In addition, you need to be able to tell the contractor what you have already tried. It’s important to know this beforehand.
Turn the power off first so nothing moves. Then, take the grill off, pull the blades out, and begin cleaning the unit and them gently.
Trees Start
If the outside of your home has condenser units, ensure they are constantly cleaned. You don’t know when things are going to pile up, like right after it’s windy or rains, and that can ruin your system. Debris like this can cause it to overheat, which could be detrimental to your system.
Your outdoor HVAC units might suffer when your trees start to lose leaves. Make sure the fan’s grill is cleaned often once nearby trees start shedding their leaves. The fan needs to have an unobstructed path for air to enter the unit, and if it is clogged, then your system could suffer.
Lubricate your condenser at least once each year. You will notice these ports covered with rubber or metal caps. Use SAE 20 oil that is non-detergent and lightweight, detergent-free SAE 20 oil, putting 10 drops in each port.
Cover your unit when you are mowing the lawn. Direct the clippings away from the equipment. This same tip applies when you are blowing fallen leaves around the yard. Grass and leaves pose a serious problem for the internal functioning of your unit.
Have your HVAC system checked twice a year at least yearly. This should be checked often for debris and the spring.
A programmable thermostat is a simple way to help you save money on your air conditioning bill. Some programmable thermostats can even be controlled from a computer.
Some fan condensers may contain oil parts, and if yours does, ensure it is lubricated at least once per year. These ports are often covered by a rubber or metal cap. Use SAE 20 oil that is non-detergent and lightweight, and put 10 drops or fewer in each port, but make sure to avoid overfilling them.
During the service check, the serviceman will inspect the unit’s motor, oil the moving parts and check the freon levels in the system. These simple tasks will help your system running smoothly.
Do not let your home to reach excessive levels of heat during the summer. Air conditioners really can only cool a home down 20 degrees or so within a reasonable time period. If the temperature in your home reaches 100 degree Fahrenheit, you will only be able to cool it down to 80. This is not a healthy environment to live in.
A good place to place your compressor unit outside is in a shady spot. If the unit is taking in cooler air, the efficiency will be boosted since it will not need to work as hard.
Research the companies before hiring them. Check with the BBB and online reviews posted by former customers. This will help you make a smart decision.
Look for air conditioner sizing calculators online to help you determine the size of unit you need for your room or home. Look in the manual to determine the recommended size for air conditioners.
Get your HVAC unit serviced two times per 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. Regular inspection will help you avoid unexpected repairs.
Companies that are well established have a better record than those that can help you decide if they’re worth your money and time. It is always risky to hire a long history.
Ask your friends and family for contractor recommendations. People who’ve had great service are often happy to share the name of their contractor. This will also provide you to figure out some names of businesses that you should avoid at all costs.
It is a good idea to replace single-paned windows with ones that have double panes. Double pane windows will allow you to use less air during the summer because cooler air will stay in your house. Conversely, this also works to keep warm air in during colder months.
Contractors are responsible for their own charges and fees, so make sure that you acquire multiple estimates. You have the potential to save a great deal of money this way. You may want to call at least a handful of contractors to determine what reasonable rates are.
Do you want to find a new cooling and heating system? You should first think about a few important things. Systems get rated according to how large an area they can effectively heat or cool. You are wise to err on the side of a bigger unit rather than a bit too small.
Research multiple contractors before choosing one. A good start would be the BBB to see if there are any complaints, then search online for review sites where you can see what actual customers had to say about their experience. Doing these things beforehand will allow you to make a smart decision.
After reading the above article dedicated to HVAC units, there should be no reason why you can’t keep your system running smoothly well into the future. You don’t want a HVAC system that costs you more money. By using these excellent tips, your HVAC unit will function correctly for many years to come.