You might believe that HVAC is a very complicated topic. There is some truth to the idea that HVAC systems are complicated. However, there is much information available that can help make this topic easier to understand.
Think about what improvements you want made before picking an HVAC contractor. Discussing the problem is simplified if you understand what has happened with the unit. If you are unable to explain the work that needs to be taken care of, the conversation will be even less fruitful. It’s a good idea to learn this information in advance.
Before you contact people to assist you in getting your system fixed, know what kind of system you’re working with in the first place. Write down the make, model, and any maintenance history. This makes sure your contractor will be sufficiently prepared.
Help the outside condenser fan run efficiently by cleaning the coils and fan blades before the summer starts. Before you clean the unit, be sure to turn off the power. Also, be sure to clear leaves and debris from your condenser unit.
Clean the debris on your condenser units. Debris can pile up at rates that increase during rainy or windy weather, and this can foul up the inner workings of your system. Debris like this can cause it to overheat, which could be detrimental to your system.
If you have some problems with the HVAC system, check out your home before calling a contractor. Note which of your rooms are hot and which are cold. Taking this step aids a contractor in figuring out what the problem is and how to repair it as quickly as possible.
Each spring, clean the fan blades and coils on your condenser. Turn the power off so nothing moves. Pull out each of the blades and clean them one by one.
Grass Clippings
Understand what you want before talking to a contractor. You can’t get a decent estimate over a telephone, so disregard those numbers and wait until they view your system. If you are unable to explain the work that needs to be taken care of, the conversation will be even less fruitful. Know the right information ahead of time.
Avoid showering your outdoor unit with grass clippings when you mow the lawn. Make certain the debris goes away from it. This includes grass clippings and leaves.
Turn off your outdoor condenser when it’s getting cold. This should be done when the temperature drops below 60ºF to avoid damage. This will maximize the life of your unit.
Clean the coils of your condenser fan each month. Always turn the unit off before you do anything to it, including leaning. Also, make sure you remove any debris or leaves from the condenser unit outside.
If at all possible, install double-paned windows in your home instead of those with a single pane. You can reduce your energy costs from energy leaking out through your windows by installing window that are double-paned. It also facilitates heat retention in winter.
Having a programmable thermostat installed is a money saving idea. A thermostat that’s programmable is going to save you around ten percent on the heating and cooling costs you have to pay when you turn it back about fifteen percent for a part of the day. Some of these thermostats can even be controlled from your smart phone or computer.
Make sure that you regularly clean debris that might build up on external condenser units. Debris can pile up at rates that increase during rainy or windy weather, and this can foul up the inner workings of your system. It can cause the unit to overheat and break down.
Service your HVAC unit at least one time a year. The motor should be checked, the parts oiled and the freon levels inspected. This will keep you energy efficient and comfortable.
It is possible for air conditioners to ice over. Drain lines can also suffer an occasional freeze, and these are sometimes mistaken for plumbing leak issues. If this happens, disable the compressor by switching the thermostat to run the fan only. The fan setting can help melt some of the ice, but you should still call a professional to check your unit out.
Find a place that is shaded for your compressor. If the unit is taking in cooler air, the efficiency will be boosted since it will not need to work as hard.
Use an HVAC company that has been in business for a while. The older they are, the more likely it will be for you to find out their history, which will help you gauge their quality. New companies are just too risky.
If you need a HVAC contractor, try and get recommendations from family and friends. People usually love to boast about the wonderful work they have had done, so you should be given great leads to follow. This will also help you avoid scammers.
Once it grows cold outside, turn off your outside condenser unit. If the temperature outside is less than 60ºF, be sure to turn off the unit so that you don’t damage it. This will ensure your system stays in good working order every year, saving you money on costly repairs.
Online reviews are a great source of information about HVAC contractors. There are plenty of websites online that offer reviews and referrals for HVAC repair and other important service. This will be an excellent way to locate people you should work with and people that may not work well with you.
This article’s aim was to help you learn and get familiar with information regarding the HVAC system. You can start getting the most out of your unit by choosing to follow the great advice outlined in this article. When things begin working out for you, you will be pleased you did so.
If possible, your single pane windows should be replaced with double-paned ones. You can reduce your energy costs from energy leaking out through your windows by installing window that are double-paned. This will help you save a lot of money.