HVAC tips can seem really complicated to people who don’t have a basic understanding of how the system works. 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.
Be aware of the type of system that is installed in your home prior to calling a contractor to fix it. You need to know who manufactured the product and the item number. Also, get the maintenance records from your files if you have them. Your contractor will appreciate this information.
If your HVAC is giving you problems, tour your home before calling a technician. Figure out which rooms are hot and cold. This can help contractors quickly figure out the issue and how to fix it easily and quickly.
It is important to have some knowledge of your present system and needs before calling a contractor. You might not be able to get a price quote unless you let the contractor see your current system first. In addition, you need to be able to tell the contractor what you have already tried. It’s a good idea to learn this information in advance.
If you have units that are condensers outside of the home, keep them free of debris. After a wind or rain storm things may pile up, causing problems with your system. The whole thing can overheat, causing major problems and possibly an enormous expense for you.
Before you hire an HVAC contractor, have some sort of idea of the work that needs to be done. It’s hard to get an estimate since they haven’t look at your system. Getting an estimate will be even more difficult if you cannot adequately describe the problem. So, have this information ready.
When spring rolls around, give the condenser fan blades and coils a good clean. First, turn off the power so that nothing will move as you are working on it. Then, take the grill off, pull the blades out, and gently clean them as well as the unit itself.
A good place to place your compressor unit outside is in a shady spot. When your unit takes in cool air, it takes less energy to tool the air, thus boosting efficiency.
You should clean your condenser fan’s blades and coils every spring. Before you do so, shut off the power to ensure that none of the parts will move while you work on it. Then, remove the grill, then remove the blades and begin the cleaning process of the blades and the unit.
System Checked
Have the HVAC system checked twice a year at the least. The best time of year to have the system checked is right before the weather begins to change. Whether you know of problems or not, good maintenance will help you to avoid future issues.
A big mistake that people make is cutting the grass next to the outdoor condenser unit and allowing all of the clippings to blow inside the fan and coil. Shoot grass the other way. This also applies to blowing leaves or moving debris. Just be careful with that exterior HVAC unit.
Consider getting a programmable thermostat for your AC. It will help save on your heating and cooling costs by turning itself down at certain times. Additionally, some models of programmable thermostats actually allow you to control them remotely from your office computer or cell phone.
Never let your home reach a dangerously hot temperature. Expect an air conditioning unit to drop the temperature down 20 degrees within a short amount of time. Assuming the temperature in your home rises to a hundred degrees, you will only be able to reduce that by twenty degrees. Depending on the levels of humidity, that is not a safe temperature when it comes to sleeping or escaping from the heat of summer.
If there are oil ports on your fan condenser, lubricate it annually. These are usually covered with rubber or metal caps. Look for an oil that is lightweight and then put about 10 drops inside the port. You don’t want to put in too much.
If you want to ensure you choose a trustworthy HVAC contractor, invest a little time in researching a few different companies, checking out their reputations. 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 all of this will make sure you hire the best company for your HVAC needs.
There are plenty of online tools, such as sizing calculators, which can help you find the best unit to cool your home. If you buy something too large it won’t be efficient as it cools the same. Look in the manual or on the manufacturer website for this information.
If the current location of your HVAC unit outside isn’t working, try having it moved to an area with more shade. This will help ensure that the AC is pulling in cooler air, reducing the amount of work it has to do and saving you money.
The above article has given you some HVAC knowledge. Sometimes it can be difficult if you are not motivated to learn, so you have to keep that in mind. When things begin working out for you, you will be pleased you did so.