Your home is only enjoyable when it’s comfortable. To ensure that this continues to happen, it’s important to care for the system properly. Homeowners who don’t care for their HVAC system soon regret their choice when negligence turns simple maintenance into expensive repairs. Here are some suggestions to help you out.
If your HVAC is giving you problems, tour your home before calling a technician. Make a list of the temperatures in each room and whether they are hot or cold. This can help contractors quickly figure out the issue and how to fix it easily and quickly.
Be sure to clean external condenser units regularly. The dirt could pile up and harm your system. This can lead to overheating.
Before selecting a HVAC repairman, know what you need done. If you can’t describe the problem, you may not get an accurate quote. If you are unable to explain the work that needs to be taken care of, the conversation will be even less fruitful. So, you should know this beforehand.
Each spring it’s time to clean the inside of your condenser unit, including the fan and the sensitive coil. Be sure to turn the power off first; you don’t want anything to move. Then, take off the grill and get the blades out. Clean everything with care.
To make sure your condenser fan works properly, keep the fan blades and the coils clean. The power to the unit should be removed before you begin any maintenance, even cleaning. Remove leaves and debris from the outdoor unit.
Make sure that you do not cover your outdoor components with grass clippings when you are trimming the grass. Aim the grass in a different direction from the unit. The same thing should go on when you blow leaves, so take your time when you’re working around HVAC units that are around when you’re blowing debris around.
Be sure to regularly clean debris from external condenser units. Things tend to pile up around these units, especially after storms come through, which could cause problems to your system. If you do not, the unit may get too hot and cause additional problems.
Leaves Begin
When you are cutting the grass, be sure not to cover your outdoor units with clippings. Aim the grass clippings in the other direction. Do the same when blowing snow or leaves.
The operation of your HVAC system can be in danger when the tree leaves begin to fall. Make sure the unit’s fan grill is cleaned frequently when the leaves begin to fall. The fan needs unobstructed air flow, and if debris is blocking this air flow, then your system could suffer.
When selecting the spot to put the outdoor compressor for your unit, choose somewhere that gets plenty of shade. When it draws in air for cooling, it will be more efficient because it will not need to work as hard to cool down the air.
Lubricate your fan condenser at least once a year. You’ll see that the ports here are closed with a rubber or metal cap. Pick out a SAE 20 type of oil because it has no detergent, is lightweight, and you should put around 10 drops in the ports but make it to where they don’t get too full.
As the temperature outside drops, remember to turn off your outdoor condenser unit. To prevent damage, turn off your unit if the outside temperature is less than 60 degrees. Your system will work longer for you this way.
Try to choose a shady place to locate the outdoor compressor device. The cooler air entering the unit will require less work to get to the proper temperature.
Save energy use and money by turning off the air conditioner if there is nobody home. When you turn the air conditioner off, the house may heat up a little but only a certain amount. If will be constantly fighting the heat and using lots of electricity if it is left on all day.
Make sure your HVAC unit is in the shade. If your air conditioner is able to constantly suck in cool air, it won’t have to work overtime to cool your space, which can in turn save you money on your electricity bills.
Don’t let your home get too hot. Air conditioners only cool down a home by 20 degrees. If your home become 100F or more, it will only cool off to about 80F. This is not a safe and comfortable temperature for you to sleep in.
Turn off your outdoor condenser when it’s getting cold. Avoid damaging the unit by turning it off when the outdoor temperature drops below 60 degrees. This can ensure your unit is working well throughout the years without the cost of repairs.
Use online AC sizing calculators to figure out what size unit you need. Buying a unit which is too big reduces efficiency. Always look through the manual as well.
If you own your own home or have permission from your landlord, replace your single pane windows with double paned versions. You can reduce your energy costs from energy leaking out through your windows by installing window that are double-paned. Conversely, they keep warm air in during the winter.
How long has the contractor been in business? You are more likely to get good service this way. You will be taking a risk if you hire a newer contractor.
You should have your HVAC system inspected at least once, but preferably twice, per year. During the service check, the system motor will be inspected, the moving parts will be oiled and the freon levels will be checked Those things are going to help your system at peak performance.
Contractors charge different rates, so make sure that you acquire multiple estimates. Save yourself some money by calling around before you make your final decision. You should try to contact 5 to 6 contractors to find out what price you can reasonably expect to pay.
Turn your AC off if no one is at home. The house will heat up when it is turned off, but only a certain amount. Leaving the system on all day will cost a lot of money in terms of electricity.
A radiant barrier is an awesome device which will help improve the efficiency of your HVAC unit. It will serve as a barrier between your home and the outside. You might even be able to start living in your attic.
Spend some time on researching for reliable HVAC companies to ensure that they have a good reputation. The BBB is always great when you are looking for references or online reviews. These steps can help ensure you make the smartest and most informed choice.
If you HVAC unit is clicking, immediately check for any type of obstruction. Often it is being caused by debris hitting fans in your cooling system. That is a simple solution; just take the debris out. See if you can do it yourself before getting a professional.
Look for calculators online to help you determine the size of unit you need for your home. Buying one that’s too large will not cool that well. Check your manual to figure out what the rating is from the manufacturer to be sure you’re getting the right information.
Your HVAC system will be more efficient if your doors and windows are efficient as well. Your windows and doors should be able to stay tightly sealed so air doesn’t get in or out. A professional can sometimes test these for you for free.
Use an HVAC company that has been in business for a while. 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 contractor who is just starting out can be risky.
Replace the air filter as often as possible. This is the easiest step to take to ensure that your unit remains in good operating condition. Many chain stores sell filters for under $5.00, and that low price is worth it.
Ask for quotes from multiple contractors. You have the potential to save a great deal of money if you make several calls prior to reaching a final decision. You may want to get quotes from at least five contractors in order to know what you should be paying.
Make sure to get references when hiring your contractor. Check to see what other customers have experienced with them. The references will help you avoid wasting your money on someone that is not professional.
Hopefully, this article has helped you understand more about your HVAC system. Do not let neglect cause major issues. These tips will help you keep your unit maintained and should help you if you ever need it replaced as well.
Only hire someone to help you with an HVAC system if there is a 24 hour line you can call when you have problems. Particularly if you have a family, you may need service at odd hours or on weekends.
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