All The Help You Need To Maximize HVAC Success
The heating and cooling systems of your home are very important. Due to this, your HVAC must remain in working order. Miserable living conditions and expensive repairs are sure to result if you fail to maintain it properly. Below are many helpful tips that show you how to keep your HVAC humming along in proper working order.
Before making that repair phone call, make sure you know the specifics about your particular system. Learn the brand and the model. If you have to have someone come out to repair the unit, you will be able to help the contractor understand more about what is going on.
If your HVAC is running into problems, check out each room in your house before calling for assistance. Know what part of the house is cold and which is hot. Doing so can help your technician fix your HVAC issue quickly.
When you call an HVAC system for help, you need to be aware of what you need them to do before calling. This will make the quote process much easier. They also won't be able to offer you a quote if they don't have a detailed idea of what you want done. So be aware of this information ahead of time.
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. Make certain the debris goes away from it. If you're blowing leaves, this same problem can occur, so make sure you move around the unit and blow the leaves away from it.
Lubricate your condenser yearly if it has oil ports. You can easily find the ports as they have a rubber or metal cap. You should select an SAE 20 oil since it is lightweight and does not contain detergent. Be sure to use just 10 drops or so, or your system may overfill.
It's a good idea to put your outdoor compressor in a shady area. If your unit is sucking in cooler air, it will have less work to do to cool that air as it sends it inside which boosts efficiency.
Put your outdoor unit in places with shade. The air in the shade is cooler and can help save on energy costs.
When the weather starts to cool down, make sure you turn off outdoor condenser units. This means that you should turn it off to prevent damage if the weather falls under 60 degrees Farenheit. This will maximize the life of your unit.
If you are a homeowner, or if you can get permission from your landlord, install double-paned windows in place of any single panes in your home. Good double pane windows keep cool air in during the summer and minimize your utility expenses. It keeps heat in during the winter, too.
A programmable thermostat can help you save money on your air conditioning bill. With this device installed, it can help you save money on your energy bills by you having the power to regulate the temperature throughout the day. Some of these thermostats can even be controlled from your smart phone or computer.
Don't ever let your home temperature get dangerously high. Your average AC unit can only reduce the temperature in your home by about 20 degrees in a normal span of time. If your home gets above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, you'll only cool down to still above 80. This can still be way too warm for you.
Always take the time to check out the reputation of any HVAC contractor before you consider hiring them. Checking with the BBB is a good idea, and so is checking online reviews to see the experiences that other customers have had with a company. It would be wise of you to take these steps.
To know how large of an air conditioner you need, look for a calculator online. Buying a unit which is too big reduces efficiency. Use the manual to determine what size is right for you.
Get a handful of quotes before accepting any. Save yourself some money by calling around before you make your final decision. Get in touch with more than a few contractors to best understand the going rate.
A radiant barrier is something that you may want to consider. It blocks heat from the inside out, lowering the amount of energy needed to cool your home in the summer. You could even use your attic as part of your living space if it is done right.
Be sure to test for leaks in the ducts if your system seems inefficient. Call your utility company if they are leaking to see about getting a test. When you have leaks repaired, the testing has paid for itself.
If the HVAC unit makes a clicking noise, look immediately to see if there is an obstruction. Frequently the cause is some kind of debris that is making contact with the cooling system of the fan. Removing the debris will quickly fix the issue. Take a look before calling a service technician.
To gain maximum HVAC efficiency, you need efficient windows and doors too. Each of these should have an airtight seal on them. A professional can easily have this tested for you, and oftentimes, this service is free.
The very least you should be doing to care for your HVAC system is making sure to change out the old filter, and replacing it with a new one every single month. That's the easiest thing to do so your unit continues running in good shape. They are very inexpensive and well worth the time and money to replace.
Pick a contractor who gets back to you quickly and understands the job. The most reliable companies make sure their technicians stay on schedule and keep appointments. An experienced person will quickly know what is going on with your unit. Once the problem is identified, fixing it should be quick and easy.
Now you will be able to take good care of your HVAC system. Do not allow it to fail on you when you do not pay attention to maintaining it regularly. Prevent your home's temperature from getting uncomfortable by using this advice.
