When the HVAC system fails, you may not understand the next steps to take. Keep the situation from being a huge disaster by getting to know the topic. These suggestions will benefit you for years to come.
Before you call someone to help you fix your system, be sure to know what sort of system you have in place. Look for the model and brand number. This will enable you to give your chosen contractor any information they might need.
Fan Blades
To make sure your condenser fan works properly, keep the fan blades and the coils clean. Before you do clean the coils and fan blades, always take the precaution of turning off all power to the unit. Also, it is important to clear the outside condenser unit from any debris that maybe trapped inside.
Be sure to clean the fan blades and coils of the condenser fan. First, turn the power off so nothing moves when you’re working with it. After you have turned the power off, you simply remove the grill and the blades to perform a gentle cleansing.
Try to prevent debris from getting in your HVAC unit. When you see nearby trees shedding their leaves, clean the fan grill on your unit constantly. The fan must stay clear in order to function, and if it gets blocked, you will have to contend with problems.
If the fan condenser on your unit has ports for oil, make sure you lubricate it once a year. These ports are often covered by a rubber or metal cap. Chose SAE 20 oil, which has been proven to be the most effective.
For maximum efficiency, place outdoor units in a shady spot. This will help you save on your energy bill.
Pane Windows
If possible, your single pane windows should be replaced with double-paned ones. Double pane windows will help keep your home cooler in the summer. They help in the winter, too, keeping the heat in.
Equipping your home with a programmable thermostat can be an excellent way to cut utility costs. Programmable thermostats can reduce your power HVAC energy costs by as much as ten percent, just by dialing back your thermostat ten or fifteen percent up to eight daily hours. Some programmable thermostats can even be controlled from a PC or other device.
Keep your air conditioner off when people aren’t home to save you money. The house will heat up when it is turned off, but only a certain amount. Leaving your heating or cooling running full blast while you are away is a waste of money and energy.
Never allow your home to get dangerously hot inside. Air conditioners can cool a home by just twenty degrees in a short time. If the temperature in your home reaches 100 degree Fahrenheit, it will only reduce it to 80 or more. This is not a safe and comfortable temperature for you to sleep in.
Research what size air conditioner you should purchase for the size of your home by using online calculators they have for this purpose. Proper sizing will increase efficiency. Any unit’s manual will be able to give you an accurate idea for the size of the unit versus your home.
Use recommendations when you are looking for a contractor. When people have had great service, they are generally pleased to pass on a good word. This will also help you avoid bad companies.
Ask for quotes from multiple contractors. If you call people before you work on hiring one person, you can save some money overall. You want to call at least a handful of contractors to determine what reasonable rates are.
Check for duct leaks if your unit seems to not be working efficiently. Call your utility company if they are leaking to see about getting a test. You’ll see the test pays for itself once all leaks are fixed.
If you hear a clicking noise coming from your HVAC unit, immediately start looking for any obstructions. Often the problem will be some kind of debris hitting your fans in your cooling system. All you need to do is remove the debris to solve the problem. See if you can do it yourself before getting a professional.
When determining which size of air conditioner to buy, first measure the area which needs to be cooled. Typically, 20 BTUs are required per square foot. If you are cooling more than one room, sum their areas.
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. This is an easy and essential thing to do. A new air filter is only a couple of bucks at your local hardware store.
Choose an HVAC company that is quick and knows what they are doing. Companies that are most reliable stick to the appointment time they give you. Good technicians are also able to diagnose issues quickly. Once the problem is identified, they will also be able to quickly and efficiently resolve it.
Ask any potential contractor about their experience. The best contractor for the job will have ample experience working with HVAC systems similar to the one you are using. Don’t risk the success of your job by taking a chance on someone who may not be able to do it right.
Get references from anyone you are considering hiring. Ask these references if the job was what they expected, if it was done in a timely manner and on budget. This will help you stay away from scam artists, but only if you call those references!
When HVAC fails, everyone feels miserable. However, homeowners can avoid this disaster by having the unit serviced twice a year. The tips found above can assist any homeowner in making smart HVAC decisions.