When you think about an HVAC system, it may seem complicated at first. It is true that there is a great deal to consider when it comes to this subject. However, there are some basics that will make this topic much easier for you.
Know what you need before you hire a contractor. It will be difficult for an HVAC contractor to provide you with an estimate on the phone without knowing what your current setup is. They need to come look at the unit. Understand this information beforehand.
Outside Condenser
Help the outside condenser fan run efficiently by cleaning the coils and fan blades before the summer starts. Except when you do superficial cleaning, you need to always make sure the power is off on the unit. Additionally, remove leaves and any other debris from the outside condenser unit.
If you have units that are condensers outside of the home, keep them free of debris. Your HVAC system may run into problems after storms if it is surrounded by debris. It could overheat and cause a disaster with your unit.
Clean your condenser’s fan blades and coil in the spring. 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.
If the fan condenser on your unit has ports for oil, make sure you lubricate it once a year. Most of these ports have some sort of protective cap covering them. Put 10 drops of lightweight, non-detergent SAE oil in each port. Be careful not to use too much.
Your HVAC unit requires regular maintenance at least two times per each year. Generally, you want it done in the fall and the spring. Regular inspection will help you avoid unexpected repairs.
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. Having double pane windows allows your air conditioning unit to be run much less during the summer, because the cool air is kept inside the home. This also helps retain heated air during the colder months.
Twenty Degrees
Never allow your home to get dangerously hot inside. Air conditioners can cool a home by just twenty degrees in a short 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 humidity level, this temperature isn’t considered a safe sleeping temperature for the human body to be able to recover from the summer heat.
Shop around before hiring an HVAC contractor. You may also want to check with the BBB for information. Doing this makes it more likely that you choose wisely..
Look for sizing calculators based on the air conditioner you have to figure out how big of a unit you need in your home. If you get a unit that is too large, it will cost a lot in energy costs. Check the manual to see what the manufacturer rates the unit to cool for accurate information.
Before you go out there and hire an HVAC contractor, find out the length of time they’ve been in the industry. Someone that has been in the business for a while probably isn’t going to scam you. If you choose to hire a new contractor, you may be risking things.
Ask for helpful information when you are looking for a HVAC contractor. Those who have had a great experience should have no issue giving you this info. You can also get company names that you should stay away from.
Each contractor establishes his own fees, so before you hire one, obtain a few estimates. Save yourself some money by calling around before you make your final decision. To figure out what a good rate is, speak with about five or six contractors.
Do you need a new HVAC system? You may want to consider the following. HVAC systems have a rating to determine how much space you should use it on. It may be wise to get a unit that is a bit larger than needed. Just don’t get one that is smaller than you need.
You can usually have free duct testing performed if you are concerned about your HVAC system not running properly. You can call in your local utility company to do the testing for you, often for free or at a lower cost than a contractor. If a leak is found, the money spent on finding and repairing the leak will pay for itself.
Understand where the air flows in your home and use that information to determine where to put your AC unit. If it has to be placed in a corner, make sure your unit permits airflow to be redirected.
Always get some references prior to hiring any contractor. It helps to find out whether prior customers were satisfied with their overall experience. Also, it will prevent you from getting robbed.
It is always essential to contact the HVAC contractor’s references. Many people assume that they are legitimate simply because they were offered freely, but that can turn out very badly. It only takes a few minutes out of your busy schedule to check a contractor out, so don’t risk it.
Talk to your contractor about putting in a smart thermostat. This lowers your bills as it constantly adjusts your settings to ensure optimal performance.
Now that you’re done with this article, you know some things about the HVAC that you didn’t know before. It can be difficult to get into this type of thing unless you’re motivated to do well, so use this advice to get you started in the right direction. When things begin to click, you’ll be glad you did.