Anyone that has an HVAC system in their home knows how it important it is to have it properly maintained. An HVAC unit that runs poorly will only end up costing you money on pricey repairs. To help you understand how to keep your HVAC in good working condition, the article below has many good ideas and solid tips, so keep reading!
If you have some problems with the HVAC system, check out your home before calling a contractor. Jot down the rooms that are hot and the ones that are cold. This will help the repairman determine what the problem is.
Before you ever begin looking for an HVAC contractor, first consider the entire job that you’ll need completed. A contractor will be hard pressed to provide you with an over-the-phone estimate if unfamiliar with your system. If you can’t explain changes you’ve made, the process will be even more difficult. Know this stuff ahead of time.
Clean the debris from outside units often. After a wind or rain storm things may pile up, causing problems with your HVAC system. The whole thing can overheat, causing major problems and possibly an enormous expense for you.
Your HVAC unit may suffer when trees start to lose their leaves. When you notice your trees shedding, frequently clean your unit’s fan grill. A blocked unit can quickly become a broken unit.
If your fan condenser has oil ports, you must lubricate it once per year. You can easily find the ports as they have a rubber or metal cap. Use SAE 20 oil that is non-detergent and lightweight, and put 10 drops or fewer in each port, but make sure to avoid overfilling them.
To boost the efficiency of your HVAC system, you should put your unit in a shady place. The unit will have to do less work cooling this air.
Turn off your outdoor condenser when it becomes cold out. If the outside temp is under 60 degrees, turn the unit off to prevent damage. This will help keep it in good condition for many years.
If you own your own home or have permission from your landlord, replace your single pane windows with double paned versions. During the summer, the use of double-pane windows will help keep the cool air locked inside of the home. Conversely, this also works to keep warm air in during colder months.
One great way to save some cash when you’re working on keeping a home cool is to install a thermostat that’s programmable. This will help you to keep the temperature at optimal levels. Additionally, some programmable thermostats can be controlled remotely using a web-connected device.
Occasionally, air conditioners ice up. The drain line can freeze, making you think it’s a plumbing leak. If this is something that’s happening to you, change the setting on your thermostat to the fan setting and this will disable the compressor. If the issue persists, call in help.
Hopefully, you have gained a solid understanding of what needs to be done to keep your system in check. Avoid costly repairs and downtime with proper maintenance. As a homeowner, proper HVAC system maintenance should help you save money.