Many people don’t think about their HVAC until it’s too late. Of course then it becomes extremely important to fix. It can be difficult to find the right person to fix or install your HVAC system. The information below will help you with this process.
It is important to have some knowledge of your present system and needs before calling a contractor. It will be hard for a contractor to give you a price estimate over the phone if they have not seen your current system. If you can’t explain anything to them, this will be even more difficult. Thus, it is worthwhile to have this knowledge ahead of time.
When you are cutting the grass, be sure not to cover your outdoor units with clippings. Instead, make sure that the grass is shooting in the opposite direction. When blowing leaves, do the same. Always take care when passing your HVAC units while moving leaves, grass or other debris.
Leaves and debris can damage your system. Cleaning your unit is very important for its effectiveness. You can head off future problems that can be caused by blockages by making sure there is a free flow of air to your fan.
If you have a fan condenser with oil ports, it needs to be lubricated every year. These ports are typically covered with caps made of metal or rubber. Use a lightweight oil and do not overfill them.
It’s a good idea to put your outdoor compressor in a shady area. 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.
Your HVAC system should be checked a few times a year. Most homeowners choose to have their unit inspected during the spring and the fall months. This helps prepare for the coming weather changes of summer and winter. Regular inspection will help you avoid unexpected repairs.
When colder weather arrives, switch off all outdoor condenser units. To avoid damage, units should be turned off when temperatures are below 60 degrees. Doing this keeps your system working well for years and saves you from having to spend money to repair it.
Regularly having your HVAC system serviced can help keep your heating and cooling bills down. During service the technician will check the motor and refill the system fluids. These few simple things will help your system to run at its peak performance.
Turn your AC off if no one is at home. You may want to turn your unit off if your house will not become extremely hot or cold. If will be constantly fighting the heat and using lots of electricity if it is left on all day.
Avoid allowing your home to ever get exceedingly hot. Air conditioners can only really cool your home down 20 degrees or so within a reasonable time period. If your home become 100F or more, it will only cool off to about 80F. Depending on the levels of humidity, that is not a safe temperature when it comes to sleeping or escaping from the heat of summer.
There are sizing calculators available to determine the proper sized system for your home. Proper sizing will increase efficiency. You can also check the owner’s manual to find specific numbers provided for the manufacturer. These numbers indicate the particular unit to cool a particular area.
How long has the contractor been in business? The older they are, the more likely it will be for you to find out their history, which will help you gauge their quality. Hiring a newer contractor may be taking a considerable risk.
In order for your HVAC system to run more efficiently, think about putting a radiant barrier in your attic. It will block the heat and lower the energy necessary to keep your home cool in the summertime. If this is installed correctly, it will give you the ability to actually use your attic as extra space to live in.
Do you need a new HVAC system? Many considerations must be scrutinized. Systems get rated according to how large an area they can effectively cool and heat. It’s a good idea to buy something that’s larger than you’d need instead of getting something that’s not big enough.
To increase the efficiency of your HVAC unit, determine the direction that your home faces. Trees in certain areas can provide shade, which means your house will stay cooler. Anything that provides shade from direct sunlight can reduce the temperature inside your home and help reduce your energy bill for air conditioning during warm months.
You have now increased your knowledge regarding HVAC systems. If your existing system needs to be replaced or repaired, you now know what to avoid and what you should look for. These tips will help you through it all.