One of the best ways to keep your home’s temperature comfortable is with the help of an HVAC unit. Many houses come with them, but they do need to be replaced from time to time. It is important to know what you want in an HVAC unit and also how to keep it maintained. Below are some great tips for you to consider!
Before you choose an HVAC contractor, have an idea in your mind of what needs to be done. A contractor will not be able to give you an accurate price without accurate information about your system. If you don’t have any idea, they will have trouble giving you any sort of quote. Learn this information to start with.
If you are having issues with your HVAC, do a tour of your house before you call in help. Jot down the rooms that are hot and the ones that are cold. That will help your repairman figure out where the problem is, and how he can fix it easily and quickly.
Before the summer you should clean out your condenser fan’s blades and coils. Always turn the unit off before you do anything to it, including leaning. The outside condenser unit should be kept free of leaves and other debris.
Cleaning the blades and coils will help the system run better. Before you clean the unit, be sure to turn off the power. Take away all of the debris as well.
Do not allow grass clippings to cover the outdoor unit of your HVAC system. Try shooting the clippings away from it. This includes grass clippings and leaves.
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. The fan must stay clear in order to function, and if it gets blocked, you will have to contend with problems.
As the leaves are falling off the trees, your HVAC system can really take a hit. Make certain you are cleaning the fan grill often if trees nearby have leaves that are falling. The fan needs to be able to get proper air inside without any blockages, and extra blockage can later develop into more serious problems.
Some fan condensers may contain oil parts, and if yours does, ensure it is lubricated at least once per year. A rubber or metal cap is typically placed over such ports. Use a lightweight, detergent-free SAE 20 oil, putting 10 drops in each port.
If you want things to be more efficient, get new units outside or have your current one moved into the shade. The unit will have to do less work cooling this air.
Look for shade when placing a compressor outdoors. 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.
Turn off outdoor condenser units when weather turns cold. If the temperature outside is less than 60ºF, be sure to turn off the unit so that you don’t damage it. Your system will work longer for you this way.
Check your unit at least twice each year. The spring and autumn times are the best time to have it checked. Whether you know of problems or not, good maintenance will help you to avoid future issues.
If you can, use double-paned windows instead of single-paned ones. To keep your home cool, investing in double pane windows is a must. When it is cold in the winter months, these same windows will keep the warm air inside as well.
When it gets cold outside, the outdoor condenser unit should be turned off. When the temperature drops beneath 60 degrees, it’s time to cut off the unit to prevent damage. This will help keep it in good condition for many years.
If there isn’t anyone at home, then there’s no need for the AC unit to be running and wasting electricity. You don’t need to keep the house cool if you aren’t there. If it’s left on all day, it will fight the heat all day, which uses quite a bit of electricity.
Double pane your windows to prevent drafts. They help cool air remain inside your home, effectively cutting back on how much you have to run your air conditioner. This will help you save a lot of money.
Put a bit of time into researching various HVAC specialists; you’re more likely to choose the right one for the job. You may also want to check with the BBB for information. These steps can help ensure you make the smartest and most informed choice.
If nobody is home, turn off the AC. The house will heat up when it is turned off, but only a certain amount. Leaving it on for the entire day means that it is struggling to keep things cool, something that takes lots of energy.
Ask people that you know and trust for contractor recommendations. Someone who has used a contractor in the past is generally willing to let you know what they thought about it. This will also help you avoid bad companies.
Always take the time to check out the reputation of any HVAC contractor before you consider hiring them. The BBB is always great when you are looking for references or online reviews. In this way, you can be more sure of getting a good HVAC company.
If you need recommendations for an HVAC contractor, check online. There are different sites that let customers share experiences of different services. This method provides you with all the information you need to make the best hiring decisions.
Did you know an AC unit can freeze? There are sometimes also freezes that happen in a drain line, and this can be confused for a plumbing leak. Turn your unit to the fan setting to turn off the compressor. This problem will need to be handled by a professional, even though the fan will probably help with the ice situation.
Check for duct leaks if your unit seems to not be working efficiently. Call local utility companies to test it for you since many do it for a small fee or even free, which is lower than HVAC contractors. Paying for the test is fine as repairing the leaks will pay for itself quickly.
Track Record
You need to check your windows and outside doors to make certain your HVAC runs well. Be sure that they seal tightly so that no interior air seeps out or exterior air gets inside. You can also hire someone to test them.
Make certain the HVAC company you choose has a proven track record. Companies that are established have been proven, and you can use their track record to to determine if they provide good service. Working with someone that does not yet have a reputation in the business is a bit riskier.
Be sure to replace your HVAC air filters every month. This is the easiest step to take to ensure that your unit remains in good operating condition. Filters only cost a couple of dollars, which is not that much.
Contractors determine their own fee levels, so make sure to get multiple quotes. You will be likely to save some cash if you take the time to call around before you decide. Contact a minimum of five contractors so you can determine realistically what the price will be.
Think about which way the air flows when installing a air conditioner. If you can only put the unit in the corner, get a unit that lets you direct air flow away from any walls.
Your HVAC system can run more efficiently if your attic has a radiant barrier. It will serve as a barrier between your home and the outside. It can even make your attic a livable space.
Ask any contractor you’re thinking of hiring for references. Talk to those references to find out if they were pleased with the service they received. This will allow you to stay away from people that will scam you, but only if you’re calling references.
Have you been thinking about buying a new HVAC system? There are things you must consider first. For example, the ratings on most systems describe how much space they can work to cool or heat. If you are debating the size of the unit, always get one that is just a little bigger rather than one that is a little too small.
Ideally, your contractor should have emergency services available. Whether a hurricane just blew through or it’s the hottest day of the year, they need to be able to come and fix your system.
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. If there is less heat in the home from sunlight, then the HVAC will require less work to actually cool the home.
Ensure that you have a written contract of the work to be completed. Some contractors will attempt to overcharge you after the work is complete for fuel or extra material. Contracts will avoid these issues.
If your HVAC system is producing any type of clicking sounds, there may be something obstructing it. A small amount of debris is often the cause of this problem. Removing the debris solves the issue. Check it out before spending on a contractor.
Place a cover around your condenser in the winter months. This helps the condenser last longer if it is protected when not in use. However, if the temperature manages to drop beneath 60 degrees Fahrenheit, then you should cease use of the condenser all together. Switch on the fan instead and do not put strain on the unit.
Your HVAC system will be more efficient if your doors and windows are efficient as well. Your windows and doors should all be tightly sealed. Double pane windows are a great idea. Ask a contractor to test them for you.
It is always essential to contact the HVAC contractor’s references. Sometimes people assume the legitimacy of references because the contractor offered them, but this can be a mistake. This will not take a lot of your time.
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. Filters only cost a couple of dollars, which is not that much.
Did your contractor calculate your heat-loss ratio before giving you their quote? This will help determine the amount of BTUs you will need in your new system in order to keep the temperature in your home comfortable. Windows and doors need to be inspected for drafts, insulation checked for efficiency and the interior dimensions of the house should also be considered.
Flow Direction
Did you know that nearly 70 percent of all homes experience ducts with leaks? These can add up to a quarter of the utility costs you have. Sealing your ducts is both easy and cheap, and it is something you can do yourself, saving you money on your utility bills every year from then on.
Think about the air flow direction of your A/C when figuring out where to put it. If you can only put it into a corner, try buying a unit that lets you change its air flow direction away from your wall.
Use a contractor that makes use of Energy Star products. When a product line carries the famous ENERGY STAR logo it has met the difficult standards and guidelines that the EPA has set forth. That means they’ll save you a ton on your utility bills.
HVAC systems are important investments, since they make your home much more comfortable. If you ever do need to look into a new HVAC system, remember the tips that you read here. They will aid you in making wise decisions in all things HVAC.
Protect the condenser unit when it gets cold. Use a thick cover. Don’t use the unit if the outside temperature drops below 60 degrees because systems are not effective below that temperature.
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