It can be difficult for many homeowners to understand where to turn when their heating or cooling system isn’t working properly. To prevent the situation from becoming disastrous, it is best for any homeowner to get acquainted with this topic. The thrust of this article is to assist homeowners in getting the help that they need.
Clean any debris that accumulates on your condenser unit. Debris can pile up at rates that increase during rainy or windy weather, bringing potential damage with it. It can also cause the unit to overheat and break down.
Turn the power off first so you don’t get hurt or break something. Next, pop the grill off, pull out the blades and start cleaning them and the unit itself off gently.
Don’t get grass clippings on your outdoor condenser. Aim the grass cuttings in a different direction away from the unit. This also applies when you are taking care of the leaves in debris.
Your HVAC unit may suffer when trees lose leaves. Make sure the unit’s fan grill is cleaned frequently when the fall. The fan must not have anything in the way so that air can flow into it, and if it is clogged, you will end up with many headaches with the unit.
Put your outdoor condensers in places with shade.
It is a good idea to replace single-paned windows with ones that have double pane ones. This same effect also keeps warm air during the winter months.
Research and check the companies that you consider using. Check with the BBB and online reviews of potential companies online. These steps will help to ensure your decision is a better decision.
Air conditioners sometimes ice up at times. The drain line may also freeze over. If this is something you notice, disable the compressor by turning your thermostat to the fan only setting. If the issue persists, call a professional.
Companies that are well established have a better record than those that haven’t been. Hiring a newer contractor means taking a considerable risk.
Ask friends and trust for contractor recommendations. People who’ve had great service are normally more than happy to recommend their contractors. This can also help you with good information on which contractors you should avoid at all costs.
Contractors are responsible for their own charges and fees, so make sure that you acquire multiple estimates. You will be likely to save a lot of cash if you take the time to call around before you decide. You want to call at least a handful of contractors to find out what price you can reasonably expect to pay.
Check the ducts to find any leaks if your unit seems to not be working efficiently. If you do have leaks that are repaired, you’ll find that fixed leaks are worth the money.
If you hear a clicking noise coming from your HVAC unit, look for blockages right away. Often it is being caused by debris that’s hitting the fans in the cooling system. Check it out before calling a contractor.
Make sure they have tight seals to keep air inside. A professional can also test these for you for free.
Measure the area you wish to cool before going air conditioner shopping. You will need 20 BTU per square foot of the room. If you have a lot of rooms to keep cool, sum their areas.
If you’re stuck with putting it in a corner, make certain that the air does not point towards a wall.
Always make sure to get references prior to hiring any contractor.
Any HVAC contractor or installer should have an emergency hotline. They should be there when you need them, whether during a heatwave or a terrible snowstorm.
Cover your condenser unit for protection in the weather becomes less than optimal. This will help it last longer when it is not in use. Use the fan instead to avoid putting strain on the unit.
Always check out any references provided to you by an HVAC contractor.
This will tell you the number of BTUs your system requires to keep the environment of your home comfortable.
It is common knowledge that having a home’s cooling or heating system fail in the middle of a heat wave or in the chilly grip of winter can cause a real headache for homeowners. However, had you known what you know now, you could have likely avoided the problem all together. The tips you learned here can help homeowners make informed decisions regarding their HVAC systems.