Many folks don’t know how to properly maintain an HVAC system, even though it is a critical component of their home. Learning the ins and outs of choosing an HVAC professional to maintain or repair services is a smart homeowner. This article can help you with some guidance.
Know what work you need before you select an HVAC contractor.It will be hard for an HVAC contractor to give you with an estimate on the phone without knowing what your current setup is. It will be more hard if you can’t figure out what they need to do.
Clean the debris that accumulates on your condenser unit. You don’t know when things are going to pile up, especially after a windy or rainy storm, and that can ruin your system. It can cause a disaster with your system to malfunction by overheating.
Turn it off first so nothing moves. Next, pop the grill off, pull out the blades and start cleaning them and the unit itself off gently.
Don’t let grass clippings on your outdoor condenser.Aim your grass cuttings in a different direction away from the unit. This applies to leaf blowing and any other yard work that results in debris.
10 Drops
Lubricate your condenser at least once a year. You can easily find these ports as they have a rubber or metal caps. Use SAE 20 oil that is non-detergent and lightweight, and put 10 drops or fewer in each port, putting 10 drops in each port.
Research and check the reputation of companies that you consider using. Check with the BBB and online reviews of potential companies online. Doing all of this makes it more likely that you choose wisely..
Companies that are around awhile have a better record than those that can help you decide if they’re worth your money and time. Hiring a new contractor may be taking a bigger risk.
Ask your friends and trust for contractor recommendations. People that have gotten great work done in the past generally love to share this information. This will also be used to see who you should avoid.
There are a lot of sites these days that give people the opportunity to leave comments about their experiences with contractors. This will be an excellent way to locate people you find a top notch professional.
Are you thinking about having a new heating/cooling system? You need to think about several things. Systems are given ratings by how well the system is able to cool and heat an area. You are better off purchasing a unit rather than purchasing one that is a bit too small.
Check the ducts to find any leaks if your existing system is not up to snuff. When the leaks are repaired, you may see that the testing pays for itself.
Determine which way your home faces.The less your home is heated, the easier time the air conditioner in your home will have.
Make certain they are tightly sealed so air inside. You can hire a professional.
Pick out an HVAC business that understands the unit and works quickly to solve the problem. The most reliable companies will ensure that their technicians will always be on schedule. A knowledgeable technician should also easily diagnose any potential faults with your HVAC. After they figure out what is causing the problem, they should be able to get the work done quickly for your sake.
If you have to put the unit in a corner, be sure to buy a unit which allows for the air flow direction to be changed away from the wall.
Ask a contractor about their experience.Make sure they are experienced with the kind of work that you need.
Always request references prior to hiring any contractor.
There are dishonest contractors that will try to overcharge you later for things like fuel charges and material fees. Having a solid written contract will help to avoid issues like this.
Cover your condenser in the weather becomes less than optimal. This will make sure the condenser will last longer. Use the fan instead to avoid putting strain on the unit.
Always follow up on any references provided to you by an HVAC contractor.
This determines the number of BTUs your system has to be.
Consider have a programmable thermostat. This will help you a lot of money in terms of energy because it allows your system some downtime while you are warm in your bed.
You may be surprised that as much as 66% of households have ducts that are leaky. These can represent one fourth of your total utility costs. Sealing up your ducts is cheap and easy, you can even do it yourself, saving you money on your utility bills every year from then on.
Not many things are of more importance when it comes to having a comfortable environment in a home than having an HVAC system that works the way it should. But, if you are unfamiliar with the basics of these systems, it can break down prematurely. By using the above information, you now know what to do.