If you’re planning on working with your HVAC system, you are in the right place. This article can help you learn some basics about HVAC systems. Take the time to read along and you will do just fine.
Know what type of your HVAC system before looking for a repair person.This will enable you to give the new contractor any information they might need.
If your HVAC is running into problems, tour your home before calling a technician. This will help the repairman determine where the problem is.
Know what you want done before you hire a contractor. It will be hard for a contractor to provide you a price estimate on the phone without knowing what your current setup is. It will be way more hard if you don’t know what’s wrong.
Clean the condenser on your debris off your outdoor condenser unit. You never know when things can pile up, especially after a windy or rainy storm, and that can ruin your system. It can cause your system by overheating.
Turn the power off so you don’t get hurt or break something. Next, pop off the grill, put the blades out and start to gently clean them along with the unit.
Don’t get grass clippings pile up against your outside unit. Aim the grass in a direction from the unit. This also applies when you are taking care of the leaves in debris.
10 Drops
Lubricate the oil ports on your fan condenser at least once each year. You can find these ports covered with rubber or metal cap. 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.
Have your HVAC system serviced at least yearly. This should be checked often for debris and again in the spring.
A programmable thermostat can really help you save money on your power bills. Some programmable thermostats can even be controlled from a PC or computer.
During this service visit, the contractor will oil parts, inspect the motor and the freon levels. These things will help keep your HVAC system running smoothly.
Degrees Fahrenheit
Do not allow your house get dangerously hot. Air conditioners really can only cool a home by just twenty degrees Fahrenheit within a reasonable amount of time. If your house’s interior temperature hits 100 degrees Fahrenheit, cooling it will only drop the temperature to 80 degrees F. This is not a healthy environment to live in.
Research and check the reputation of companies that you consider using. Check with the BBB and look for reviews posted by former customers. This will help you make a smart decision.
Air conditioners sometimes ice up at times. The drain line might also freeze up.If you see this, disable the compressor by switching the thermostat to run the fan only. You can call a HVAC professional, but switching to the fan setting should start to melt the ice.
Ask friends and family for their HVAC contractor recommendations. People who have had quality work done are often happy to share this information. This can also a great way to get names of companies that should be avoided.
Think about getting a radiant barrier in your attic so your HVAC system. It ensures that your unit stays hot outside. You may even use the attic as part of your living space if it is done right.
Are you considering purchasing a new heating/cooling system? There are several things you must consider first. Systems get rated according to the total area they effectively heat or cool. You are wise to err on the side of a bigger unit that is slightly too large for your needs than a bit too small.
Check the ducts to find any leaks if your existing system is not up to snuff. If you do have leaks that are repaired, the money spent on finding and repairing the leak will pay for itself.
If you must position it in a corner, buy one that lets the air flow to be redirected so that it is not flowing towards the wall.
Some contractors will attempt to charge you on material fees and other charges. Having a good written contract will help avoid issues like this.
Always check out any references provided to you by an HVAC contractor.
Consider a programmable thermostat installed.This device can save you a great deal of money on your bills as it constantly adjusts your settings to ensure optimal performance.
You might be surprised to discover that as much as 66% of all homes have ducts that leak. These leaky ducts can account for up to one fourth of your utility costs. Sealing the ducts is something you can do easily and cheaply, and it may reduce energy costs greatly in the future.
Keep your condenser protected in cold weather. A nice cover should be placed on top of it to prevent any debris from coming in.
Make sure your owner’s manual is handy when your unit is being operated. The manual is going to give you quite a few things to learn about the unit you have and will be very useful.
Be sure you get an estimate that’s written HVAC estimates. You need to get these estimates written. There are many jobs that require you have to get multiple estimates for to see what they take. This can ensure you to be sure you’re getting service that’s great. Compare various elements of the deals that you are offered.
Knowing what a home or business owner needs to know about HVAC is not that hard thanks to the information shared here. The key is to take enough time and do things right. Hopefully, you can now ensure your HVAC unit is working up to your standards!