It might seem overwhelming to learn about HVAC at first. This doesn’t have to be the case, though, if you just know that you need to take some time to follow this advice. This advice should help even the issues that you encounter.
Know the name and type of your HVAC system you currently have before looking for a repair person. This makes sure your contractor has the information they will need.
Clean your condenser’s fan and coils when the weather begins to warm. Clean the outside of your condenser unit.
Turn the power off so you don’t get hurt or break something. Then, pop off its grills, pull the blades out, and gently clean them as well as the unit itself.
Don’t let grass clippings pile up against your outside unit. Aim your grass in a different direction from the unit. This also applies to leaf blowing and any other yard work that results in the yard.
Your HVAC units might suffer when trees lose leaves. Make sure the unit’s fan grill is cleaned often during the fall. The fan needs unobstructed air flow, and if it becomes blocked, you will have to contend with problems.
10 Drops
Lubricate your condenser once each year. They are usually fitted with a rubber or metal cap on them. 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.
Put outdoor unit in the shade.
It is a good idea to swap out single pane windows for double panes. This also keeps warm in during the winter months.
During a maintenance visit, the contractor will oil parts, inspect the motor and the freon levels. These few simple things will keep your HVAC system to run at its peak performance.
Research the companies before hiring them. Check them out at the best one for your situation. These steps can help make the smartest and most informed choice.
Companies that are around awhile have track records that haven’t been. Hiring a newer contractor may be taking a bigger risk.
Ask your friends and family for their HVAC contractor recommendations. People who’ve had done in the past are usually willing to tell of it. This can also help you to figure out some names of businesses that you should avoid.
Contractors charge different rates, so make sure you get quotes from several contractors before you make any hiring decision. You can save tons of money by doing your homework. You want to get quotes from at least a handful of contractors in order to know what you should be paying.
Check for duct leaks if your existing system is not up to snuff. Once you fix the leaks, you will save substantial money on heating and cooling costs.
Measure the living area that needs cooling before buying a unit. You will need about 20 BTU for each square foot in the area to be cooled. If the unit will be cooling several rooms, make sure to add the square footage together.
Hvac System
Replace the air filter to keep your HVAC system every month. This is an easy way to keep your HVAC system working well.
Pick an HVAC business that is fast and knows what to do. The best companies will ensure that their technicians will always be on schedule and keep appointments. A knowledgeable technician will also easily diagnose any potential faults with your HVAC. When they know what the problem is, they ought to have it fixed quickly and efficiently.
If you can only put it into a corner, be sure you can change the direction of air flow to avoid having it hit the wall.
Always request references when you are considering a contractor.
Any HVAC contractor you hire should have an emergency hotline. They need to be able to come to a home when needed, no matter how extreme the weather or what time of day it may be.
There are dishonest contractors out there that will try to overcharge you later for things like fuel charges and material fees. Having a signed contract can help to avoid these types of issues.
Cover your condenser when the winter. This can help it last longer when you’re not in use. Use the fan setting only to avoid straining the condenser unit.
Consider have a programmable thermostat. This can save you a great deal on your energy bills because when you adjust the temperature to sync with your settings to ensure optimal performance.
Keep your condenser protected in cold weather. This can be done by placing an insulating cover that’s thick over it.
Make sure the owner’ manual in handy when you use the unit. The information contained within this manual is going to give you quite a few things to learn about the unit you have and will help you out if you’re dealing with problems.
The preceding information should have been easy to follow. If you use this advice, it will make it easier to deal with your HVAC system. If you use the tips above well enough, you can save or even make money.