The comfort of a home is heated and cooled properly. This is why your HVAC system is constantly checked and you ensure it is properly working. If you’re not able to take care of it, you should expect terrible living conditions and expensive repairs. Here are some tips to help you keep your HVAC system running smoothly.
If you’ve been having trouble with an HVAC system, take a tour of the house prior to calling a professional. This will help the repairman determine what the problem is and how to fix it.
Know what work you need before you hire a contractor. It will be difficult for an HVAC contractor to provide you with an estimate over the phone if they have not seen your current setup is. It will be way more hard if you over the phone without the information readily available.
Clean your condenser’s fan blades and coils prior to summertime. Clean the outside of your external condenser unit regularly.
Leaves falling from trees can damage your system. Make sure you clean out your fan grill often during the fall. The fan needs to have an unobstructed path for air to enter the unit, and if it gets blocked, you will have to contend with problems.
Put outdoor unit in the shade.
A programmable thermostat is a simple way to help save money on your air conditioning costs. Some can even be controlled from your smart phone or computer.
Don’t let your home to become dangerously hot. An air conditioning unit will reduce the internal temperature by twenty degrees in a fair time. If your home happens to get near 100 degrees Fahrenheit, you’ll only cool down to still above 80. This won’t be a safe and comfortable temperature for you to sleep in.
Look for air conditioner sizing calculators online to help you determine the size of unit you need for your room or home. Look at the manual to determine the manufacturer website for this information.
Companies with proven track record that you can use to decide if they are worth the time and money. It is riskier to hire a contractor with little experience.
Contractors are responsible for their own charges and fees, so make sure to get multiple quotes.You will be likely to save a lot of cash if you take the time to call around before you decide. You want to get quotes from at least five contractors to determine what you should be paying.
Are you considering purchasing a HVAC system? There are things to consider. The rating given to a system tells how much are generally rated based on the area they cover. You are wise to err on the side of a bigger unit rather than purchasing one that is a bit too small.
Check for duct leaks if your unit seems to not up to snuff. Once you fix the leaks, you will save substantial money on heating and cooling costs.
Figure out the direction your home faces in order to make your HVAC system more efficient. If there is less heat in the home from sunlight, then your air conditioning unit won’t have to work as hard.
If your HVAC system is producing any type of clicking sounds, look immediately to see if there is an obstruction. Sometimes there is debris interferes with the cooling system fans. Check the fan and coil before calling a professional.
Measure the living area that needs cooling before buying a unit. You will need 20 BTU per square foot of the room. If you are cooling more than one room, be sure to add their square footage together.
Pick an HVAC business that know what they’re doing and can work quickly. The best companies keep the technicians working honestly and on schedule. A knowledgeable technician should also have no problem diagnosing any problems with your HVAC unit quickly. After a quick diagnosis, they should be able to get the work done quickly for your sake.
Ask any potential contractor about their experience prior to hiring them. You need to verify they have the type of work you require.
Always get references before hiring any contractor.
Any HVAC contractor or installer should have a 24-hour emergency number available to customers around the clock. They need to be able to come to you when they are needed, in any weather.
Some contractors will attempt to charge you later for items like materials and fuel. A contract that covers the basics will prevent this materializes.
Cover your condenser in the winter time. This simple tip will extend the condenser considerably. Use the fan instead to avoid straining the condenser unit.
Consider a programmable thermostat installed.This will save 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 to discover that as much as 66% of households have ducts that are leaky. These can represent one fourth of your total utility costs. Sealing the ducts is something you can do easily and cheaply, and it may reduce energy costs greatly in the future.
Look for an HVAC contractor that use Energy Star products and products. This will ensure that the EPA standards for efficiency. This will help you to save more on utility bills.
You now see what you need to do in order to maintain your HVAC system. Paying close attention to maintenance will help you avoid problems. Apply these tips so that you can keep it functioning properly.