Anyone that uses HVAC systems in their home knows what it means to have it properly maintained. An HVAC system wastes a lot of money. This article can help you keep your HVAC system running.
Know the name and type of system before calling someone to fix it. This will ensure that you to give your chosen contractor any information they need.
If your HVAC is giving you problems, check out each room in your house before calling for assistance. 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 hard for an HVAC contractor to give you a price estimate over the phone without knowing what your current system. It will be way more hard if you over the phone without the information readily available.
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.
Grass Clippings
Don’t let grass clippings on your outside unit. Aim your grass clippings in a direction away from your unit. This applies to leaf blowing and any other yard work that results in debris.
Put your outdoor units in the shade if you are installing them.
Turn off your outdoor condenser when weather turns cold. This means that you should turn it off to prevent damage if the temperature drops below 60ºF to avoid damage. This helps the system last much longer and save you a lot on repairs.
Install a programmable thermostat to save money on cooling your home. Some programmable thermostats can even be controlled from your smart phone or computer.
Never allow the temperature in your home to rise to a dangerously hot inside. Air conditioners really can cool a home down about 20 degrees in a short time. If the temperature in your home rises to 100 degrees F or higher, then you will only be able to reasonably cool to around 80. This won’t be a safe and comfortable temperature for you to sleep in.
Research and check the reputation of companies that you consider using. Check with different references to determine the BBB and online reviews as well. These simple steps can help ensure you make the smartest and most informed choice.
Companies that have been around for longer have a proven track records typically provide better service. Hiring a contractor can be risky.
Think about getting a radiant barrier in your attic so support the efficient functioning of your HVAC system can run better. It ensures that your home cool when it’s hot or cold as it should be. You may even use your attic space more effectively.
Check the ducts to find any leaks if you you feel your existing system is not be working efficiently. When you repair the leaks, the testing will pay for itself in energy savings.
Determine the direction that your home faces in order to establish efficient HVAC operation. The less heat inside the house, the less time your air conditioner will have to work.
Make certain they are tightly sealed so air can’t seep in. You can hire a professional to test them.
Measure the living area you wish to cool before going air conditioning. You generally need 20 BTU for each square footage of space. If you need to cool multiple rooms, just add their total square footage.
Pick an HVAC business that understands the unit and can work quickly. The best companies will ensure that their technicians working honestly and on schedule. The technicians need to also know what to do to figure out what’s going wrong with an HVAC in no time. After they figure out what is causing the problem, they should then know how to deal with the problem.
Always request references when you are considering a contractor.
Any HVAC contractor or installer should have a 24-hour emergency number available to customers around the clock. They owe it to you to show up to fix anything, be it in the middle of a heatwave or in the worst snowstorm of the year.
Some contractors will attempt to overcharge you after the work is complete for fuel charges. Having a solid written contract will let you avoid these types of issues.
Cover your condenser in the winter time. This can help it last longer. Use the fan instead to avoid straining the condenser unit.
This information is used to determine the BTU your system requires to keep the environment of your home comfortable.
Consider have a programmable thermostat. This lowers your energy bills because your settings to ensure optimal performance.
Heating Ducts
Keep your HVAC system operating efficiently by cleaning the heating ducts. Check your heating ducts for damage or openings often. Ducts that have some damage will make you pay more in heating bill by wasting the warm air.
The condenser unit needs protection in cold weather. A nice cover should be placed on top of it to prevent any debris from coming in.
Hopefully, you now feel a little more confident in your HVAC knowledge. A malfunctioning HVAC system is not something you want, since that can run up your stress and budget. By using these excellent tips, your HVAC unit will function correctly for many years to come.