An Easy-to-understand Guide To All Your HVAC Questions

TIP! Before you contact people to assist you in getting your system fixed, know what kind of system you’re working with in the first place. Write down what brand your system is along with the model number and, if they’re available, maintenance records.

Having an HVAC system that works well can make a home run better. However, if the system fails, it can cause a lot of headaches. Learning about your HVAC system begins with the chances of a breakdown; these tips will prove very useful.

TIP! Each spring, try cleaning the fan blades and coils on the condenser fan. First, the power should be turned off so things don’t move as you work.

Know the name and type of system you currently have before calling someone to fix it. This will enable you can give your chosen contractor all the information they need.

TIP! When you are cutting the grass, be sure not to cover your outdoor units with clippings. Aim your grass cuttings in a direction away from your unit.

If you’ve been having trouble with an HVAC system, do a tour of your house before you call in help. This will help the repairman determine where the problem is.

Clean your condenser’s fan and coils when the weather begins to warm. Clean the outside of your external condenser unit.

TIP! Check to determine if the fan condenser on your HVAC system is equipped with oil ports, and if it is, be sure to lubricate every year. You will see rubber or metal caps covering the ports.

Your outdoor HVAC units might suffer when trees begin dropping their leaves. 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 is clogged, you will have to contend with problems.

10 Drops

TIP! Have your heating and cooling system inspected twice a year. Checks in the spring as well as in autumn are the best.

Lubricate your condenser if it has oil ports. 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 if you are installing them.

Have the HVAC system serviced at least yearly. This should happen in the fall and again in the spring.

TIP! Try finding online A/C sizing calculators to figure out the ideal size for a unit for the house or a room. If you purchase something too large, you will be throwing away money.

Turn off outdoor condenser units when the weather gets cold. This means that you should be done when the temperature drops below 60ºF to avoid damage. This can keep your unit is working for years without the cost of repairs.

It is always a good idea to replace single-paned windows with ones that have double panes. This same effect also keeps warm in during the winter months.

TIP! It is always a wise move to obtain a few quotes from different contractors because prices can vary. Save yourself some money by calling around before you make your final decision.

During your service visit, the contractor will oil parts, oil the moving parts and check the freon levels in the system. These few simple things will boost the performance of your system.

TIP! When deciding what size of an air conditioner is right for you, you will need to measure how much area it will have to cool. Normally, you need 20 BTU for each square foot that you wish to cool.

Research the companies before hiring them. Check with different references to determine the BBB and look for reviews posted by former customers. These steps are going to help ensure your decision is a wise one.

TIP! The one thing you should always do on a monthly basis is change the air filter on your HVAC system. It’s easy and has a huge impact on performance.

Look for calculators online to help you determine the size of unit is necessary for your room or home. Look in the manual to determine the recommended size for air conditioners.

Companies that are around awhile have track records that haven’t been. It is riskier to hire a long history.

TIP! When you hire a contractor, make sure you ask for some references. Be sure previous customers got the service and value they expected.

Check the ducts to find any leaks if you you feel your existing system is not be working efficiently. When you get leaks repaired, you’ll find that the testing paid for itself.

TIP! When hiring a contractor, choose one that offers 24-hour emergency hours. They should be there when you need them, no matter what.

Determine the direction that your home faces in order to establish efficient HVAC operation. The less your home is heated, the less time your air conditioner will have to work.

Make sure they have tight seals to keep air inside. A professional can also test these for you for free.

TIP! Make sure that any contractor that provides you with a quote also performs a heat-loss calculation. This helps ensure that you get a unit with the right BTUs to ensure your home is always comfortable, regardless of the outside weather.

Pick an HVAC business that is fast and knows what to do. The best companies make sure their technicians stay on schedule.The technicians will be able to diagnose problems in your HVAC in no time. Once they are able to locate a problem, they can help resolve the problems in a timely and cost-effective manner.

Ask a contractor about their experience.You need to verify they have done the type of work you require.

Always request references prior to hiring any contractor.

TIP! It’s best to keep an eye open for environmentally friendly professionals who utilize ENERGY STAR certified equipment. An Energy Star system has met the standards set by the EPA.

Any HVAC contractor or installer should have a 24-hour emergency hotline. They must be able to reach your home at any time, whether during a heatwave or a terrible snowstorm.

There are dishonest contractors out there that will try to overcharge you. Having a solid written contract can help to avoid any issues like that.

TIP! Make sure the owner’ manual is handy when you use the unit. The manual contains a lot of the information you need and may be helpful should a serious issue arise.

These qualified energy devices are known to meet strict efficiency guidelines. These are put in place by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. They are called the environment and human health. Taking time to look into these units may help you save a significant amount of money.

TIP! Never consider hiring an HVAC contractor without a written estimate first. Having it in writing is essential.

You may be surprised to discover that as much as 66% of all homes have ducts that leak. These can add up to a quarter of your home’s utility costs. Sealing up your ducts is cheap and easy, and it is something you can do yourself, saving you money on your utility bills every year from then on.

TIP!

Look for an HVAC contractors that use Energy Star equipment and equipment. This rating means that your system has met the EPA standards for efficiency. This means that they can help you save cash on your heating and cooling bills throughout the year.

The condenser unit needs protection in cold weather. Try putting a thick cover on top of it.

TIP!

These suggestions should benefit you in taking care of your heating and cooling issues. If you don’t take care of it, it will fail. You are lucky to find this article so you know how to ensure your HVAC system provided proper heating and cooling.