Great Tips About Hvac That Anyone Can Use

TIP! Know what type of system you currently have before calling someone to fix it. Learn the brand and the model.

It might seem overwhelming to learn all about HVAC at first. If you review the information in this article, then this won’t be the case. This advice will help you with all of the novice when it comes to simple repairs on your HVAC system.

TIP! Be sure to clean the fan blades and coils of the condenser fan. First, turn off the power so that nothing will move as you are working on it.

If your HVAC is running into problems, take a look around the house prior to calling a contractor. This information will help the repairman determine where the problem is and how to fix it.

TIP! Leaves and debris can damage your system. During this time of year, check and clear off the fan grill on your unit on a regular basis.

Know what work you want done before you hire a contractor. A contractor will be hard pressed to provide you an accurate price without accurate information about your system. It will be more difficult for him to assist you can’t figure out what they need to do.

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. They are usually fitted with a rubber or metal cap.

Lubricate your condenser once each year. These ports are often covered with rubber or metal cap. Use a lightweight, and put 10 drops or fewer in each port, but make sure to avoid overfilling them.

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

It is always a good idea to swap out single pane windows for double panes. This also keeps warm in during the winter.

TIP! When it gets cold outside, turn off the outdoor condensers. When the temperature drops beneath 60 degrees, it’s time to cut off the unit to prevent damage.

During the service check, professionals can help by inspecting the system’s motor, the moving parts will be oiled and the freon levels will be checked These few simple things will keep your HVAC system running smoothly.

TIP! It is always a good idea to swap out single pane windows for double pane ones. Having double pane windows allows your air conditioning unit to be run much less during the summer, because the cool air is kept inside the home.

Don’t ever let your home get too hot. An air conditioning unit will reduce the temperature by twenty degrees in a short time span. If the temperature in your home rises to 100 degrees F or higher, you would only be able to cool it down just above 80 degrees. This is not a healthy environment to live in.

TIP! Your home should never reach a dangerous temperature. It takes quite a while to cool a home by more than 20 degrees.

Look for calculators online to help you determine the size of unit you need for your room or home. Look in the manual to determine the manufacturer website for air conditioners.

TIP! To choose an HVAC contractor that’s trustworthy, take time to research some companies you’re interested in, along with their reputations. Check with the BBB and online reviews as well.

Companies that are well established have a better record than those that can help you decide if they’re worth your money and time. Hiring a new contractor may be taking a considerable risk.

TIP! Ask people that you know and trust for contractor recommendations. When people have had great service, they are generally pleased to pass on a good word.

Contractors charge different rates, so make sure you get quotes from several contractors before you make any hiring decision. You can save a lot of money by doing your homework. You should try to contact 5 to 6 contractors to determine what price you can reasonably expect to pay.

TIP! Each contractor establishes his own fees, so before you hire one, obtain a few estimates. You can save tons of money by asking for many quotes.

A radiant barrier improves the efficiency of your HVAC unit.It will serve as a barrier between your home cool when it’s hot outside. You could even use your attic space more effectively.

TIP! To improve the efficiency of your HVAC system, think about placing a radiant barrier in your attic. It blocks the heat from inside, reducing how much energy you need to cool down your home during summer.

Check the ducts to find any leaks if you you feel your unit seems to not be working efficiently. If you do end up paying, this testing will pay for itself.

Determine which way your home faces.The less amount of heat inside of your home, the easier time the air conditioner in your home will have.

TIP! To increase the efficiency of your HVAC unit, determine the direction that your home faces. Block the sun in the morning with trees around your home.

If you hear a clicking noise coming from your HVAC unit, look for blockages right away. Often it is being caused by debris that’s hitting the fans in the cooling system. Check it out yourself first before calling a repairman.

Make certain they are tightly sealed so air can’t seep in. You can also hire someone to test them all for you and often this testing is free.

Square Footage

TIP! Any HVAC contractor you hire should have a 24-hour emergency hotline. They should be there when you need them, no matter what.

Measure the living area that needs cooling before buying a unit. You generally need 20 BTU per square footage of room space. If you are cooling more than one room, add together their square footage to reach this calculation.

TIP! During the winter months, you will want to cover your condenser unit to protect it. This will help your condenser last longer when not being used.

Pick an HVAC business that understands the unit and knows what to do. The best companies will ensure that their technicians stay on schedule. The technicians need to also 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.

Always make sure to get references before hiring any contractor.

TIP! 66% of houses have ducts that are leaky. 25% of your utility bill could be a result of such leaks.

Any HVAC contractor or installer should have a 24-hour emergency hotline. They should be able to get to your home whenever you need them there, no matter how extreme the weather or what time of day it may be.

TIP! Find an HVAC company that only uses Energy Star equipment. An Energy Star system has met the standards set by the EPA.

Cover your condenser unit for protection in the weather becomes less than optimal. This simple tip will extend the lifespan of your condenser. Use the fan setting only to avoid putting strain on the condenser unit.

Always follow up on any references that are given to you by a prospective HVAC contractor.

TIP! As the weather cools down, you must keep your condenser unit protected. Just cover it with a thick top.

Consider a programmable thermostat installed.This lowers your heating and cooling bills because when you adjust the temperature to sync with your system rests while you are comfortably warm asleep in bed.

TIP! Be sure you get an estimate that’s written from an HVAC company. You need your estimate in writing.

You may be surprised that as much as 66% of households have ducts that are leaky. These can add 25 percent to your total utility costs. Sealing the ducts is easy and cheap to do yourself, and it can significantly decrease your electrical bill yearly thereafter.

TIP!

As long as you have the motivation, you can learn about your HVAC system. By using this advice, things will go your way. Take these tips to heart, and you should be able to handle whatever comes your way with your HVAC unit.