HVAC Do’s And Don’ts For The Average Person

Follow these helpful tips to put yourself in the best position.

TIP! Before choosing an HVAC contractor, think of what you wish to have done. A contractor cannot give an accurate estimate without looking at your system.

Know what type of your HVAC system you currently have before looking for a repair person. This will enable you know that you’re able to give your chosen contractor any information that can help them.

TIP! Clean the fan blades and coils prior to summertime. If you are doing more than a light surface cleaning, make sure that the power is shut off to the HVAC unit.

If problems arise with the HVAC system, do a tour of your house before you call in help. This will help the repairman determine what the problem is and how to fix it.

TIP! The coils and blades on the fans should be cleaned once a year. Before you begin cleaning the unit, make sure that it is unplugged.

Know what you want done before you hire a contractor. A contractor will not be able to give you an over-the-phone estimate if unfamiliar with your system. It will be way more hard if you over the phone without the information readily available.

Clean your condenser’s fan and coils each spring to ensure that your condenser fan operates at it’s best.Clean the outside of your condenser as well.

TIP! Your outdoor HVAC units might suffer when your trees lose leaves. Frequently clean the fan grill when trees are shedding leaves.

Leaves and debris can wreak havoc with your system. Make sure the fan’s grill often during the fall. The fan must stay clear in order to function, and if it is clogged, you will have to contend with problems.

10 Drops

TIP! Your HVAC unit requires regular maintenance at least two times per each year. The best time of year to have the system checked is right before the weather begins to change.

Lubricate your fan condenser once a year. These are usually covered by a rubber or metal caps. 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.

Make sure your HVAC systems is checked at least twice a year. This should be checked often for debris and again in the spring.

TIP! Replace any single-paned windows with double-paned versions. Good double pane windows keep cool air in during the summer and minimize your utility expenses.

Turn off outdoor condenser units when the weather turns cold. This means that you should be done when the weather falls under 60 degrees Farenheit. This helps your unit is working order.

It is always a good idea to replace single-paned windows for double pane ones. This also helps keep it warm in the colder months.

TIP! Air conditioners occasionally freeze up, literally. You may even encounter a freeze in your drain line which is often confused with a plumbing leak.

During the visit, the serviceman will inspect the unit’s motor, oil the different moving parts as well as check the system’s freon levels. These few simple things will help your system running smoothly.

TIP! Make sure to make a well-informed decision on the size of your HVAC. Buying a unit that is too large for your home is a poor decision that wastes money.

Air conditioners sometimes ice up at times. The drain line may also freeze over. If this happens, put the fan on to shut the compressor off. You should leave the repair to a professional, but switching to the fan will make the ice melt.

TIP! Check any company you are considering to see how long it has been around. You are more likely to get good service this way.

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 or on the manufacturer website for air conditioners.

TIP! Your friends or family likely have recommendations for a local HVAC specialist. Someone who has used a contractor in the past is generally willing to let you know what they thought about it.

There are a lot of sites that allow customers share their reviews. This works both in finding those you with and those you need to make the best hiring decisions.

TIP! You should think about putting in a radiant barrier in order to help your system run efficiently. This mechanism will prevent outside heat from coming in, reducing your energy consumption when cooling.

Contractors determine their own fee levels, so make sure you get quotes from several contractors before you make any hiring decision. You have the potential to save a great deal of money by asking for many quotes.You want to get quotes from at least five contractors to determine what you should be paying.

TIP! Are you thinking of getting a cooling and heating system that’s new? Many things must be taken into account before you purchase one. For example, the ratings on most systems describe how much space they can work to cool or heat.

Think about getting a radiant barrier installed in your attic so support the efficient functioning of your HVAC system. It ensures that your home cool when it’s hot or cold as it should be. You could even find that you can use your attic as part of your living space more effectively.

Check for duct leaks if your existing system is not up to snuff. When you get leaks repaired, the testing has paid for itself.

Determine which way your home faces.If there is less heat in the home from sunlight, your AC will work less.

Make sure they have tight seals to keep air can’t seep in. You can get a professional out to help you test them.

TIP! Call the provided references when hiring a new contractor. Many people assume that they are legitimate simply because they were offered freely, but that can turn out very badly.

Measure the area you wish to cool before going air conditioning. You can usually substitute 20 BTU per square footage of the area to be cooled. If more than one room needs AC service, sum their areas.

If it has to be placed in a corner, try buying a unit that lets you change its air flow direction away from your wall.

This will tell you how much BTU your new system will need to keep your home comfortable.

TIP! Refer to the owner’s manual for your unit when you operate it. The manual offers quite a few suggestions to use for your specific unit, and it may become necessary to look it over if you notice a serious problem.

Consider have a programmable thermostat. 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.

TIP! Always get estimates in writing. You need your estimate in writing.

Seek out HVAC contractors that only use products that carry the Energy Star equipment and products. This ensures efficiency that your system has met the EPA. This means that in the end you can save cash on the bills when it comes to your cooling and heating costs.

Hvac System

TIP!

A home’s HVAC system is the key to ambient comfort. Without maintenance, you may find yourself very uncomfortable. Using the tips here will help keep your HVAC system working correctly.