Anyone that has a HVAC system in their house knows the importance of properly maintained. An HVAC unit operating at minimum efficiency is costing you money on pricey repairs. This article offers you keep your HVAC unit in optimal condition.
Know what type of system before calling someone to fix it. This will let you know that you’re able to give your chosen contractor the information that can help them.
If you’ve been having trouble with an HVAC system, check things out yourself prior to calling in a technician. This will help the repairman determine what the problem is and how to fix it.
Know what work you need before you select an HVAC contractor.A contractor will not be able to give you with an over-the-phone estimate if unfamiliar with your system. It will be more hard if you over the phone without the information readily available.
Clean any debris on an external condenser units. You never know when things can pile up, like right after it’s windy or rains, and that can ruin your system. It could overheat and cause your system to malfunction by overheating.
Turn it off first so nothing moves. Then, take the grill off, pull the blades out, and begin cleaning the unit and them gently.
Don’t let grass clippings pile up against your outside unit. Aim your grass in a direction from the unit. This applies when you are taking care of the leaves in debris.
Put your outdoor condensers in the shade.
Turn off outdoor condenser units when it’s getting cold. This means that you should turn it off to prevent damage if the temperature drops below 60ºF to avoid damage. This can keep your system working for many years.
It is always a good idea to swap out single pane windows with ones that have double panes. This also keeps warm in during the winter.
Research and check the reputation of companies that you consider using. Check with the BBB and look for reviews posted by former customers. Doing all of this makes it more likely that you make a better decision.
Air conditioners sometimes ice up at times. The drain line may also freeze over. If you notice this, disable the compressor by turning your thermostat to the fan only setting. You should call a pro to fix this problem, but switching to the fan will make the ice melt.
Look for air conditioner sizing 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 this information.
Ask your friends and relations for contractor recommendations. People that have had quality work done are usually more than willing to share the name of their contractor.This is also a great way to get names of those companies that should avoid.
There are now different online websites that let customers share their service experiences. This is an excellent method of finding contractors that you wish to work with and those that you don’t.
Do you want to find a new HVAC system? You need to think about a few things into account. Systems get rated according to how large an area they effectively cool and heat. You are wise to err on the side of a unit rather than a bit too small.
Check for duct leaks if you you feel your unit seems to not be working efficiently. When you repair the leaks, the testing will pay for itself in energy savings.
Determine which way your home faces.The less heat inside the house, the fewer occasions you have to use your air conditioner.
Make certain they are tightly sealed so air inside. You can also hire someone to test them all for you and often this testing is free.
Measure the living area that needs cooling before buying a unit. You generally need 20 BTUs per square foot of space. If the unit will be cooling several rooms, sum their areas.
Replace the air filter to keep your HVAC system every month. This is an easy thing to do and it will keep things running well.
Always make sure to get some references prior to hiring any contractor.
Some contractors attempt to add charges on later for items like materials and fuel. Having a written contract will let you avoid issues like that.
Hvac System
Now you should be better prepared to make sure your HVAC system runs well for a long time. An HVAC system that is not cared for will cost you with large electricity bills and repair costs. Keep these tips handy so you never forget anything.