Everyone with a home HVAC unit is aware that maintenance is key. A poorly functioning HVAC system that does no function properly can end up costing the homeowner a lot of money. This article can help you keep your HVAC system running.
If your HVAC doesn’t seem to be working properly, do a tour of your house before you call in help. This information will help the repairman determine what the problem is and how to fix it.
Know what you want done before you select an HVAC contractor. It will be hard for a contractor to provide you a price estimate over the phone if they have not seen your current system. It will be more difficult for him to assist you can’t figure out what they need to do.
Clean any debris off your outdoor condenser unit. You don’t know when things are going to pile up, like right after it’s windy or rains, and that can throw a wrench in your system. It can cause your unit.
Turn it off so you don’t get hurt or break something. Next, pop off the grill, put the blades out and start to gently clean them along with the unit.
Don’t get grass clippings pile up against your outside unit. Aim the grass cuttings in a direction from your unit. This applies to leaf blowing and any other yard work that results in debris.
Your outdoor HVAC unit may suffer when your trees lose leaves. Make sure you clean out your fan grill is cleaned often once nearby trees start shedding their leaves. The fan must stay clear in order to function, and if debris is blocking this air flow, it could cause your system to break down.
Put your outdoor condensers in places with shade.
Have the HVAC system inspected twice a year. This should be done in the fall and the spring.
It is always a good idea to replace single-paned windows for double pane ones. This also helps keep it warm in during the winter months.
Install a thermostat you can program to save energy costs. Some of these thermostats can even be controlled from a PC or computer.
Don’t let your home get too hot to where it’s dangerous. Air conditioners only cool your home down unreasonably high temps. If the temperature in your home rises above 100 degrees, it will only cool off to about 80F. This won’t be a safe and comfortable temperature for you to sleep in.
Air conditioners sometimes ice up at times. The drain line may also freeze over. If this is something that’s happening to you, disable the compressor by turning your thermostat to the fan only setting. You should leave the repair to a professional, even if switching it to its fan setting starts making the ice melt.
Look for calculators online to truly understand what size of unit is necessary for your home. Look at the manual or on the recommended size for this information.
Contractors are responsible for their own charges and fees, so make sure that you acquire multiple estimates. You can save a lot of money when you call different companies for price quotes. You may want to get quotes from at least five contractors in order to know what reasonable rates are.
Check for duct leaks if your existing system is not be working efficiently. When you get leaks repaired, the testing has paid for itself.
Figure out which direction your home faces in order to make your HVAC system can work better. The less heat in your home, the easier time the air conditioner in your home will have.
Make sure they are tightly sealed so air inside. You can also hire someone to test things and a lot of the time the testing costs nothing.
Pick HVAC business that know what they’re doing and can work quickly. The most reliable companies make sure their technicians will always be on schedule. The technicians should also be able to help you and offer the best possible options. After diagnosis, it’s just a matter of time before they have it back and running properly.
Ask a contractor about their experience.You need to verify they have the type of work you require.
Always make sure to get references prior to hiring any contractor.
Some contractors attempt to charge you after the work is complete for fuel or extra material. Having a written contract will let you avoid issues like that.
Cover your condenser when the winter. This will ensure that your condenser last longer when it isn’t in use. Use the fan setting only to avoid putting strain on the unit.
Consider have a programmable thermostat. This can save you a great deal on your heating and cooling bills because your lifestyle.
You may be surprised to discover that as much as 66% of all homes have ducts that leak. This can cost around a quarter of your total utility expense! Sealing your ducts is both easy and cheap, and it is something you can do yourself, and it can reduce your electricity bills significantly every year thereafter.
Look for an HVAC contractor that uses Energy Star equipment and products. This will ensure that the EPA standards for efficiency. This means that they can help you reduce your heating and cooling bills throughout the year.
Now you should be better prepared to make sure your HVAC system runs well for a long time. A faulty HVAC unit is every homeowner’s worst nightmare. It can cost a lot of money to repair and eat up a lot of time. Keep these tips in mind, because they will only help you out over the life of your system.