HVAC systems seem to break down just when the weather gets really hot or really cold. The thing you need to do when looking for people to install your equipment or to repair things for you is to figure out all you can about the topic beforehand. Read on to find out more about the topic right now.
Be aware of the type of system that is installed in your home prior to calling a contractor to fix it. Learn the brand and the model. In this way, you can be sure your repair person has all vital information.
Before you hire an HVAC contractor, have some sort of idea of the work that needs to be done. Discussing the problem is simplified if you understand what has happened with the unit. It will be even harder if you cannot explain what you have done. Learn this information to start with.
Clean the 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 ruin your system. It may begin to overheat, causing massive damage.
Try to prevent debris from getting in your HVAC unit. Make certain you are cleaning the fan grill often if trees nearby have leaves that are falling. The fan should have a clear path for air to come in. If it is blocked, your system will suffer.
You must keep your HVAC systems oil ports lubricated annually. You will notice these ports have a rubber or metal cap covering them. Put about ten drops or less of a good non-detergent SAE 20 oil into each port.
To increase the efficiency of your HVAC unit, be sure to keep it in the shade. The unit will have to do less work cooling this air.
You need to have a contractor review your unit twice a year. Ideally, you should have it looked at in the spring and fall so you know everything is set for the hot and cold months. This will help you to avoid problems.
Do not let your house get dangerously hot. Air conditioners can cool a home by just twenty degrees in a short time. If your home gets above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, you’ll only cool down to still above 80. If humidity is high, this temp is still unsafe for people.
If you want to ensure you choose a trustworthy HVAC contractor, invest a little time in researching a few different companies, checking out their reputations. It is always wise to check their status with the BBB. In addition, check out customer reviews that appear online. In this way, you can be more sure of getting a good HVAC company.
It is possible for air conditioners to ice over. Freezes also occur in your drain line. These freezes are easily confused as leaks to the untrained eye. Switch the thermostat to the fan only. If this doesn’t work, call a professional.
When you’re purchasing an HVAC system, make sure that you get a unit that is properly sized for your space. If you buy a unit that is too big, it won’t do an efficient job. Look at the manual to figure out the manufacturing rates the unit for accurate cooling information.
When you need the services of an HVAC professional, ask your friends and family if they can recommend someone to you. People that have gotten great work done in the past generally love to share the information they know about it. This will also help you avoid bad companies.
Your HVAC system can run more efficiently if your attic has a radiant barrier. This will block the heat that comes in. If you do it right, you may be able to expand your living space into your attic.
Have you been thinking about buying a new HVAC system? You will need to take a few things into account. These machines are categorized according to the space they are able to efficiently heat and cool. It is best to get a bigger unit than you need, instead of a smaller one.
Look for leaks in the ducts if your system isn’t working right. Your local energy company may do such testing at a reduced cost or maybe even for free. When these leaks are fixed, the testing will pay for itself in energy savings.
Determine the direction that your home faces. If trees are placed strategically, you can block morning sunlight that can overheat the house. The cooler your home already is, the less work your AC will have to do.
Having windows and doors in place is essential to make sure your HVAC system runs well. They have to have a tight seal, stopping air from going in or out. You could have a professional run a test for you, and sometimes this testing is done at no charge.
In order to determine the size of the air conditioner to purchase, you must measure the area that you want to cool. In general, you need 20 BTU for each square foot. If you have multiple rooms to cool, be sure to add their square footage together.
You may feel a bit overwhelmed when your system needs maintenance. But, it does not need to be terribly difficult. Hopefully you are now prepared to take all of this on so that you can work on this if you have problems in the future.