There isn’t a lot that’s more frustrating than working on HVAC problems when it’s really hot or cold outside. Learning what you can about HVAC units will help you fix them or maintain them. Read on to do just that.
Before you call someone to help you fix your system, be sure to know what sort of system you have in place. Get information on the make and model, plus if you have information on the history of maintenance, that will help, too. The contractor will likely need all of this information.
If you’ve been having trouble with an HVAC system, look around your home before calling in people to help. Make a list of the temperatures in each room and whether they are hot or cold. That will help your repairman figure out where the problem is, and how he can fix it easily and quickly.
It is important to have some knowledge of your present system and needs before calling a contractor. It is going to be hard to get a price estimate on the phone if the current system isn’t something they’ve seen. It can be harder if you don’t know what’s wrong. Know this stuff ahead of time.
Clean your fan blades and coils each spring to ensure that your condenser fan operates at it’s best. Prior to working on or cleaning the unit, be sure to turn off the power. The outside condenser unit should be kept free of leaves and other debris.
When you mow your lawn, take care that you don’t get grass clippings all over your outdoor unit. Shoot grass the other way. This same tip applies when you are blowing fallen leaves around the yard. Grass and leaves pose a serious problem for the internal functioning of your unit.
The HVAC unit in your home can become damaged from falling leaves. When you see nearby trees shedding their leaves, clean the fan grill on your unit constantly. The air needs to be unobstructed into the fan, and any blockages create performance issues for the whole system.
When choosing the area for placing an outdoor compressor device, place it in a shady area. If you have a unit taking in air that’s cooler, it won’t have to work so hard to cool air that it sends to your home.
Turn off your outdoor condenser when it’s getting cold. If the outside temp is under 60 degrees, turn the unit off to prevent damage. This can keep your HVAC running and can save you money on repairs.
Double pane your windows to prevent drafts. You can reduce your energy costs from energy leaking out through your windows by installing window that are double-paned. This also helps keep it warm in the winter.
Save energy use and money by turning off the air conditioner if there is nobody home. Sure, the temp will rise, but no one is home anyway. If you leave it on all day, it’s fighting the heat constantly, meaning it’s using a lot of electricity to do its job.
Sometimes, air conditioning units ice up. There can be occasional freezes in their drain lines, and these are usually confused with plumbing leaks. Change your thermostat in situations like this. The fan setting can help melt some of the ice, but you should still call a professional to check your unit out.
If you are purchasing an AC unit, there are calculators on the Internet that can help you figure out the right size. Buying a unit which is too big reduces efficiency. Look at the manual to determine the recommended size for air conditioners.
When you need an HVAC contractor, obtain recommendations from friends and family members. If a person had a good experience with a company, they are likely to share it. You can also get company names that you should stay away from.
If you need help locating someone to help take of your HVAC system, a great place to seek advice is online at a review site. You have a choice of review sites to use. You will be able to make a more informed choice if you do this.
To improve the efficiency of your HVAC unit, put a radiant barrier up inside the attic of your home. It ensures that your unit stays hot or cold as it should be. You could even use your attic as part of your living space if it is done right.
Are you thinking about having a new HVAC system installed? You should first think about several things. Systems have ratings according to the total area they effectively heat or cool. Therefore, you may want to opt for a larger unit.
Check for duct leaks if your unit seems to not be working efficiently. A local utility company often performs free duct testing. If it isn’t free, then it is still cheaper than an HVAC specialist in most areas. Paying for the test is fine as repairing the leaks will pay for itself quickly.
Knowing that your HVAC system needs to be repaired or replaced can be worrisome. But, with the right tips, you will know how to find a professional you can trust. Hopefully, you now have the information you need to work with your HVAC system.
