You might thing that HVAC is a subject you really cannot master. This doesn’t have to be the case, however, if you’re willing to take your time to go over the following paragraphs. This is because you will now be given great advice about this subject.
Before you hire an HVAC contractor, have some sort of idea of the work that needs to be done. A contractor cannot give an accurate estimate without looking at your system. It’s even harder if you’re not able to explain what you’ve done. Make an effort to gather all information you need before making the phone call.
Clean the fan blades and coils on the condenser fan every spring. Be sure to turn the power off first; you don’t want anything to move. Remove the grill and carefully clean the blades and surrounding areas.
When you are cutting the grass, be sure not to cover your outdoor units with clippings. Make sure the grass does not get in your unit. The same goes for when you blow leaves, so make sure your are careful when moving any debris in the vicinity of your HVAC devices.
Many homeowners forget to oil their condenser at least once per year, but it is required. You’ll find these ports are covered with a metal or rubber cap. Pick a type of SAE 20 oil that is non-detergent and lightweight. Place 10 or less drops into every port to avoid overfilling.
Find a place that is shaded for your compressor. If it sucks in cool air, it will need to work less to coll the air inside, which can make it last longer.
You can boost the efficiency of your HVAC unit by replacing it with a new energy efficient one or moving your old one to a shady outside location. It will reduce the temperature of the air going into the unit, meaning that it will not have to work as hard to cool it.
As the temperature outside drops, remember to turn off your outdoor condenser unit. If you get into temperatures that are less than 60 degrees you need the unit to be shut off so it doesn’t get damaged. This will help keep your HVAC system in good health for years, which means you will save on repair bills.
One way to save some money with A/C is by having a programmable thermostat installed. This will help you to keep the temperature at optimal levels. Additionally, these items can be controlled remotely through your computer.
Try to have your HVAC system looked at every year, because regular maintenance will go a long way in energy efficiency. During the visit, the contractor will oil parts, inspect the motor and the freon levels. These easy to do things are going to allow your system to run its best.
If everyone is out, turn the air conditioner off. Turning it off does allow the temperature to rise, but only so far. The unit will use a large amount of electricity to combat the heat during the day when the house is empty.
Sometimes, air conditioners collect ice. Freezing drain lines are also possible and can be mistaken for leaks. Use the fan-only setting to allow the system time to thaw. The ice will melt. You will likely need professional help to stop the problem.
Make sure to make a well-informed decision on the size of your HVAC. If you purchase something too large, you will be throwing away money. Check your manual to learn what it is rated by the manufacturer if you want accurate information.
Contractors are responsible for their own charges and fees, so make sure you get quotes from several contractors before you make any hiring decision. Getting several quotes will ultimately help you save lots of money. Call at least four or five different HVAC specialist to find the best rates.
Check for duct leaks if your unit seems to not be working efficiently. This is a job your local utility provider may do for you inexpensively or even free of charge. If you do end up paying, you’ll find that fixed leaks are worth the money.
If you hear a clicking in the HVAC unit at home, see if there are any obstructions right away. Many times it could be debris hitting the cooling system fans. Just clear the debris to remove the problem. Do this before calling for assistance.
Square Footage
It is important that you know the measurements of the area you need to cool. You will need about 20 BTU per square footage of the room. When several rooms must be cooled, determine the square footage of each room and then add the numbers together.
If you do only one thing for HVAC maintenance, it ought to be replacing the air filter. This will help your unit run properly. Filters are relatively cheap, so it does not cost much to do this.
Ask any contractor you’re thinking of hiring for references. Find out if the contractor stayed within budget and performed the task in the allotted time they said. That is why it is vital that you check references, so you don’t run into those shady contractors!
The information here is not hard to understand if you’re truly interested. By using this advice, things will go your way. You can save a lot of money if you do so.