A comfortable home starts with a working HVAC system. A unit that cools your home on a hot and humid day or warms your home on blistery cold days is essential to your overall comfort. If an HVAC system should fail, it will become a nightmare for those without experience. The following tips will help you learn how to maintain your unit properly and much more!
Before choosing an HVAC contractor, think of what you wish to have done. You might not be able to get a price quote unless you let the contractor see your current system first. If you don’t have any idea, they will have trouble giving you any sort of quote. Know this stuff ahead of time.
If the outside of your home has condenser units, ensure they are constantly cleaned. Falling leaves and wind or rain may cause debris to reduce the efficiency of your unit. If you do not, the unit may get too hot and cause additional problems.
Don’t let your outdoor HVAC units get smothered with clippings anytime you mow the yard. When you work with your lawn mower, make sure it spits the grass to the side opposite of your unit. This is the same if you are using a leaf blower.
Leaves Begin
The operation of your HVAC system can be in danger when the tree leaves begin to fall. Make sure the unit’s fan grill is cleaned frequently when the leaves begin to fall. The fan should have a clear path for air to come in. If it is blocked, your system will suffer.
If the condenser fan has oil parts, then you need to lubricate it at least once per year. You will see rubber or metal caps covering the ports. Look for an oil that is lightweight and then put about 10 drops inside the port. You don’t want to put in too much.
A good place to place your compressor unit outside is in a shady spot. If the unit is taking in cooler air, the efficiency will be boosted since it will not need to work as hard.
Put outdoor units in the shade if you are installing them. When the air conditioner pulls in cooler air, it won’t have to do much more to cool it and that will save you a lot of money on energy bills.
Turn off any outdoor condensers you have when the weather gets cold. 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 helps your system remain in good working order.
Pane Windows
If you are a home owner, replace whatever single pane windows you have with more efficient double-paned versions. Double pane windows can help minimize how much you use your air conditioner in the summer, because they keep cool air inside the home. This same effect also keeps warm air in during the winter months.
Getting a programmable thermostats can be a terrific way to realize savings. You have greater control over the temperature settings with these. This will save you a lot of money during the year.
If you are going to be gone during the day or on vacation, turn the temperature up on your air conditioning unit. When you turn the air conditioner off, the house may heat up a little but only a certain amount. The unit will use a large amount of electricity to combat the heat during the day when the house is empty.
Do not let your house get dangerously hot. Even the best air conditioners can only realistically cool your home approximately 20 degrees Farenheit. This means that if the weather is above 100 degrees, then you’ll still be baking in 80 degree weather at first! Depending on what the humidity is, this may not be cool enough to be a safe temperature to sleep at when recovering from the harsh summer heat.
When you want a HVAC contractor who is reliable, you need to spend some time in researching the background and reputation of several potential companies. Check with the BBB (Better Business Bureau), and look them up on review sites online to see what previous customers have to say about their experience. It would be wise of you to take these steps.
Now you understand why it’s important to keep the HVAC system working properly. If it isn’t maintained properly, it could break. Thankfully you found this article, and now you’re able to use the awesome tips here to assist you in figuring out what to do with your HVAC system.