A quality HVAC system will assure that you are comfortable at all times. Though most homes have HVAC systems, some need replacing or repairs. Knowing what issues to look for will save you time and money. The following tips can prove useful.
Know what work you want done before you select an HVAC contractor. This is necessary so that they can give you a quote before doing any work. Getting an estimate will be even more difficult if you cannot adequately describe the problem. Learn this information to start with.
Clean your fan and coils when the weather begins to warm. Always shut the power off before doing any work or cleaning on the unit. Keep the exterior of the condenser unit free of debris.
As the trees around your home lose leaves, it can cause your HVAC unit trouble. Make sure you clean out your fan grill often once nearby trees start shedding their leaves. The fan needs to be able to get proper air inside without any blockages, and extra blockage can later develop into more serious problems.
If you are choosing where to place your outdoor compressor device, try to put it in a place where there is plenty of shade. When your unit is bringing in cool air, it will not have to work as hard to cool the air as it moves it inside, boosting efficiency.
Consumers are usually advised to have their HVAC systems inspected 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. Even if you don’t notice anything wrong, you can check it out to figure out what the potential issues are.
When colder weather arrives, switch off all outdoor condenser units. If temps go below 60 you run the risk of damaging a unit that remains on. This will help keep it in good condition for many years.
One great way to save some cash when you’re working on keeping a home cool is to install a thermostat that’s programmable. It will help save on your heating and cooling costs by turning itself down at certain times. There are also some programmable thermostats that can be controlled with a computer or other web-connected advice.
To help lower cooling costs when not at home, make sure the air conditioner is turned off. The house will only heat to certain level and a decent HVAC system can quickly cool this down once you are home. When the AC is left running, your power bill will go up quite a bit.
Don’t let your home get too hot. Air conditioners only cool down a home by 20 degrees. If the temperature in your home rises above 100 degrees, you will only be able to cool it down to 80. With high humidity, this is an unsafe temperature even for sleeping.
Fan Setting
You can get ice in your air conditioner. Sometimes the drain line will freeze, causing leaks. Turn your unit to the fan setting to turn off the compressor. You should call a pro to fix this problem, even if switching it to its fan setting starts making the ice melt.
Look online for a/c sizing calculators so you can really understand the unit size needed for your home or room. A unit that is bigger than you need simply isn’t efficient. Check your manual to learn what it is rated by the manufacturer if you want accurate information.
Find out how many years an HVAC company has been in business before you hire them. Companies that are well established have track records that can help you decide if they’re worth your money and time. It’s a risk to hire a new one.
If you need a HVAC contractor, try and get recommendations from family and friends. If they know a good contractor, they will surely guide you right. This will prevent you from getting scammed.
It is always a wise move to obtain a few quotes from different contractors because prices can vary. If you call around before making a final decision, it can save you a lot of money in the end. You want to call at least a handful of contractors to determine what reasonable rates are.
You should think about putting in a radiant barrier in order to help your system run efficiently. It blocks the heat from inside, reducing how much energy you need to cool down your home during summer. You might even be able to start living in your attic.
Get a more efficient HVAC system by looking at the way your home faces. It’s always a good idea to plant trees in areas that will help block the scorching sun that heats up your home and causes your AC unit to work harder. You will reduce the need for AC when your home is naturally cooler.
When thinking of what kind of air conditioner you should get, you should measure the area that you need to cool. In general, you need 20 BTU for each square foot. Make certain that you calculate using all of the rooms the unit will be treating.
In terms of regular maintenance, you should be able to replace your HVAC air filter every month . This is an easy thing to do and it will keep your HVAC system running well. They are very inexpensive and well worth the time and money to replace.
An HVAC system makes it possible to keep your home at a comfortable temperature throughout the year, so it is an excellent investment. If you have to upgrade, keep these tips handy. They can assist you in making a smart decision that will make you happy for years to come.
