The HVAC is truly an important topic for a homeowner. One that is poorly maintained is bound to break down, costing you money over the long run. This article offers you tips to keep your HVAC in optimal condition.
What system do you have? You need this information to tell your contractor. Take a look at the system or the owner’s manual to find the name and model number. This will facilitate the process when your contractor asks for this information.
Make a circuit around your home before calling for help with your HVAC. Know what part of the house is cold and which is hot. Figuring this out will the contractor to diagnose the issues and quickly get to work on fixing it.
Before you choose someone to do HVAC work, figure out what they need to do for you. Providing you with an accurate estimate over the telephone may be difficult to impossible is they can’t see the system you have. If you can’t explain changes you’ve made, the process will be even more difficult. So, know this information in advance.
Clean the fan blades and coils prior to summertime. Turn off your power before doing any job like this. Also, make sure you remove any debris or leaves from the condenser unit outside.
If your fan condenser has oil ports, you must lubricate it once per year. They are usually fitted with a rubber or metal cap. Get an oil that is SAE 20 and put about 10 drops into each port, but don’t overfill it.
Have the HVAC system serviced twice per year. The best times to have the system checked is spring and fall, so you are sure everything is running at peak performance before the heating and cooling seasons. Whether you know of problems or not, good maintenance will help you to avoid future issues.
When the weather cools down, turn your outdoor condenser off. Avoid damaging the unit by turning it off when the outdoor temperature drops below 60 degrees. This helps your system remain in good working order.
Replace any single-paned windows with double-paned versions. They help cool air remain inside your home, effectively cutting back on how much you have to run your air conditioner. Conversely, they keep warm air in during the winter.
A programmable thermostat is a simple way to help save money on air conditioning costs. These convenient thermostats may shave ten percent or more off of your bills, because they significantly cut energy use when you’re not around. Take advantage of the convenience of the ability to control many programable thermostats from your favorite electronic device.
To cut energy costs, you should service your cooling and heating system once a year at least. During your service visit, the serviceman will inspect the unit’s motor, oil the unit’s moving parts and ensure the unit has proper freon levels. Your unit will last longer this way.
Each contractor establishes his own fees, so before you hire one, obtain a few estimates. You can save a lot of cash simply by doing your homework. Contact a minimum of five contractors so you can determine realistically what the price will be.
To help your heating and cooling system run efficiently, install a radiant barrier in your attic. This will block heat from coming in, which means that less energy will be needed to keep your home cool. If it is done correctly, it is even possible to convert the attic as a living space.
Do you need a new HVAC unit? There are some things you need to keep in mind. The systems are generally rated based on the area they cover. It’s always better to buy something just a little bit bigger, as opposed to trying something too small.
The HVAC system should always be functioning properly. It can become very expensive to put off maintenance of your system. By choosing to implement these great tips, you are ensuring that your HVAC will function for quite some time.
