Many people today want their homes to have HVAC units. It ensures the home is comfortable at all times. Since the HVAC unit has machinery, the installation and maintenance will often require professional contractors or technicians. Read on for useful HVAC information.
Check the whole house before you call for help. Note which of your rooms are hot and which are cold. You can then relay this information to the technician so that they can more easily figure out what the problem is.
Clean the fan blades and coils on the condenser fan every spring. For safety, always turn the power off first. Next, pop off the grill, pull out the blades and start cleaning them and the unit itself off gently.
Try to prevent debris from getting in your HVAC unit. During this time of year, check and clear off the fan grill on your unit on a regular basis. The air needs to be unobstructed into the fan, and any blockages create performance issues for the whole system.
If your condenser comes with oil ports, you should lubricate it yearly. You can find these ports covered with rubber or metal caps. Pick out a SAE 20 type of oil because it has no detergent, is lightweight, and you should put around 10 drops in the ports but make it to where they don’t get too full.
Place your HVAC unit in the shade to boost efficiency. You save money this way because the air conditioner is now pulling in cooler air, which is easier to cool further.
As the temperature outside drops, remember to turn off your outdoor condenser unit. When the temperature drops beneath 60 degrees, it’s time to cut off the unit to prevent damage. You will save in repair bills and increase the efficiency of your system.
A programmable thermostat is a simple way to help save money on air conditioning costs. It changes the temperature so the system isn’t in use when it’s cooler outside or no one is home. In addition, some models make things really easy on you, allowing you to adjust them from the computer.
To cut energy costs, you should service your cooling and heating system once a year at least. During a maintenance visit, professionals can help by inspecting the system’s motor, oil the different moving parts as well as check the system’s freon levels. Those things are going to help your system at peak performance.
Don’t allow your home to become dangerously hot. Even the best air conditioners can only realistically cool your home approximately 20 degrees Farenheit. So if your home is 100ºF, you’ll only get the temperature down to about 80. With high humidity, this is an unsafe temperature even for sleeping.
Research multiple contractors before choosing one. Inquire with the BBB and look elsewhere for other reviews from customers. It would be wise of you to take these steps.
Problems with an air conditioning unit happen when it ices up. The drain line also occasionally freezes, which can be misdiagnosed as a plumbing leak. When you see ice, turn the unit to fan. Talk to a professional if you are unsure of how to do this.
Look for air conditioner sizing calculators online to truly understand what size of unit is necessary for your room or home. If you get something that’s too big, it won’t work as well for you in the end. Use the manual to determine what size is right for you.
Ask those you know for the name of a great HVAC technician, should you need one. If a person had a good experience with a company, they are likely to share it. This can also be used to see who you should avoid.
If your system isn’t working as it should, test its ducts for leaks. Often your utility company is willing to test this for you, and it may be free or lower in cost than you would get with a contractor. If a leak is found, the money spent on finding and repairing the leak will pay for itself.
Square Footage
Take a measuring tape and get the square footage of the area where the unit will be cooling. Typically, 20 BTUs are required per square foot. If you have multiple rooms to cool, be sure to add their square footage together.
Speed should be a concern when you are looking for an HVAC specialist. They should be able to get in and get the job done quickly. A reliable company will ensure their technicians keep appointments and stay on their schedule. A licensed technician should also have no problem diagnosing any potential faults with your HVAC unit quickly. Once the problem is identified, fixing it should be quick and easy.
As you ponder where to install your new AC unit, think about how the air flows around the room. If it has to be placed in a corner, make sure your unit permits airflow to be redirected.
Before you hire a HVAC contractor, you should find out what their experience is. Make sure they are experienced with the kind of work that is needed. That isn’t to say that a worker with less experience can’t handle the job, we all have to start somewhere, but it’s not a chance you should take.
As this article shows, there are things which can be helpful when dealing with HVAC systems and contractors. Ensure that the unit is installed correctly, and don’t forget to maintain it. Keep the suggestions you just read handy for your HVAC maintenance.…