An HVAC unit is something many people want to learn about, but in the end they think it’s way too hard to learn about. This doesn’t have the be the case, however. Use the information and advice offered in the tips below so that you can take your HVAC maintenance into your own hands.
To make sure your condenser fan works properly, keep the fan blades and the coils clean. Make sure your power is off before doing more than cleaning, such as working on the unit. Keep the exterior of the condenser unit free of debris.
Clean the debris off your outdoor condenser unit. Falling leaves and wind or rain may cause debris to reduce the efficiency of your unit. It can cause the unit to overheat and break down.
When you cut the grass, make sure your mower isn’t tossing clippings toward your outdoor units. Get the grass shot away from your unit. This includes grass clippings and leaves.
As the leaves are falling off the trees, your HVAC system can really take a hit. At least twice a week, you need to clean the grill of your fan. The fan needs to be able to get proper air inside without any blockages, and extra blockage can later develop into more serious problems.
Find a place that is shaded for your compressor. The cooler air entering the unit will require less work to get to the proper temperature.
Be sure to place your outdoor unit in a shady spot to maximize efficiency. As your air conditioner sucks in cool air, little will have to be done to cool it any further, saving you a ton on your energy bills.
If at all possible, install double-paned windows in your home instead of those with a single pane. Double pane windows will allow you to use less air during the summer because cooler air will stay in your house. Your home will also stay warmer in the winter.
A good way to save money with your air conditioning is by installing a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats can reduce your power HVAC energy costs by as much as ten percent, just by dialing back your thermostat ten or fifteen percent up to eight daily hours. In addition, some models make things really easy on you, allowing you to adjust them from the computer.
Save some cash by shutting down the air-conditioning system when there is no one in the house. This will save you money on your energy bills. Leaving your heating or cooling running full blast while you are away is a waste of money and energy.
Unit Size
Look online for a/c sizing calculators so you can really understand the unit size needed for your home or room. If you buy a unit that is too big, it won’t do an efficient job. You can look online or do other research to get information from HVAC system manufacturers and sellers in order to determine the best unit size for your needs.
An online search will give you further information about any contractor you are considering. A simple search should yield a number of sites with informative reviews. This is a good way to find decent people to hire.
To help your heating and cooling system run efficiently, install a radiant barrier in your attic. This blocks heat from entering your home, which lowers how much energy is needed to keep it cool in the warm months. You may suddenly find that the attic even looks like a great option for another bedroom!
Make sure that your ducts are not leaking. Call local utility companies to test it for you since many do it for a small fee or even free, which is lower than HVAC contractors. Once leaks have been fixed, you will save substantial money on heating and cooling costs.
Which way does your home face? When you determine the parts of your home that get the most sunlight, you can consider strategic landscaping that includes shade trees to somewhat reduce your home’s exposure to heat from direct sunlight. You will reduce the need for AC when your home is naturally cooler.
It isn’t hard to work with the HVAC system when you have the right advice. Utilize these tips when you are installing your HVAC unit. Go ahead and get started and you’re sure to do a great job.