HVAC systems are excellent at maintaining a comfortable temperature in your home no matter what season it is. Many houses come with them, but they do need to be replaced from time to time. Understanding the different ways to take care of your HVAC unit can ensure you’re not throwing your money away. Try using these tips.
If your HVAC is giving you problems, tour your home before calling a technician. Figure out which rooms are too cool or warm. Give this information to your contractor when they arrive.
Before choosing an HVAC contractor, think of what you wish to have done. It is going to be hard to get a price estimate on the phone if the current system isn’t something they’ve seen. They also won’t be able to offer you a quote if they don’t have a detailed idea of what you want done. It’s important to know this beforehand.
If you have condenser units outside your home, be sure to clean out the debris from them often. Falling leaves and wind or rain may cause debris to reduce the efficiency of your unit. Overheating can occur, which often spells disaster for your system.
Every spring you should clean the coils and fan blades on your condenser fan. For safety, always turn the power off first. Remove the grill and carefully clean the blades and surrounding areas.
A big mistake that people make is cutting the grass next to the outdoor condenser unit and allowing all of the clippings to blow inside the fan and coil. Aim the grass clippings in the other direction. This applies when you are taking care of the leaves in the yard.
Lubricate your condenser yearly if it has oil ports. You’ll see that the ports here are closed with a rubber or metal cap. Chose SAE 20 oil, which has been proven to be the most effective.
Your HVAC system should be checked a few times a year. It’s best to have it checked before you turn it on for the summer and again for the winter. This will help you to avoid problems.
Pane Windows
If possible, your single pane windows should be replaced with double-paned ones. Double pane windows help minimize your air conditioning use in the summer by keeping the cooler air inside your home. Likewise, in the winter more hot air stays inside during the cold season.
A programmable thermostat is a simple way to help save money on air conditioning costs. If you adjust it to keep the house a little warmer or a little cooler during the time you are sleeping, you may see your energy bill go down by as much as ten percent. In addition, some models make things really easy on you, allowing you to adjust them from the computer.
Try to have your HVAC system looked at every year, because regular maintenance will go a long way in energy efficiency. Make sure the person takes a look at the motor and examines the levels of freon. These simple things will keep your system running at peak performance.
When you are away from home, adjust your thermostat to a money saving temperature. The house will only heat up to a certain point. The unit will use a large amount of electricity to combat the heat during the day when the house is empty.
Don’t let your home get overly hot. Air conditioners can cool a home by just twenty degrees in a short time. So if your home is 100ºF, you’ll only get the temperature down to about 80. This isn’t a very safe condition for a homeowner to sleep in, especially when the humidity levels are considered.
When you need the services of an HVAC professional, ask your friends and family if they can recommend someone to you. Find someone that has a lot of quality work under their belt. This will prevent you from getting scammed.
You can always search the Internet when you aren’t entirely sure who you should call for proper HVAC repair or maintenance. There are now different online sites that let customers share their service experiences. This will help you find a top notch professional.
An HVAC system makes it possible to keep your home at a comfortable temperature throughout the year, so it is an excellent investment. When it comes to maintaining your HVAC, installing a new one or finding the right contractor, this article has hopefully answered most of your questions. You are more likely to select the best unit for your home.
