One of the many tasks of a homeowner is keeping the HVAC unit up and functioning properly. Unfortunately not all homeowners know how to do this. It is important that you have a good professional to work on the unit when necessary and that you understand a bit about how to maintain the unit. This article will help.
Although most people are thinking of their heating systems during the winter months air conditioning is also important. When installing a new furnace or heating system make sure the air ducts are also set up to work with your air condition system. Using the ducts for both heating and cooling is the most economical choice.
If you want to keep your air conditioning unit running efficiently make sure you replace or clean the air filter once a month. Check the owners manual on the a/c for instructions on how to clean the filter. Never run the unit when the filter is removed and let the filter dry before reinstallling it.
When your contractor comes to fix your unit or install a new one he should walk around your home and investigate whats going on with your current set-up. They should be looking for how much insulation you have where your windows are and what quality they are and more.
Do you hear a clicking sound when your fan is turning? This may mean that there is something in the way of the blades of the fan. If it gets so bad that the blade bends you must replace it just unbending it will leave the fan unbalanced and can cause further issues.
Turn off your outdoor condenser when its getting cold. Avoid damaging the unit by turning it off when the outdoor temperature drops below 60 degrees. You will save in repair bills and increase the efficiency of your system.
In the winter wearing layers can save you a ton of money on your utility bill. If you can install a digital thermostat that makes the house cooler when youre asleep and warmer just before you get up you can see significant savings on your next bill when it arrives.
Ask for references and be sure to call them as well. You are dealing with a high ticket item here so youll want to do your due diligence to make sure you are getting the best for your money. Ask for references but dont stop there. Call each reference to check. A lot of people dont take that important last step.
Research what size air conditioner you should purchase for the size of your home by using online calculators they have for this purpose. If you buy a unit thats too large it wont be energy efficient for your needs. Check the manufacturers handbook to see what amount of space the unit can effectively cool.
When dealing with HVAC contractors make sure that you get everything in writing. While verbal contracts are legal in many places it is usually very difficult to prove them. Having everything on paper is a great way to make sure that no ons is confused about any aspect of the process.
When dealing with HVAC contractors make sure that you get everything in writing. While verbal contracts are legal in many places it is usually very difficult to prove them. Having everything on paper is a great way to make sure that no ons is confused about any aspect of the process.
Consider an annual service agreement for technicians to regularly inspect your AC unit. Schedule brief inspections for the winter to make sure nothing is obviously wrong. The most important time for an inspection and service is just before it starts getting warm. You dont want to discover an AC breakdown when you need it working most.
Consider an annual service agreement for technicians to regularly inspect your AC unit. Schedule brief inspections for the winter to make sure nothing is obviously wrong. The most important time for an inspection and service is just before it starts getting warm. You dont want to discover an AC breakdown when you need it working most.
If you hear clicking noises from your condenser fan make sure that it is not striking something inside the unit. If it is not hitting something it may be bent. Do not try to straighten the blades. This could cause it to become unbalanced. Simply replace the blade to ensure proper rotation.
To block out the sun on hot summer days allowing your air conditioner to run less frequently invest in heat blocking drapes. These textiles come in beautiful patterns and colors today looking just like their designer counterparts. They will keep the heat out so that your home stays cooler without costing you an arm and a leg on utility bills.
Make sure to be specific about everything that is written in your contracts. It should detail the work that is being done the materials being used and the amount of time it will take to complete the job. Leaving anything out can give the contractor an exit if something goes wrong.
These tips will help you to keep your HVAC system in great shape for the whole time you live in your home. Print this off and revisit it once a year so that you know what you need to do. The more effort you put into your home the more benefit you will gain from it.
An HVAC system failure is one of the most frustrating occurrences a homeowner can face largely because they may not know the right person to call. However by simply spending a bit of time learning about what to look for in a contractor things can actually go rather smoothly. Continue reading to gain some helpful insights.
If you want to keep your air conditioning unit running efficiently make sure you replace or clean the air filter once a month. Check the owners manual on the a/c for instructions on how to clean the filter. Never run the unit when the filter is removed and let the filter dry before reinstallling it.
If youve been having trouble with an HVAC system look around your home before calling in people to help. Make note of which rooms are cold and which are hot. This gives the repairer a starting point to work from.
Make a circuit around your home before calling for help with your HVAC. Notice the temperature in each room. Are some cooler or hotter than others? If you do this it will be a great help to the future contractor who will now be able to quickly locate the problem issue.
Lubricate your condenser yearly if it has oil ports. These ports have a metal covering. Sometimes it is rubber. Pick a type of SAE 20 oil that is non-detergent and lightweight. Place 10 or less drops into every port to avoid overfilling.
You should be sure to change the air filter of your HVAC system once every six months. Neglecting to do so can cause dust particles to clog the air ducts. In turn your system will not work properly and you will find your bills going up. Its worth spending the time to clean the filters.
If you want your energy costs to go down have the heating an cooling system you own serviced every year at least. The service will include motor inspection oiling of moving parts and a freon level check. This maintenance means that your system will operate optimally.
While price should be one of the considerations you make when you are hiring an HVAC contractor do not allow it to cloud your judgement. There are other factors that need to be considered in order to make a sound decision. Experience level work ethic and positive reviews are a few things that should be considered as well.
If you are uncertain about which HVAC contractor to call when you experience an equipment failure take the time to ask friends and family for personal recommendations. By doing this you will be able to feel more confident about the choice you make because you will have gotten the opinions of people you already know to be trustworthy.
You can keep energy costs in your home lower by choosing to have professional maintenance done on your HVAC unit. An HVAC specialist will inspect the entire system including the oil the motor and the ducts. Small problems can occur in any of these areas and lead to serious issues if ignored for too long.
Outer coils can be cleaned with a regular outdoor hose before you turn the unit on for the season. That said interior coils should be taken care of by a professional so that you dont do any damage as you attempt to clean them. Bring someone in to complete a check up.
Prior to hiring any HVAC contractor you ought to ask about their level of experience. Its important that a contractor is experienced in the area of the kind of work you require. While someone with less experience might be able to do a great job too you do not want to take that chance.
Keep your condensers free of nearby obstructions. Keep plants fencing even bushes back and away from the unit. Two feet is a good minimum distance it should have from anything including walls but the more space you give it to breathe the better it will work and the less likely it will be to fail.
When water condenses on your air conditioner it drips into a pan and drains out. This drain should be inspected on a regular basis. If algae forms in the drain line or if the drain line freezes you could be in for some expensive repairs. The drip pan could overflow causing extensive damage to your ceilings.
When you are looking to buy a new air conditioner consider your climate. If you live in a hot dry area then an evaporative cooler will be your best bet. If you live in a humid area opt for a compressor-style unit as its the only one which will work.
Each month you need to get a new air filter and install it in your unit. This will maximize the production of your HVAC. The filters are only a couple dollars so it is a small monthly investment.
There is no denying the fact that confronting issues with a HVAC system can be scary for those not in the know. Finding a great local contractor to install new equipment or repair the old can be a challenge without great tips and advice. Luckily the information presented above can serve as an easy reference anyone can use.