HVAC systems can bring you immense joy and immense pain. They can be costly to fix and make you and your family uncomfortable if you system is not running well. The best thing anyone can do is follow good tips on proper HVAC maintenance, which you can find in the following article.
If you are having issues with your HVAC, do a tour of your house before you call in help. Note which rooms are hot and which are cold. The contractor can probably figure out and fix the problem easier.
Check to determine if the fan condenser on your HVAC system is equipped with oil ports, and if it is, be sure to lubricate every year. You’ll find these ports are covered with a metal or rubber cap. You should select an SAE 20 oil since it is lightweight and does not contain detergent. Be sure to use just 10 drops or so, or your system may overfill.
Find a place that is shaded for your compressor. If you have a unit taking in air that’s cooler, it won’t have to work so hard to cool air that it sends to your home.
Make sure your HVAC unit is in the shade. Your air conditioner won’t have to work so hard if the air is sucks in is already cool.
If at all possible, install double-paned windows in your home instead of those with a single pane. Good double pane windows keep cool air in during the summer and minimize your utility expenses. Likewise, heat is better retained 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. Plus, some models allow you to control them over the internet or from a smartphone.
Shut off the air conditioning if nobody is home. The house will only heat up to a certain point. If it’s left on all day, it will fight the heat all day, which uses quite a bit of electricity.
Sometimes, air conditioning units ice up. In addition, the drain line sometimes freezes, and people often think that there is a plumbing leak. Switch the thermostat to the fan only. While switching the system to the fan setting should begin the ice melting process, the best thing to do is to hire a professional to deal with the problem.
To know how large of an air conditioner you need, look for a calculator online. If you get something that’s too big, it won’t work as well for you in the end. You can also check the owner’s manual to find specific numbers provided for the manufacturer. These numbers indicate the particular unit to cool a particular area.
Ask friends and family for contractor recommendations. If they know a good contractor, they will surely guide you right. This is also a great way to get names of companies that should be avoided.
Check reviews online to find professional help. There are plenty of online websites that give people the opportunity to leave comments about the service they received. This is an awesome way to find contractors to work with.
If your system isn’t working right, try looking for leaks in the ducts. Call your utility company if they are leaking to see about getting a test. Once you fix the leaks, the savings will be more than worth the hassle.
Determine the direction your home is facing to help get your HVAC system functioning efficiently. If you have trees placed in strategic areas, you can block the sunlight in the morning. A cooler home means less work for your air conditioner.
When your unit is clicking, immediately go out and look to see if anything is inside it. Frequently the cause is some kind of debris that is making contact with the cooling system of the fan. Simply get rid of the debris to get rid of the issue. Check it out before spending on a contractor.
If you do only one thing for HVAC maintenance, it ought to be replacing the air filter. This is the easiest step to take to ensure that your unit remains in good operating condition. A new air filter is only a couple of bucks at your local hardware store.
You should always ask a contractor a few simple questions before hiring them for a job, such as how long they’ve been working in this field. They should have a good history of working with HVAC units. Though it is possible that a newer contractor will be just fine, you may not want to take the risk.
Only hire a contractor to install or repair your HVAC system if they offer a 24-hour hotline for emergencies. You want a company that will be there when you need them.
Working Hvac
A working HVAC system contributes greatly to the comfort of your home. If you do not maintain it properly, you may find that it breaks down. Do not let this happen by using these tips to have a properly working HVAC.