If you need to replace your HVAC system, you might be confused by all the available choices. How can you determine the type of unit you need? What is the correct size system for your home or business? What sort of features do you want? As these units advance and become more complicated, choosing the right one can be confusing. If you are feeling overwhelmed by it all, read the info below; it will help you out.
If your HVAC system us giving you issues, take a look around the house prior to calling a contractor. Figure out which rooms feel hot and which feel cold. This will help your contractor quickly determine where the issue lies and how to get it fixed quickly and easily.
Make sure that you do not cover your outdoor components with grass clippings when you are trimming the grass. Direct the clippings away from the equipment. This applies when you are taking care of the leaves in the yard.
The operation of your HVAC system can be in danger when the tree leaves begin to fall. Make sure you clean out your fan grill often once nearby trees start shedding their leaves. Because the fan requires a clear path for air to enter, you may encounter issues with your system if the fan gets blocked up.
You must keep your HVAC systems oil ports lubricated annually. You'll see that the ports here are closed with a rubber or metal cap. Choose a SAE 20 oil whch is lightweight and non-detergent and place 10 drops or less into each port, ensuring it doesn't overfill.
Replace any single-paned windows with double-paned versions. Double pane windows will help keep your home cooler in the summer. When it is cold in the winter months, these same windows will keep the warm air inside as well.
Make use of a thermostat when you are installing an HVAC. You have greater control over the temperature settings with these. Also, you'll find that you can program your thermostat from a computer or anything connected to the web.
Don't ever let your home temperature get dangerously high. AC units will only cool a house down 20 degrees. So if your home is 100ºF, you'll only get the temperature down to about 80. This won't be a healthy environment to live in.
To help you pick a good HVAC contractor, carefully search for information that offers honest reviews about the companies that you might be looking to hire. You may also want to check with the BBB for information. These simple steps will help make a better decision.
Air conditioners tend to ice up at times. The drain line also occasionally freezes, which can be misdiagnosed as a plumbing leak. If this happens, disable the compressor by switching the thermostat to run the fan only. The ice will melt. You will likely need professional help to stop the problem.
To know how large of an air conditioner you need, look for a calculator online. If you purchase a unit that's too large, it will not be efficient since it'll cool the same. Check the manufacturer's handbook to see what amount of space the unit can effectively cool.
Before you go out there and hire an HVAC contractor, find out the length of time they've been in the industry. Companies with proven track records typically provide better service. It's a risk to hire a new one.
Contractors are responsible for their own charges and fees, so make sure you get quotes from several contractors before you make any hiring decision. If you make a few calls before you decide, it can result in great savings. Get in touch with more than a few contractors to best understand the going rate.
If you current HVAC doesn't work that well, try testing ducts for leaks. You can have your utility company test for you, sometimes for free or less than an HVAC contractor would charge. If you do have leaks that are repaired, this testing will pay for itself.
Make sure your windows and doors are efficient. Make sure that their seals are tight and that they do not allow air to seep in or out. You can get a professional out to help you test things and a lot of the time the testing costs nothing.
When choosing the proper air conditioner size, measure the area that needs cooling. You generally need 20 BTU for each square foot of room space. Combine the square footage of all rooms, in the event that you will be cooling more than one.
Choosing an HVAC system that is new can be confusing and may feel overwhelming to you. That decision just became a little bit easier though, now that you have the advice of experts in hand. Spend some time re-reading this advice and make good use of it when you start making decisions about keeping your house comfortable.
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