Your HVAC system can be a blessing most of the time. As these units age, they may need to be replaced. It is important to know what you want in an HVAC unit and also how to keep it maintained. The following tips will assist you in improving your HVAC knowledge.
Before contacting a repair service, do a short tour of the entire home. Make note of which rooms are cold and which are hot. That way, the contractor will have an easier time diagnosing the problem and repairing it fast.
When you call an HVAC system for help, you need to be aware of what you need them to do before calling. It will be hard for a contractor to give you a price estimate over the phone if they have not seen your current system. They also won't be able to offer you a quote if they don't have a detailed idea of what you want done. Be sure to find this out ahead of time.
Clean the condenser coils and fan at the beginning of the year to help the unit run efficiently. Be safe and turn off the power supply before working on your HVAC unit. Take away all of the debris as well.
Clean the debris off your outdoor condenser unit. Particularly after bad weather, you should inspect your unit. It can cause the unit to overheat and break down.
Don't get grass clippings on your outside unit. Now so the grass clippings are shot away from your unit. The same thing should go on when you blow leaves, so take your time when you're working around HVAC units that are around when you're blowing debris around.
Lubricate your fan condenser if it has oil ports. You can find these ports covered with rubber or metal caps. Pick out a SAE 20 type of oil because it has no detergent, is lightweight, and you should put around 10 drops in the ports but make it to where they don't get too full.
For maximum efficiency, place outdoor units in a shady spot. As it brings in cool air to cool, you will save a lot of money.
Your HVAC system should be checked a few times a year. The best time of year to have the system checked is right before the weather begins to change. Even if you do not detect a problem, you can identify and fix any potential problems when you have it checked.
If you can, install double-paned windows throughout your home. They help cool air remain inside your home, effectively cutting back on how much you have to run your air conditioner. Likewise, in the winter more hot air stays inside during the cold season.
Consider getting a programmable thermostat for your AC. It changes the temperature so the system isn't in use when it's cooler outside or no one is home. In addition, some models make things really easy on you, allowing you to adjust them from the computer.
Regular maintenance of your unit should be performed annually. The motor should be checked, the parts oiled and the freon levels inspected. These few simple things will help your system to run at its peak performance.
To help you pick a good HVAC contractor, be sure to research a number of different companies. Inquiring with the Better Business Bureau is always a good idea, as is looking for online review sites where previous customers can post their experiences. Take these steps to ensure you make wise choices.
An online search will give you further information about any contractor you are considering. There are different sites that let customers share experiences of different services. This is a good way to locate contractors that do good work and ones that are poor.
It is always a wise move to obtain a few quotes from different contractors because prices can vary. By calling around and asking a few different contractors, you can save a ton of money. Call at least four or five different HVAC specialist to find the best rates.
If your system isn't working right, try looking for leaks in the ducts. The local utility may be able to test for you, and their services are frequently free or low cost. This testing can have large financial benefits.
The HVAC system is only one piece in an efficient home. You must also consider the quality of your windows and doors. 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.
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's time to replace your current system with a new one, remember the suggestions offered above. You are more likely to select the best unit for your home.
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