Anyone that has an HVAC system in their home knows how it important it is to have it properly maintained. A poorly functioning HVAC system can end up costing the homeowner a lot of money. This article offers you tips to keep your HVAC in optimal condition.
Always make sure you are up-to-date about your HVAC unit. Know the brand name and model number. It is also helpful to have the maintenance history. This will help you give the new contractor the necessary information.
Fan Blades
To make sure your condenser fan works properly, keep the fan blades and the coils clean. Before you do clean the coils and fan blades, always take the precaution of turning off all power to the unit. Additionally, remove leaves and any other debris from the outside condenser unit.
Your outdoor HVAC units might suffer when your trees lose leaves. Cleaning your unit is very important for its effectiveness. You can head off future problems that can be caused by blockages by making sure there is a free flow of air to your fan.
It is always a good idea to swap out single pane windows for double pane ones. Double-pane windows keep inside air cooler, allowing you to reduce AC usage in the summertime. As with other steps you take to improve your ability to keep your air conditioned air or heated air inside your home, double-paned windows can help you save on energy costs.
A good way to save money with your air conditioning is by installing a programmable thermostat. These can save you around 10 percent on your heating and cooling costs by just turning it back 10 percent to 15 percent for around eight hours each day. Some programmable thermostats can even be controlled from a PC or other device.
To cut energy costs, you should service your cooling and heating system once a year at least. During the service check, the system motor will be inspected, the moving parts will be oiled and the freon levels will be checked This will help keep your system performing at maximum efficiency.
Occasionally, air conditioners ice up. Many times people think there is a plumbing leak, but instead the drain line has water that is frozen. If this happens, disable the compressor by switching the thermostat to run the fan only. Once you know the problem, contact a local HVAC professional and let them know what’s going on in your system.
There are sizing calculators available to determine the proper sized system for your home. A unit that is bigger than you need simply isn’t efficient. To get the right information, look in the manual to find out the rating the manufacturer gives the unit for cooling.
How long has the contractor been in business? This will ensure that you find someone who knows their stuff. Hiring a contractor who is just starting out can be risky.
When you need an HVAC contractor, obtain recommendations from friends and family members. Those who have had this work done will know the best options. This will also let you know which companies to stay away from.
Are you thinking about having a new HVAC system installed? Many considerations must be scrutinized. Systems have a rating based on how well the system is able to cool or heat an area well. If your home falls in size between two units, select the one that is larger.
Check out your ductwork for leaks if your whole home isn’t being cooled or heated. Call your utility company if they are leaking to see about getting a test. You’ll see the test pays for itself once all leaks are fixed.
If you hear a clicking in the HVAC unit at home, see if there are any obstructions right away. Many times you will find debris hitting that knock up against the fans inside the cooling unit. You can solve the issue by removing debris. Look before calling in a technician.
Measure the area that needs cooling before buying a unit. You will need about 20 BTU per square footage of the room. When you are cooling more than one room, you must add together all of the square footage.
Replace the air filter monthly to keep your HVAC system working well. This is an easy way to help you keep things running well for you overall. It is a small cost to do this.
When deciding where to place your AC, condition the direction of air flow. When it’s being put into a corner, you have to be able to direct the air out into free space.
Does your contractor provide you with an all-day emergency hotline? They should be available to you if a problem arises.
Fit the condenser on your HVAC with a protective cover during the colder winter months. This simple cover keeps the condenser operating longer when not in use. Also, it is not a good idea to run a compressor when the temperature dips below 60 degrees. Do this by simply turn on the fan so that you don’t cause the unit unnecessary strain.
Now you know a lot about HVAC, so you can ensure yours stays running for many years. A poorly operational HVAC system can become cumbersome as your electricity bills rise and maintenance costs increase, so having the right information is key to success. Keep these tips handy so you can refer to them as needed.