Who would want to come home to find a malfunctioning HVAC system waiting for them? A temperature-controlled home is a comfortable home, and you should make yourself aware of what you need to know to keep it cared for. The tips that follow will assist you in this process.
Before making that repair phone call, make sure you know the specifics about your particular system. Write down what brand your system is along with the model number and if they’re available maintenance records. This helps make sure the contractor has the information they will need.
Before you choose someone to do HVAC work, figure out what they need to do for you. A contractor cannot give an accurate estimate without looking at your system. If you can’t explain the changes you’ve made, the process will be even more difficult. So, have this information ready.
Keep outside condenser fans running smoothly by cleaning fan blades and coils before the summer begins. If you are doing more than a light surface cleaning, make sure that the power is shut off to the HVAC unit. In addition, always remove all debris such as leaves from the outside condenser unit.
If you want to know where you should put an outdoor compressor, you should place it somewhere where there is a lot of shade. When your unit is bringing in cool air, it will not have to work as hard to cool the air as it moves it inside, boosting efficiency.
Make sure your HVAC systems are checked twice a year. Most homeowners choose to have their unit inspected during the spring and the fall months. This helps prepare for the coming weather changes of summer and winter. This type of preventative maintenance is highly necessary to ward off any expensive troubles from coming your way.
Install a thermostat you can program to save money on cooling your home. A programmable thermostat can save you up to ten percent on your cooling and heating costs by simply turning the thermostat back ten to fifteen percent for eight hours a day. This will save you a lot of money during the year.
Service your HVAC yearly. When it’s checked out, the motor will be inspected, moving parts well oiled and the level of freon adjusted if necessary. These repairs will keep your HVAC system running smoothly.
Do not allow your house to get extremely hot. Air conditioners are limited in that they can only reduce the indoor temperature by 20 degrees Fahrenheit in a reasonable time limit. If your home happens to get near 100 degrees Fahrenheit, then you will only be able to reasonably cool to around 80. Depending on humidity levels, this isn’t even a safe temperature for a human body to sleep at to recover from summer heat.
All contractors charge differently for their services, so get at least four or five quotes before hiring a particular person. You can save a lot of cash simply by doing your homework. You should try to contact 5 to 6 contractors to find out what price you can reasonably expect to pay.
For greater efficiency, put a radiant barrier in your attic. It blocks the heat from inside out, reducing the energy that’s needed for your home to get cooled during the summer. If done correctly, this also enables you to start using your attic as a living space.
If your existing system is malfunctioning, look for leaks in the ducts. Call local utility companies to test it for you since many do it for a small fee or even free, which is lower than HVAC contractors. When you have leaks repaired, the testing has paid for itself.
Take a measuring tape and get the square footage of the area where the unit will be cooling. You can usually substitute 20 BTU for each square foot in the area to be cooled. If multiple rooms need cooling, just add their total square footage.
It is important to think about the direction air flows from your unit. If you can only put it into a corner, try buying a unit that lets you change its air flow direction away from your wall.
Ask a contractor about their experience prior to hiring them. It is important that you hire someone that has enough background experience to get the work done properly. Although it is certainly possible for an inexperienced contractor to do the job right, it is best not to flirt with danger.
You should make sure the contractor you hire to repair or install your HVAC system has a hotline for emergencies that is available all day. The professional should also be able to promptly arrive at your home whenever the need arises.
Protect your condenser unit from winter weather by placing a cover around it. When the condenser is not being used, the cover will help it to last much longer. In addition, you should never run the compressor when the temperature outside is below 60 degrees. Switch your fan on instead so the unit doesn’t get strained.
Prior to hiring an HVAC contractor, check out their references. Sometimes people assume the legitimacy of references because the contractor offered them, but this can be a mistake. It only takes a short amount of time to contact someone, so it is important that you do that right away.
Ask every prospective contractor to do a heat-loss assessment. This determines the amount of BTUs your system needs to make sure your home stays comfortable. They need to consider all doors and windows, insulation and room sizes.
The next time that you have an HVAC technician at your home or business, ask them to put in a thermostat that is programmable. This device can save you a great deal of money on your heating and cooling bills because when you adjust the temperature to sync with your lifestyle.
Ensure that you do not have issues with your HVAC system by following the advice provided here. It’s a dreadful feeling if you come home and realize your vents don’t have air coming out. Having to deal with repair costs makes things harder. The tips in this article will help you keep things manageable. Use them as necessary.
