It is frustrating to have a failing HVAC system when it is super hot or super cold. The key to finding the right people to install new equipment or repair the old is to learn everything possible about the topic in advance. Read on to do that.
Before contacting a repair service, do a short tour of the entire home. Figure out which rooms are too cool or warm. This gives the repairer a starting point to work from.
Clean the debris on your condenser units. After a wind or rain storm things may pile up, causing problems with your system. It will damage the system by overheating.
The operation of your HVAC system can be in danger when the tree leaves begin to fall. The grill on the fan can become cluttered with debris, which will cause a serious operating deficiency. When the fan becomes obstructed, you will lose out on quality air.
Look for shade when placing a compressor outdoors. The cooler air entering the unit will require less work to get to the proper temperature.
Your HVAC system should be checked a few times a year. Ideally, you should have it looked at in the spring and fall so you know everything is set for the hot and cold months. Regular inspection will help you avoid unexpected repairs.
Temperature Outside
As the temperature outside drops, remember to turn off your outdoor condenser unit. If the temperature outside is less than 60ºF, be sure to turn off the unit so that you don’t damage it. Doing this keeps your system working well for years and saves you from having to spend money to repair it.
Getting a programmable thermostats can be a terrific way to realize savings. These convenient thermostats may shave ten percent or more off of your bills, because they significantly cut energy use when you’re not around. Also, you can find a thermostat that is controllable from a computer or smart phone.
Never let your home reach a dangerously hot temperature. AC units will only cool a house down 20 degrees. This means that if the weather is above 100 degrees, then you’ll still be baking in 80 degree weather at first! Depending on how humid it is, this isn’t really that safe for a person to sleep in when it’s really hot.
To help you pick a good HVAC contractor, be sure to research a number of different companies. A good start would be the BBB to see if there are any complaints, then search online for review sites where you can see what actual customers had to say about their experience. Investing the time to check out potential contractors can save you money and headaches.
Sometimes, air conditioning units ice up. Freezing drain lines are also possible and can be mistaken for leaks. Turn your unit to the fan setting to turn off the compressor. You should still call a professional to help regardless.
If you are purchasing an AC unit, there are calculators on the Internet that can help you figure out the right size. Buying a unit that is too large for your home is a poor decision that wastes money. Read over the owner’s manual to see the manufacturers suggestions as to the cooling capacity of the unit for the most accurate information.
Ask your friends and relations for their HVAC contractor recommendations. Those who have had this work done will know the best options. This can also be used to see who you should avoid.
Consider installing a radiant barrier to your attic to help your HVAC system run more efficiently. It will block the heat and lower the energy necessary to keep your home cool in the summertime. If it’s done right, the attic can become another useful living space.
If your current system isn’t working well enough, test out the ducts for leaks. 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 repair the leaks, the tests will pay for themselves.
If you would like your HVAC unit to be more efficient, simply look at where the front of your home faces. Strategically placing trees around your home can block some of the heat coming from the sun, preventing your home from overheating. This will reduce the work of your AC unit.
If you hear a clicking in the HVAC unit at home, see if there are any obstructions right away. There may be particles of debris that are touching the fans. All you need to do is remove the debris to solve the problem. Always check for yourself before getting someone out to repair the unit.
Measuring the space you want to cool is the first step to figure how large of an air conditioner you need. Plan for 20 BTU of power in your air conditioner for each square foot that needs to be cooled. If more than one room needs AC service, combine all the square footage.
Think about which way the air flows when installing a air conditioner. If it must be in a corner, make certain that the air does not point towards a wall.
Check in on the references for your contractor. Ask these references if the job was what they expected, if it was done in a timely manner and on budget. This will help you stay away from scam artists, but only if you call those references!
You may find it difficult to hire an HVAC expert without a little bit of prior knowledge. However, the right knowledge makes the process less daunting. This article should have helped you feel more comfortable when it comes to your HVAC system.