When you wish to learn a lot about HVAC, you need the right information. You will find some great information in the following article that will give you the basics. Relax, sit back and check out the tips below.
Donot let grass clippings pile up against your outdoor condenser. Shoot the grass away from the unit. This applies when you are taking care of the leaves in the yard.
Leaves and debris can damage your system. Clean the fan grill often when leaves are falling. The fan must stay clear in order to function, and if it gets blocked, you will have to contend with problems.
Lubricate your condenser yearly if it has oil ports. You can find these ports covered with rubber or metal caps. Use SAE 20 oil that is lightweight and detergent free, and put ten drops or fewer into each one. Make sure not to overfill them.
Put outdoor units in the shade if you are installing them. When the air conditioner pulls in cooler air, it won’t have to do much more to cool it and that will save you a lot of money on energy bills.
Your HVAC system should be checked a few times a year. This should happen in the fall and the spring. Even though it may seem as nothing is wrong with the unit, a simple inspection can prove otherwise.
Outdoor condenser units need to be turned off when the weather turns cold. To prevent damage, turn off your unit if the outside temperature is less than 60 degrees. This will help keep your HVAC system in good health for years, which means you will save on repair bills.
One great way to save some cash when you’re working on keeping a home cool is to install a thermostat that’s programmable. You have greater control over the temperature settings with these. Some newer programmable thermostats have computerized controls you can access from your personal computer, laptop or mobile media device.
Regular maintenance of your unit should be performed annually. During service the technician will check the motor and refill the system fluids. This will keep you energy efficient and comfortable.
If nobody is home, turn off the air conditioner to save money. The house will only heat up to a certain point. It will use more electricity if you keep it running.
To help you pick a good HVAC contractor, be sure to research a number of different companies. It is a good idea to check with the BBB and look for reviews from prior clients. This will help you to choose a contractor that is of high quality.
Air conditioners sometimes ice up. In addition, the drain line sometimes freezes, and people often think that there is a plumbing leak. If you see this happen, disable the compressor by turning your thermostat to the fan only setting. While switching the system to the fan setting should begin the ice melting process, the best thing to do is to hire a professional to deal with the problem.
There are sizing calculators available to determine the proper sized system for your home. If you purchase something too large, you will be throwing away money. Any unit’s manual will be able to give you an accurate idea for the size of the unit versus your home.
Use an HVAC company that has been in business for a while. Someone that has been in the business for a while probably isn’t going to scam you. Taking risks is not something that you want to do in this area.
Talk to others that you have in your life to see if they can recommend an HVAC contractor to you. People who have been happy with work they have had done in the past are normally more than happy to recommend their contractors. This is also a great way to get names of companies that should be avoided.
It is always a wise move to obtain a few quotes from different contractors because prices can vary. You should save some money this way. To get the best picture and get an idea of what rates are reasonable, call five or six different contractors.
In order for your HVAC system to run more efficiently, think about putting a radiant barrier in your attic. This helps block the heat from outside, and will reduce the energy needed for cooling your home during the summer. If you do it right, you may be able to expand your living space into your attic.
Choose an efficient and knowledgeable HVAC company. A reliable company will arrive on time and have the job finished in a jiffy. They should be able to diagnose issues quickly. Once the technician figures out what’s wrong, they can help resolve the problems in a timely and cost-effective manner.
Be certain you know what the HVAC work costs include. Some contractors attempt to charge you later for items like materials and fuel. Having a written contract will let you avoid these types of issues.
You should cover the condenser on your HVAC unit during the winter. That ensures it isn’t damaged by the cold and snow. Never operate your unit when the temperatures are lower than 60 degrees. Put the fan on in this case.
Make sure that any contractor that provides you with a quote also performs a heat-loss calculation. This determines the number of BTUs needed to maintain comfort in your home. There are several factors involved, including your insulation and how many outside windows and doors you have.
Always look for the ENERGY STAR logo on a unit before you make the purchase. They are very efficient models which meet exacting standards. These are put in place by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This is vital if you want to cut your costs. Saving money on utility bills means a little bit of research.
Knowing what a home or business owner needs to know about HVAC is not that hard thanks to the information shared here. Careful study will help you avoid accidental breakage and potential injury. Good luck with your HVAC and feeling comfortable in your home.
