A good unit will keep your home comfortable. Most homes come with an HVAC unit, but over the years, they may need to be repaired or replaced. Understanding when to do this is key. The following tips will assist you in improving your HVAC knowledge.
Before you choose an HVAC contractor, have an idea in your mind of what needs to be done. You can’t get a decent estimate over a telephone, so disregard those numbers and wait until they view your system. Getting an estimate will be even more difficult if you cannot adequately describe the problem. This is information that you should have prepared in advance.
If you have outside condenser units, make sure to regularly clean the debris that builds up. Things tend to pile up around these units, especially after storms come through, which could cause problems to your system. It could overheat and cause a disaster with your unit.
Clean the coils on the condenser fan from time to time. Before you do anything, however, turn the power off. Then take off the grill, take the blades out, and gently clean them.
Try to prevent debris from getting in your HVAC unit. Clean outdoor units often to remove leaves. 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.
Some fan condensers may contain oil parts, and if yours does, ensure it is lubricated at least once per year. You’ll see that the ports here are closed with a rubber or metal cap. Your oil should be an SAE 20. This particular oil is very lightweight and it only requires about 10 drops per port.
Place your HVAC unit in the shade to boost efficiency. If your air conditioner is able to constantly suck in cool air, it won’t have to work overtime to cool your space, which can in turn save you money on your electricity bills.
Regularly having your HVAC system serviced can help keep your heating and cooling bills down. An HVAC specialist will inspect the entire system, including the oil, the motor, and the ducts. Doing this simple task can ensure that your system will be running for years with no problem!
Keep your air conditioner off when people aren’t home to save you money. Sure, the temp will rise, but no one is home anyway. If the A/C is on when you’re gone, it’ll be working hard constantly.
Don’t ever let your home temperature get dangerously high. An AC unit will reduce the internal temperature of your home approximately twenty degrees in a fair time. This limits their overall benefit. While it depends on the humidity, this is not safe for a human to sleep in to recover from the heat of the summer.
Fan Setting
Air conditioners occasionally freeze up, literally. This can also happen on the drain line. If this is something that’s happening to you, change the setting on your thermostat to the fan setting and this will disable the compressor. 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.
Look for calculators online to help you determine the size of unit you need for your home. If you purchase something too large, you will be throwing away 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.
Consider how long a given HVAC company has been in existence before giving them your business. You are more likely to get good service this way. Hiring a new contractor means taking a bigger risk.
Have you been thinking about buying a new HVAC system? You will need to take a few things into account. Systems are given ratings by how effectively they can cool and heat an area. You should buy a little bigger than necessary unit over a little smaller than necessary unit.
HVACs are great investments since they can keep your home comfy all year. When the time comes to replace your system or buy a new one, keep the above tips in mind. You will make better decisions as a result.