An HVAC unit is something many people want to learn about, but in the end they think it’s way too hard to learn about. You shouldn’t let this hold you back, though. The following article offers great suggestions for you to follow to help make this easier.
If your HVAC system is acting up, take a tour of the house prior to calling a professional. Find out which rooms are hot and which are cold. Taking this step aids a contractor in figuring out what the problem is and how to repair it as quickly as possible.
Clean the coils of your condenser fan each month. Before you clean the unit, be sure to turn off the power. Leaves and debris can build up inside the unit and cause damage.
Try to prevent debris from getting in your HVAC unit. At least twice a week, you need to clean the grill of your fan. The fan must be unobstructed to work properly, and if it becomes blocked, it could cause your system to break down.
Lubricate your condenser yearly if it has oil ports. These are usually covered with rubber or metal caps. Get an oil that is SAE 20 and put about 10 drops into each port, but don’t overfill it.
Look for shade when placing a compressor outdoors. If the unit is taking in cooler air, the efficiency will be boosted since it will not need to work as hard.
Be sure you have the HVAC unit in your home checked about two times every year. It’s best to have it checked before you turn it on for the summer and again for the winter. This will help you to avoid problems.
If everyone is out, turn the air conditioner off. The house will heat up when it is turned off, but only a certain amount. Leaving it on all the time only makes it work harder and results in a larger utility bill.
Don’t let your home get overly hot. Air conditioners really can only cool a home down about 20 degrees Fahrenheit within a reasonable amount of time. If the temperature in your home rises to 100 degrees F or higher, cooling it will only drop the temperature to 80 degrees F. Depending on how humid the environment is, that is not a healthy temperature for the human body when it rests during sleep.
Research the companies that you consider using. It is always wise to check their status with the BBB. In addition, check out customer reviews that appear online. Doing this makes it more likely that you choose wisely..
Use online AC sizing calculators to figure out what size unit you need. If you buy a unit that is too big, it won’t do an efficient job. You can look online or do other research to get information from HVAC system manufacturers and sellers in order to determine the best unit size for your needs.
Ask those you know for the name of a great HVAC technician, should you need one. People who’ve had great service are usually willing to tell of it. This will also let you know which companies to stay away from.
In order for your HVAC system to run more efficiently, think about putting a radiant barrier in your attic. It can help keep heat out during the hot summer months, which means you will lower your power bills. If you do things right your attic can be used as a living space too.
You can usually have free duct testing performed if you are concerned about your HVAC system not running properly. Your local energy company may do such testing at a reduced cost or maybe even for free. Paying for the test is fine as repairing the leaks will pay for itself quickly.
Determining the direction in which your house faces can help make the HVAC system efficient. Block the sun in the morning with trees around your home. Anything that provides shade from direct sunlight can reduce the temperature inside your home and help reduce your energy bill for air conditioning during warm months.
If you do only one thing for HVAC maintenance, it ought to be replacing the air filter. It’s easy and has a huge impact on performance. It is a small cost each month to do this.
It is crucial that you apply the you just read. The above tips can help simplify your experience. Just get started on the right path and everything will work out great!