Without a decent HVAC system, any home can become a very uncomfortable home to be inside. They can be very expensive to fix when something goes awry, so it’s best to properly maintain them and prevent them from breaking down. Here are some great ideas to help you keep your unit maintained.
Before the summer you should clean out your condenser fan’s blades and coils. Make sure your power is off before doing more than cleaning, such as working on the unit. The outside condenser unit should be kept free of leaves and other debris.
If your unit is outdoors, clean them regularly. Things tend to pile up around these units, especially after storms come through, which could cause problems to your system. It can overheat, leading to disaster within your system.
Each spring, try cleaning the fan blades and coils on the condenser fan. For safety, always turn the power off first. Then take off the grill, take the blades out, and gently clean them.
During the fall, leaves can gather around your HVAC. When you see nearby trees shedding their leaves, clean the fan grill on your unit constantly. The air needs to be unobstructed into the fan, and any blockages create performance issues for the whole system.
If you have oil ports as part of the fan condenser, annual lubrication is key. You’ll see that the ports here are closed with a rubber or metal cap. Look for an oil that is lightweight and then put about 10 drops inside the port. You don’t want to put in too much.
Look for shade when placing a compressor outdoors. The cooler air that the unit can suck in, the less work it will need to do to further cool the air.
Put outdoor condensers in the shade. This will help you save on your energy bill.
Don’t allow your home to become dangerously hot. Air conditioners can cool a home by just twenty degrees in a short time. If the temperature in your home rises above 100 degrees, you will only be able to cool it down to 80. If humidity is high, this temp is still unsafe for people.
Make certain you properly investigate any company prior to hiring them. 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. This can help you make the right choice.
Some air conditioners can ice up. There are also occasional freezes in the drain line, which are often confused for plumbing leaks. Try switching to fan-mode and disabling your compressor to test whether the water is a leak or melting ice. If the problem persists be sure to call in a professional.
There are plenty of online tools, such as sizing calculators, which can help you find the best unit to cool your home. If you buy a unit that is too big, it won’t do an efficient job. Look at the manual for more information.
Use an HVAC company that has been in business for a while. Firms that have been in business for a long time are easier to assess. It is riskier to hire someone who does not have a long history.
Ask for quotes from multiple contractors. Making some phone calls before deciding is a good way to save money. Get in touch with more than a few contractors to best understand the going rate.
Think about having a radiant barrier installed in your attic so support the efficient functioning of your HVAC system. It ensures that your unit stays hot or cold as it should be. If you install the unit properly, you can even begin to use the attic as a bedroom as it will be so comfortable!
Do you want to buy a new cooling and heating system? There are things you must consider first. Systems are rated by the amount of area the system can heat and cool effectively. It is best to get a bigger unit than you need, instead of a smaller one.
Figure out the direction your home is facing so your HVAC system can work better. If you strategically place trees, it’s possible to block some of the morning sunlight so your home won’t become overheated. If there is less heat coming into your home, then your air conditioning unit won’t have to work as hard.
As stated above, your HVAC system is very important and you need to keep it running right. Thankfully, the tips you just read will help save you from costly repairs. If you don’t follow them, you won’t find any benefit, so keep that in mind.