Few people truly understand the ins and outs of HVAC. This can be disturbing when it breaks down. Luckily for those homeowners, there are plenty of reputable HVAC specialists in the local area who are willing to help.
If you have some problems with the HVAC system, check out your home before calling a contractor. Make note of which rooms are cold and which are hot. You can then relay this information to the technician so that they can more easily figure out what the problem is.
Clean your condenser’s fan blades and coil in the spring. Shut the power off before you do anything. Then, remove the grill, then remove the blades and begin the cleaning process of the blades and the unit.
Don’t let your outdoor HVAC units get smothered with clippings anytime you mow the yard. Aim the grass clippings in the other direction. This same tip applies when you are blowing fallen leaves around the yard. Grass and leaves pose a serious problem for the internal functioning of your unit.
During the fall, leaves can gather around your HVAC. The grill on the fan can become cluttered with debris, which will cause a serious operating deficiency. A blocked unit can quickly become a broken unit.
A good place to place your compressor unit outside is in a shady spot. This will limit the work that it has to do.
For maximum efficiency, place outdoor units in a shady spot. You save money this way because the air conditioner is now pulling in cooler air, which is easier to cool further.
Your HVAC unit requires regular maintenance at least two times per each 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. Check it out just to be safe even if there is nothing broken.
If at all possible, install double-paned windows in your home instead of those with a single pane. During the summer, the use of double-pane windows will help keep the cool air locked inside of the home. They help in the winter, too, keeping the heat in.
Make use of a thermostat when you are installing an HVAC. This will help you to keep the temperature at optimal levels. You can often control it from your mobile phone!
Try to have your HVAC system looked at every year, because regular maintenance will go a long way in energy efficiency. During the visit, the contractor will oil parts, inspect the motor and the freon levels. These easy to do things are going to allow your system to run its best.
To know how large of an air conditioner you need, look for a calculator online. Buying a unit which is too big reduces efficiency. Check the manufacturer’s handbook to see what amount of space the unit can effectively cool.
An online search will give you further information about any contractor you are considering. Many online review sites provide an avenue for this information. This is a great way to find people you want to work with and those you don’t want to work with.
Make certain that you get written estimates before you hire a contractor. This can help you to save money by knowing what people are charging. You may want to get quotes from at least five contractors in order to know what you should be paying.
Consider installing a radiant barrier to your attic to help your HVAC system run more efficiently. It can help keep heat out during the hot summer months, which means you will lower your power bills. You may even find that you can use the attic space more effectively.
Do you want to buy a new cooling and heating system? There are things you must consider first. Systems get rated according to how large an area they can effectively cool and heat. You want a unit which offers a little more than you need.
Look for leaves or other debris if you notice a thumping sound in your unit. This may be because debris is restricting the movement of the fan blades. Get rid of this obstruction and that should take care of the problem. Before contacting someone for repairs, make sure you investigate the problem first.
Having windows and doors in place is essential to make sure your HVAC system runs well. Be sure that they’re sealed well so that air from the outside or inside doesn’t come in or escape. You can also hire someone to test them.
Handling a faulty HVAC system represents a serious headache for any homeowner. This process is not as bad as you think though. Use the information in this article to assist you with your HVAC maintenance.