No homeowner wants to come back to their house after a long day at work to find that the temperature is too hot or too cold. Your HVAC system helps you live comfortably, which is why you have to take care of it well. Use the recommendations below as part of your approach to maintaining your HVAC system.
Don’t hire a contractor until you know a little about what you are facing. This will make the quote process much easier. If you are unable to explain the work that needs to be taken care of, the conversation will be even less fruitful. Be sure to find this out ahead of time.
Clean the debris off your outdoor condenser unit. You never know when things can pile up, especially after a windy or rainy storm, and that can throw a wrench in your system. It may even overheat, which can ruin your system.
When the trees are losing their leaves, your HVAC unit can suffer. Whenever leaves are falling, consistently clean the fan grill. The air needs to be unobstructed into the fan, and any blockages create performance issues for the whole system.
Lubricate the oil ports on your condenser once each year. You’ll find these ports are covered with a metal or rubber cap. Get an oil that is SAE 20 and put about 10 drops into each port, but don’t overfill it.
When selecting a location for an outdoor compressor, opt for a shady area, if possible. The cooler the air which goes in, the less work the unit will have to do.
If the current location of your HVAC unit outside isn’t working, try having it moved to an area with more shade. It will reduce the temperature of the air going into the unit, meaning that it will not have to work as hard to cool it.
Programmable Thermostat
Putting in a programmable thermostat is a smart way to cut back on air-conditioning costs. A programmable thermostat can save you up to ten percent on your cooling and heating costs by simply turning the thermostat back ten to fifteen percent for eight hours a day. Take advantage of the convenience of the ability to control many programable thermostats from your favorite electronic device.
Don’t let your home get too hot. It takes quite a while to cool a home by more than 20 degrees. This limits their overall benefit. This isn’t a very safe condition for a homeowner to sleep in, especially when the humidity levels are considered.
Make certain you properly investigate any company prior to hiring them. Check with the BBB and online reviews as well. You will make a more informed choice if you use these resources.
Problems with an air conditioning unit happen when it ices up. The drain line also occasionally freezes, which can be misdiagnosed as a plumbing leak. If you see this, put the fan on to shut the compressor off. It’s a good idea to call up professionals to help with this even though you can get the ice to melt when you switch everything to the fan.
Research what size air conditioner you should purchase for the size of your home by using online calculators they have for this purpose. If you get something that’s too big, it won’t work as well for you in the end. Use the manual to determine what size is right for you.
Ask around so you can find a reputable HVAC contractor. People that have gotten great work done in the past generally love to share the information they know about it. This is an excellent way to find which companies to stay away from.
To improve the efficiency of your HVAC unit, put a radiant barrier up inside the attic of your home. This blocks heat from entering your home, which lowers how much energy is needed to keep it cool in the warm months. You might even be able to start living in your attic.
Be sure you keep your HVAC up and running by using the advice found above. It is a bad feeling to return home to find that the vents have no air coming from them. And, trying to figure out how you’re going to pay for repairs is even worse. This can be prevented if you follow the tips you have just read. Use them to maintain your unit.