Since your home’s HVAC system is quite important, you really don’t want it going bad. You may be here because you wish to learn all you can to make your HVAC last a long time. Keep reading for some great tips.
Before you hire an HVAC contractor, have some sort of idea of the work that needs to be done. It is going to be hard to get a price estimate on the phone if the current system isn’t something they’ve seen. It will be way more hard if you can’t figure out what they need to do. This is information that you should have prepared in advance.
Clean your condenser’s fan blades and coils come spring. Always shut off all power to your unit for any work beyond superficial cleaning. Also, it is important to clear the outside condenser unit from any debris that maybe trapped inside.
Lubricate your fan condenser if it has oil ports. You’ll find these ports are covered with a metal or rubber cap. Chose SAE 20 oil, which has been proven to be the most effective.
Be sure to place your outdoor unit in a shady spot to maximize efficiency. You save money this way because the air conditioner is now pulling in cooler air, which is easier to cool further.
Make sure your HVAC systems is checked twice a year. Most homeowners choose to have their unit inspected during the spring and the fall months. This helps prepare for the coming weather changes of summer and winter. Even if you do not detect a problem, you can identify and fix any potential problems when you have it checked.
To help keep your energy costs down, have your heating and cooling system serviced at least once a year. This visit will include a motor inspection and checking the freon. Those things are going to help your system at peak performance.
Shop around before hiring an HVAC contractor. Look at review sites and check with the BBB. This will help you to choose a contractor that is of high quality.
Sometimes, air conditioners collect ice. Freezing drain lines are also possible and can be mistaken for leaks. If you notice this, switch your thermostat to fan only to 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.
To know how large of an air conditioner you need, look for a calculator online. If you purchase a unit that’s too large, it will not be efficient since it’ll cool the same. Always look through the manual as well.
Hvac System
Think about having a radiant barrier installed in your attic so support the efficient functioning of your HVAC system. This device helps block the heat from the outside, which reduces your dependency on your HVAC system, as well as your bill. If this is installed correctly, it will give you the ability to actually use your attic as extra space to live in.
To increase the efficiency of your HVAC unit, determine the direction that your home faces. Trees placed in the right places can keep the sun from heating your home too much. If there is less heat coming into your home, then your air conditioning unit won’t have to work as hard.
Having windows and doors in place is essential to make sure your HVAC system runs well. They should be able to seal tightly without letting air seep in or out. Professional testing is available, and it is often free of charge.
Measure the area that needs cooling before buying a unit. You can figure out the unit you need by calculating 20 BTU per square foot. Combine the square footage of all rooms, in the event that you will be cooling more than one.
Thinking about and maintaining your HVAC system can be a great way to keep it functioning. It can cost lots of money to get it fixed. Use these tips to keep this from happening.