Many people want to learn more about their HVAC unit, but they aren’t sure where to begin because they think it is simply too complicated. This doesn’t have the be the case, however. This can be made easier with the following advice.
If your HVAC doesn’t seem to be working properly, check things out yourself prior to calling in a technician. Find out which rooms are hot and which are cold. The contractor can probably figure out and fix the problem easier.
Before choosing an HVAC contractor, think of what you wish to have done. It will be difficult for an HVAC contractor to provide you with an estimate on the phone without knowing what your current setup is. Being unable to explain what has been already done will make it even harder. Having this information handy will make the process much smoother.
To make sure your condenser fan works properly, keep the fan blades and the coils clean. Turn off the power if you are going to work on your HVAC system. In addition, always remove all debris such as leaves from the outside condenser unit.
Clean the condenser on your debris regularly. Excess debris can really affect your system’s quality. Debris like this can cause it to overheat, which could be detrimental to your system.
If trees are losing leaves around your home, this can impact your HVAC unit. Make sure the fan’s grill is cleaned often during the fall. The fan needs unobstructed air flow, and if debris is blocking this air flow, then your system could suffer.
If your condenser comes with oil ports, you should lubricate it yearly. Such ports tend to have coverings made of rubber or metal. Choose an oil graded SAE 20, it is non-detergent and lightweight. Place about 10 drops into each of the ports, taking care that it does not overfill.
Turn off your outdoor condenser when it becomes cold out. If the outside temp is under 60 degrees, turn the unit off to prevent damage. This can ensure your unit is working well throughout the years without the cost of repairs.
Having a programmable thermostat installed is a money saving idea. These convenient thermostats may shave ten percent or more off of your bills, because they significantly cut energy use when you’re not around. Additionally, these items can be controlled remotely through your computer.
You can keep energy costs in your home lower by choosing to have professional maintenance done on your HVAC unit. This visit will include a motor inspection and checking the freon. This ensures your system runs smoothly.
Fan Setting
Air conditioners tend to ice up at times. The drain line also occasionally freezes, which can be misdiagnosed as a plumbing leak. If this is something that’s happening to you, change the setting on your thermostat to the fan setting and this will disable the compressor. It is best to call a professional in to fix this particular issue, even though the switch to fan setting should cause the ice to start melting.
Try to get as many quotes from contractors that you can. You will be likely to save some cash if you take the time to call around before you decide. It is best to speak to several contractors so that you know which rates are reasonable.
Are you looking at purchasing a HVAC system? There are a number of things to think about first. First, the rating a system has indicates how much area they can warm up or cool down. If you are debating the size of the unit, always get one that is just a little bigger rather than one that is a little too small.
Be sure to test for leaks in the ducts if your system seems inefficient. Call local utility companies to test it for you since many do it for a small fee or even free, which is lower than HVAC contractors. When the leaks are repaired, you’ll find that the testing paid for itself.
This advice should make your HVAC issues a piece of cake to deal with. These ideas are a great place to begin. Start as soon as you can for the best results.