The HVAC system may sound very complicated. There is some truth to the idea that HVAC systems are complicated. However, you no longer have to be in the dark as this article has some great advice to help you get started.
Before calling anyone to repair your system, know what system you have. Write down what brand your system is along with the model number and, if they’re available, maintenance records. If you have to have someone come out to repair the unit, you will be able to help the contractor understand more about what is going on.
If you are having issues with your HVAC, do a tour of your house before you call in help. Note which rooms are hot and which are cold. That knowledge can help the technician figure out what is going on.
Before selecting a HVAC repairman, know what you need done. You can’t get a decent estimate over a telephone, so disregard those numbers and wait until they view your system. It will be way more hard if you can’t figure out what they need to do. Having this information handy will make the process much smoother.
Be sure to clean external condenser units regularly. Things tend to pile up around these units, especially after storms come through, which could cause problems to your system. Debris like this can cause it to overheat, which could be detrimental to your system.
The coils and blades on the fans should be cleaned once a year. First, make sure the power is off to ensure nothing moves while you are working. Then, pop off its grills, pull the blades out, and begin cleaning the unit and them gently.
Get your HVAC unit serviced two times per year. This should be done in the fall and again in the spring. Even though it may seem as nothing is wrong with the unit, a simple inspection can prove otherwise.
To help keep your energy costs down, have your heating and cooling system serviced at least once a year. An HVAC specialist will inspect the entire system, including the oil, the motor, and the ducts. Your unit will last longer this way.
Avoid allowing your home to ever get exceedingly hot. A simple AC unit will usually only cool the home around 20 degrees within a short period of time. If your home gets above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, you’ll only cool down to still above 80. You may suffer adverse effects from letting the house get that hot, too.
Before you invest in any HVAC contractor, make sure you spend a good deal of time researching their reputations and credentials. Check out the online reviews, and run a quick search on the BBB website to make sure they have been good to past customers. This can help you make the right choice.
Sometimes air conditioners get iced up. Freezes also occur in your drain line. These freezes are easily confused as leaks to the untrained eye. If this happens, turn the thermostat so it is on fan only mode, which will disable the compressor. You should leave the repair to a professional, but switching to the fan setting should start to melt the ice.
Look for air conditioner sizing calculators online to truly understand what size of unit is necessary for your room or home. If you purchase a unit that’s too large, it will not be efficient since it’ll cool the same. Look at the manual for more information.
How long has the contractor been in business? It is more likely that a contractor who has been in business for a longer time will give you better value for your money. Working with someone that does not yet have a reputation in the business is a bit riskier.
Use recommendations when you are looking for a contractor. You should be able to find someone that has had a good experience. This is also a great way to get names of companies that should be avoided.
Check reviews online to find professional help. In many cases you will find local review sites where previous customers will share the experience they had with companies they used. You will be able to make a more informed choice if you do this.
Make sure that you are familiar with your HVAC at all times. It can be hard to get going without motivation, so take all of this information into account as you get started. When things begin to click, you’ll be glad you did.