Not too many people enjoy the subject of the HVAC system, because they think it will be too hard to learn about. That isn’t true, though. This can be made easier with the following advice.
If you’ve been having trouble with an HVAC system, look around your home before calling in people to help. Make a list of the temperatures in each room and whether they are hot or cold. This will help your contractor quickly determine where the issue lies and how to get it fixed quickly and easily.
Clean the condenser coils and fan at the beginning of the year to help the unit run efficiently. Before you clean the unit, be sure to turn off the power. Take away all of the debris as well.
Clean the fan blades and coils in your condenser each spring. Before you begin cleaning the unit, make sure that it is unplugged. Remove the grill and carefully clean the blades and surrounding areas.
Cover your unit when you are mowing the lawn. Aim the grass in a different direction from the unit. The same should happen if you are blowing leaves, so be especially careful when you are going by your exterior HVAC devices whenever you are moving debris.
Leaves falling from trees can wreak havoc with your HVAC unit. During this time of year, check and clear off the fan grill on your unit on a regular basis. The air needs to be unobstructed into the fan, and any blockages create performance issues for the whole system.
If your fan condenser has oil ports, you must lubricate it once per year. They are usually fitted with a rubber or metal cap. 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.
Pane Windows
Replace single pane windows by installing double pane, if possible. Double pane windows can minimize the use of your air conditioner in hot weather since they keep the indoor air cooler. Conversely, they keep warm air in during the winter.
Service your HVAC unit at least one time a year. This visit will include a motor inspection and checking the freon. Those things are going to help your system at peak performance.
Sometimes air conditioners get iced up. There are also occasional freezes in the drain line, which are often confused for plumbing leaks. If this is something you notice, switch the thermostat in your home to fan only so the compressor is disabled. You should leave the repair to a professional, but switching to the fan setting should start to melt the ice.
Look for sizing calculators based on the air conditioner you have to figure out how big of a unit you need in your home. Proper sizing will increase efficiency. Use the manual to determine what size is right for you.
Contractors are responsible for their own charges and fees, so make sure you get quotes from several contractors before you make any hiring decision. You should be able to hire the best contractor for the job if you take the time to do this. In an ideal situation, you can estimate a reasonable rate by getting quotes from up to a half-dozen individual contractors or businesses.
Are you looking into getting a new heating/cooling system? You need to know some things first. Those systems get rated by the area amount they are able to cool and heat effectively. It’s always better to buy something just a little bit bigger, as opposed to trying something too small.
You can usually have free duct testing performed if you are concerned about your HVAC system not running properly. Call the utility company to test for you, it will usually be cheaper than a contractor. Once you fix the leaks, the savings will be more than worth the hassle.
If you HVAC unit is clicking, immediately check for any type of obstruction. This may be because debris is restricting the movement of the fan blades. You just have to take out the obstruction and the problem is solved. Do this before calling for assistance.
Your HVAC system isn’t as complicated as it first appears. It is really hard to learn about this without trying the above tips first, so keep that in mind. Start now to take care of your HVAC system.