Many people do not give their HVAC units a second thought until it quits working. When your HVAC system fails, suddenly you need to determine whether it can be fixed, or if it needs replacement, who to call and other issues. Finding someone to repair your existing system or install a new one can be tricky. This article can help you navigate your way through the process.
Before making that repair phone call, make sure you know the specifics about your particular system. Know the brand name and model number. It is also helpful to have the maintenance history. This information will be helpful to any contractor you hire to repair it.
Keeping the outside condenser clean of debris and leaves will improve the system’s efficiency. Before you clean the surface, be sure to turn off the power. Remove leaves and debris from the outside condenser.
Clean your outdoor condensers often. Leaves, twigs and other troublesome objects can accumulate, particularly after very windy weather, and this will wreak havoc on your system. It can cause your system to malfunction by overheating.
Clean the fan blades and coils on the condenser fan every spring. Turn the power off so nothing moves. Then, take the grill off, pull the blades out, and gently clean them as well as the unit itself.
Check to determine if the fan condenser on your HVAC system is equipped with oil ports, and if it is, be sure to lubricate every year. You’ll see that the ports here are closed with a rubber or metal cap. Get an oil that is SAE 20 and put about 10 drops into each port, but don’t overfill it.
In order to boost efficiency, place new outdoor units or move your current unit to a place which resides in the shade. The air in the shade is cooler and can help save on energy costs.
Your HVAC unit requires regular maintenance at least two times per each year. This should be done in Fall and Spring to prepare it for the extreme months. A quick check is worth it to avoid problems down the road.
10 Percent
Getting a programmable thermostats can be a terrific way to realize savings. These can save you around 10 percent on your heating and cooling costs by just turning it back 10 percent to 15 percent for around eight hours each day. Plus, some models allow you to control them over the internet or from a smartphone.
To keep your system running smoothly have your system serviced once a year. This visit will include a motor inspection and checking the freon. This will help your system run better.
If nobody is home, turn off the AC. This will save you money on your energy bills. Leaving your heating or cooling running full blast while you are away is a waste of money and energy.
Use an online sizing calculator to help you calculate the proper size of the air conditioning unit you should purchase. If you get a unit that is too large, it will cost a lot in energy costs. You can look online or do other research to get information from HVAC system manufacturers and sellers in order to determine the best unit size for your needs.
Your HVAC system can run more efficiently if your attic has a radiant barrier. This mechanism will prevent outside heat from coming in, reducing your energy consumption when cooling. If you do it right, you may be able to expand your living space into your attic.
Do you need a new HVAC unit? You will need to take a few things into account. These machines are categorized according to the space they are able to efficiently heat and cool. You are wise to err on the side of a bigger unit rather than a smaller one.
You should know the facing direction of your home for the most effective placement of the HVAC system. When you determine the parts of your home that get the most sunlight, you can consider strategic landscaping that includes shade trees to somewhat reduce your home’s exposure to heat from direct sunlight. The less heat, the easier time the air conditioner in your home will have.
Square Footage
Take a measuring tape and get the square footage of the area where the unit will be cooling. You can usually substitute 20 BTU for each square foot in the area to be cooled. Calculate the total square footage of all rooms if you will use the air conditioner to cool more than one room.
Since you just read a great article telling your about different HVAC units, you should have a good understanding of it all. If you want to replace or repair your system, you need to find out what you should avoid and look for. Keep this advice in mind to find the right system.