Having a good working HVAC system can really be an enjoyable experience in one’s home. The cool breeze from the AC in summer and warm gush of air in winter are simply unbeatable. However, if your system fails you can find yourself in a nightmare. Continue reading and you can learn more about HVAC units.
Before you start calling to find someone to fix your unit, make sure you know the type of system that is installed. Know the model and brand and find it’s maintenance history, if possible. This will enable you to give your chosen contractor any information they might need.
Clean the debris from outside units often. 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.
Keep your outdoor units free of debris when your cutting grass. Direct the grass clippings in a direction away from the HVAC unit. This same tip applies when you are blowing fallen leaves around the yard. Grass and leaves pose a serious problem for the internal functioning of your unit.
HVAC units may suffer when leaves are falling off the trees. Make sure the unit’s fan grill is cleaned frequently when the leaves begin to fall. The fan must stay clear in order to function, and if it gets blocked, you will have to contend with problems.
You must keep your HVAC systems oil ports lubricated annually. They are usually fitted with a rubber or metal cap. Put 10 drops of lightweight, non-detergent SAE oil in each port. Be careful not to use too much.
Try to choose a shady place to locate the outdoor compressor device. In this way, it will be cooling air that is already somewhat cooled. This saves energy.
One great way to save some cash when you’re working on keeping a home cool is to install a thermostat that’s programmable. A thermostat that’s programmable is going to save you around ten percent on the heating and cooling costs you have to pay when you turn it back about fifteen percent for a part of the day. Also, you’ll find that you can program your thermostat from a computer or anything connected to the web.
Save some cash by shutting down the air-conditioning system when there is no one in the house. Even though the house will get hotter, it won’t get too bad if the unit is off. If you leave it on all day, it’s fighting the heat constantly, meaning it’s using a lot of electricity to do its job.
Dangerously Hot
Never let your home reach a dangerously hot temperature. AC units will only cool a house down 20 degrees. If your home gets above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, you’ll only cool down to still above 80. When you factor in humidity, this can still be dangerously hot for the human body at rest.
Look for calculators online to help you determine the size of unit you need for your home. If you make the mistake of purchasing a unit that is too large, it will not cool efficiently. Check the manual it comes with for the information you need.
Ask for quotes from multiple contractors. If you call people before you work on hiring one person, you can save some money overall. You may want to get quotes from at least five contractors in order to know what you should be paying.
If your existing system is malfunctioning, look for leaks in the ducts. You can have your utility company test for you, sometimes for free or less than an HVAC contractor would charge. When these leaks are fixed, the testing will pay for itself in energy savings.
For top efficiency, figure out what direction your home faces. Strategically placed trees outside your home can block out the morning sun which can cause your home to overheat. The less heat, the easier time the air conditioner in your home will have.
You now likely see how essential HVAC maintenance is. If you neglect to care for it, you will increase the risk of it ceasing to work when you most need it to. That could bring about a very expensive repair bill. Use the tips in this article to ensure this does not happen.