A healthy HVAC system is important in your home, and so it is important to take care of it. They can be very expensive to fix when something goes awry, so it’s best to properly maintain them and prevent them from breaking down. Here are some great ideas to help you keep your unit maintained.
Know the name and type of your HVAC system before looking for a repair person. Know the brand name and model number. It is also helpful to have the maintenance history. This will enable you to give your chosen contractor any information they might need.
Inspect the temps in your home before you call a service to help you with any HVAC issues you’re having. Make a list of the temperatures in each room and whether they are hot or cold. This can help the contractor determine the problem areas quickly and fix the problem easily.
When you are cutting the grass, be sure not to cover your outdoor units with clippings. Instead, make sure that the grass is shooting in the opposite direction. The same goes for when you blow leaves, so make sure your are careful when moving any debris in the vicinity of your HVAC devices.
The operation of your HVAC system can be in danger when the tree leaves begin to fall. Make sure the fan’s grill is cleaned often during the fall. An obstruction, such as a leaf, prevents the maximum amount of cool air from entering the system.
If your condenser comes with oil ports, you should lubricate it yearly. You will notice these ports have a rubber or metal cap covering them. Use SAE 20 oil that is lightweight and detergent free, and put ten drops or fewer into each one. Make sure not to overfill them.
You want to put the outdoor compressor device in a shaded area. The cooler the air that the unit is able to access, the less work it has to perform.
You can boost the efficiency of your HVAC unit by replacing it with a new energy efficient one or moving your old one to a shady outside location. It will reduce the temperature of the air going into the unit, meaning that it will not have to work as hard to cool it.
Pane Windows
If possible, your single pane windows should be replaced with double-paned ones. Double pane windows can help minimize how much you use your air conditioner in the summer, because they keep cool air inside the home. They help in the winter, too, keeping the heat in.
Keep your air conditioner off when people aren’t home to save you money. Even though the house will get hotter, it won’t get too bad if the unit is off. When the AC is left running, your power bill will go up quite a bit.
Research multiple contractors before choosing one. You may also want to check with the BBB for information. This will help you to choose a contractor that is of high quality.
Check any company you are considering to see how long it has been around. Companies that have been around for longer have a proven track record that you can use to decide if they are worth the time and money. Working with someone that does not yet have a reputation in the business is a bit riskier.
Ask for helpful information when you are looking for a HVAC contractor. Find someone that has a lot of quality work under their belt. This will also help you avoid scammers.
Contractors are responsible for their own charges and fees, so make sure you get quotes from several contractors before you make any hiring decision. Making some phone calls before deciding is a good way to save money. To get the best picture and get an idea of what rates are reasonable, call five or six different contractors.
As you read in the preceding article, a well-functioning HVAC system is a vital feature of your home. Thankfully, the tips you just read will help save you from costly repairs. Follow these tips to prevent yourself from spending thousands of dollars in repairs.