A HVAC system is great, but only if it works efficiently. It costs a lot to repair this system and living with it in the meantime isn’t fun. Below, you will find tips to help you properly maintain your HVAC system so that you don’t ever have to go without it.
Tour your home before calling a contractor. Know what part of the house is cold and which is hot. The contractor can probably figure out and fix the problem easier.
Before you ever begin looking for an HVAC contractor, first consider the entire job that you’ll need completed. They won’t be able to offer you a quote if they haven’t seen your system. Being unable to explain what has been already done will make it even harder. Make an effort to gather all information you need before making the phone call.
Clean the debris from outside units 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 the unit to overheat and break down.
Make sure clippings don’t get on your outdoor units when your mowing your lawn. Aim the grass in a different direction from the unit. Make sure you move around the unit and blow the leaves away from it while blowing your leaves.
Hvac System
Be sure to have twice annual HVAC system checks. The normally recommended time for HVAC system inspections is once before the peak cooling season when it gets hot and you’ll be using your AC, and once before the peak heating season, during the cold months when you’re likely to be using your heat. A quick check is worth it to avoid problems down the road.
Turn off outdoor condenser units when weather turns cold. When the temperature goes below 60 degrees, shut off the unit in order to prevent damage. This will allow your system to work well every year, and that saves you quite a bit on making repairs.
To help lower cooling costs when not at home, make sure the air conditioner is turned off. This will save you money on your energy bills. If it is on all day, it is trying to maintain a cool temperature constantly, using a great deal of electricity to fight the heat.
Don’t let your home get too hot. Air conditioners can only really cool your home down 20 degrees or so within a reasonable time period. If you have your home at above 100 degrees then you can only get it to about 80 or above. Taking into consideration the humidity level, this may not even be adequate for the human body to recover from excessive heat while sleeping.
Shop around before hiring an HVAC contractor. Inquiring with the Better Business Bureau is always a good idea, as is looking for online review sites where previous customers can post their experiences. In this way, you can be more sure of getting a good HVAC company.
Ask your friends and relations for their HVAC contractor recommendations. People that have gotten great work done in the past generally love to share the information they know about it. This will also help you to avoid undesirable companies.
Think about getting a radiant barrier in your attic so your HVAC system can run better. This will block the heat that comes in. If this is done properly, it will help extend your living space.
Decide which way your house faces to make sure your HVAC system can work its best. You can help keep your home cool with the strategic placement of trees. The cooler your home already is, the less work your AC will have to do.
When you hear an odd clicking noise coming from your HVAC unit, you should immediately begin to look for any obstructions. A small amount of debris is often the cause of this problem. Cleaning the debris will likely stop the noise. Prior to placing a service, it is worth taking a look.
Take measurements of the space you are trying to cool. This calculation will tell you how many BTU’s you need. If you have multiple rooms to cool, be sure to add their square footage together.
Be sure to replace your HVAC air filters every month. It will improve the efficiency of your unit. Filters are cheap, and changing them regularly adds up to long term savings.
The HVAC in your house is a vital part of your daily life whether you know it or not. If you don’t properly maintain it, then your home is not a good place to be. Do not let this happen; keep these tips in mind, and keep your HVAC system running smoothly.