Without a decent HVAC system, any home can become a very uncomfortable home to be inside. Fixing the system costs a lot, that is why it is best to keep it running right. The tips found here will help you to make the most of your HVAC system.
Help the outside condenser fan run efficiently by cleaning the coils and fan blades before the summer starts. If you are doing more than a light surface cleaning, make sure that the power is shut off to the HVAC unit. Leaves and debris can build up inside the unit and cause damage.
Each spring, try cleaning the fan blades and coils on the condenser fan. Before you begin cleaning the unit, make sure that it is unplugged. After you have turned the power off, you simply remove the grill and the blades to perform a gentle cleansing.
Be careful when doing yard work that you do not get debris on or in your unit. Make sure you shoot the clippings in the other direction from the unit. This also applies when you blow leaves, so be very careful near your exterior HVAC units when you move debris.
Your HVAC unit may suffer when trees start to lose their leaves. During this time of year, check and clear off the fan grill on your unit on a regular basis. The fan needs unobstructed air flow, and if debris is blocking this air flow, then your system could suffer.
Many homeowners forget to oil their condenser at least once per year, but it is required. You will see rubber or metal caps covering the ports. Pick out a SAE 20 type of oil because it has no detergent, is lightweight, and you should put around 10 drops in the ports but make it to where they don’t get too full.
Make sure your HVAC unit is in the shade. It will help you save on your energy bill when you do this.
Have your heating and cooling system inspected twice a year. Check into it twice a year before you head into the hot and cold months. Even if everything seems okay, it doesn’t hurt to check things out.
Install a programmable thermostat to save energy costs. These convenient thermostats may shave ten percent or more off of your bills, because they significantly cut energy use when you’re not around. There are also some programmable thermostats that can be controlled with a computer or other web-connected advice.
To cut energy costs, you should service your cooling and heating system once a year at least. An HVAC specialist will inspect the entire system, including the oil, the motor, and the ducts. This will help keep your system performing at maximum efficiency.
Save some cash by shutting down the air-conditioning system when there is no one in the house. The house will only heat up to a certain point. If it’s left on all day, it will fight the heat all day, which uses quite a bit of electricity.
Spend some time on researching for reliable HVAC companies to ensure that they have a good reputation. Checking with the BBB is a good idea, and so is checking online reviews to see the experiences that other customers have had with a company. Investing the time to check out potential contractors can save you money and headaches.
Sometimes air conditioners will ice up. There are also occasional freezes in the drain line, which are often confused for plumbing leaks. Try switching to fan-mode and disabling your compressor to test whether the water is a leak or melting ice. You should still call a professional to help regardless.
When you’re purchasing an HVAC system, make sure that you get a unit that is properly sized for your space. If you buy a unit that is too big, it won’t do an efficient job. Look at the manual to figure out the manufacturing rates the unit for accurate cooling information.
If you don’t know who to call to maintenance, repair, or install your HVAC, search for reviews online. There are many sites that other customers can place their reviews. This will be an excellent way to locate people you should work with and people that may not work well with you.
As this article has said before, your HVAC system is something that really is important, and you have to be sure you keep it working well. The advice you have just been given should help you save money on costly repairs. However, they can only help if you choose to follow them carefully. They can prevent serious damage and should be taken seriously.