A well-maintained HVAC system is an important part of your home. Lots of people spend money on repairs when they’ve gone bad, however, if they could keep them running correctly, they could have avoided that. The tips in this article will help you do just that.
Before you start calling to find someone to fix your unit, make sure you know the type of system that is installed. Learn the brand, model, and if you have it, the maintenance history. This will enable you to give your chosen contractor any information they might need.
To make sure your condenser fan works properly, keep the fan blades and the coils clean. Be safe and turn off the power supply before working on your HVAC unit. Also, make sure you remove any debris or leaves from the condenser unit outside.
When it gets cold outside, turn off the outdoor condensers. If the temperature drops to under 60 degrees, you risk damage to the unit if you leave it on. This will ensure your system stays in good working order every year, saving you money on costly repairs.
Putting in a programmable thermostat is a smart way to cut back on air-conditioning costs. It may save you as much as 10 percent of your overall utility bill if you turn your thermostat down by 10-15 degrees for a portion of the day. Some can even be controlled from a computer.
Do not allow your house to get extremely hot. It is only possible for an air conditioner to lower the temperature in a home by 20 degrees F in a short time. If your house’s interior temperature hits 100 degrees Fahrenheit, you would only be able to cool it down just above 80 degrees. Depending on how humid it is, this isn’t really that safe for a person to sleep in when it’s really hot.
To help you pick a good HVAC contractor, be sure to research a number of different companies. The BBB is always great when you are looking for references or online reviews. You will make a more informed choice if you use these resources.
Sometimes air conditioners get iced up. The drain line also occasionally freezes, which can be misdiagnosed as a plumbing leak. Switch the thermostat to the fan only. You should call a pro to fix this problem, even if switching it to its fan setting starts making the ice melt.
There are sizing calculators available to determine the proper sized system for your home. If you purchase something too large, you will be throwing away money. Check the manual to see what the manufacturer rates the unit to cool for accurate information.
Always check to see how long a company or contractor has been working for. This will ensure that you find someone who knows their stuff. If you hire someone that’s new that this then you’ll be risking your money.
Every contractor out there is responsible for setting up their own fees, so get several quotes before hiring anyone. Save yourself some money by calling around before you make your final decision. You want to call at least a handful of contractors to determine what reasonable rates are.
Having a radiant barrier in your attic helps you HVAC system run better. It blocks heat from the inside out, lowering the amount of energy needed to cool your home in the summer. If you install the unit properly, you can even begin to use the attic as a bedroom as it will be so comfortable!
If your system doesn’t seem to be working efficiently, check your ducts for leaks. Call your utility company if they are leaking to see about getting a test. If a leak is found, the money spent on finding and repairing the leak will pay for itself.
Having windows and doors in place is essential to make sure your HVAC system runs well. Make certain they have tight seals to keep air inside. You can also hire someone to test them.
When thinking of what kind of air conditioner you should get, you should measure the area that you need to cool. Normally, you need 20 BTU for each square foot that you wish to cool. If you have multiple rooms to cool, be sure to add their square footage together.
Hvac System
Clearly, keeping your HVAC system running properly is of the utmost importance, and the tips presented here can help. Thankfully, the tips you just read will help save you from costly repairs. By following some simple preventive measures to maintain your HVAC system, you can frequently reduce your risk of having to spend money on some types of expensive repairs.