A properly functioning HVAC system is something you need in a home so you have to be sure you maintain this equipment right at all times. A lot of people spend quite a bit to fix things when they don’t work right, but could have avoided such issues if they had maintained them properly.The following article will help you to make the most of your purchase.
Know what work you want done before you hire a contractor. It will be difficult for a contractor to provide you a price estimate over the phone if they have not seen your current system. It will be way more hard if you don’t know what’s wrong.
Clean the fan blades and coils each spring to ensure that your condenser fan operates at it’s best. Clean the outside of your external condenser unit regularly.
Don’t get grass clippings on your outdoor condenser.Aim your grass in a direction from the unit. This applies to leaf blowing and any other yard work that results in debris.
Your outdoor HVAC system could suffer when trees lose leaves. Make sure you clean out your fan grill is cleaned often once nearby trees start shedding their leaves. The fan needs unobstructed air flow, and if it gets blocked, you will end up with many headaches with the unit.
Lubricate the oil ports on your condenser once a year.These are often covered with rubber or metal caps. Use a lightweight, and put 10 drops or fewer in each port, but make sure to avoid overfilling them.
Put your outdoor unit in the shade.
Turn off outdoor condensers you have when the weather turns cold. This means that you should be done when the weather falls under 60 degrees Farenheit. This can keep your system working for years to come.
Don’t ever let your home temperature get too hot. Air conditioners only cool your home down 20 degrees or so within a reasonable time period. If the temperature in your home reaches 100 degree Fahrenheit, you’ll only cool down to still above 80. This won’t be a safe and comfortable temperature for you to sleep in.
Research the reputation of companies that you consider using. Check with different references to determine the best one for reviews of potential companies online. Doing this can help you make a smart decision.
Ask friends and relations for their HVAC contractor recommendations. People who’ve had quality work done are usually more than willing to share this information. This can also help you with good information on which contractors you should avoid.
Contractors determine their own fee levels, so make sure you get quotes from several contractors before you make any hiring decision.You have the potential to save tons of money if you make several calls prior to reaching a final decision. Call around to find out what the best rates.
Check for duct leaks if you you feel your existing system is not be working efficiently. When the leaks are repaired, the testing has paid for itself.
Make certain they are tightly sealed so air inside. You can get these tested at little to no charge by a professional to test them all for you and often this testing is free.
Measure the living area you wish to cool before buying a unit. You generally need 20 BTU per square foot. If you are cooling more than one room, be sure to add their square footage together.
Replace the air filter monthly to keep your HVAC system every month. It is the easiest and cheapest way to take care of it.
Ask any potential contractor about their experience prior to hiring them.You need to verify they have done the type of work you require.
Any HVAC contractor or installer should have a 24-hour emergency hotline. They need to be able to come to you when they are needed, be it in the middle of a heatwave or in the worst snowstorm of the year.
Some contractors attempt to add charges on material fees and fuel charges. A contract will prevent this materializes.
Always check out any references that are given to you by a prospective HVAC contractor.
This determines the number of BTUs needed to maintain comfort in your system has to be.
Consider a programmable thermostat installed.This can save you a great deal on your heating and cooling bills as it constantly adjusts your lifestyle.
You might be surprised that as much as 66% of all homes have ducts that leak. These can add up to one fourth of the utility costs. Sealing your ducts is both easy and cheap, and it is something you can do yourself, and it can reduce your electricity bills significantly every year thereafter.
As you read in the preceding article, a well-functioning HVAC system is a vital feature of your home. These suggestions will reduce your repair costs in the long run. You have to be sure you follow these things so you don’t end up having to be someone that pays a bunch of money getting things fixed you may have prevented.
