Heating and cooling units can be a great thing, but what do you do when they start to fail? To prevent a situation like this from mushrooming into a disaster, it is helpful to read up on the topic in advance. The tips listed here can assist homeowners in getting the help that they need.
What system do you have? You need this information to tell your contractor. Look for the maintenance history and brand and model. The contractor will likely need all of this information.
If you want to save money once a new HVAC system is put in place, be sure to pick ENERGY STAR rated products to use. They are very energy efficient so your new system won't cost you a ton when it comes to your utility bills every month, recouping some of your installation costs.
If there are oil ports on your fan condenser, lubricate it annually. The port usually has either a rubber or metal cap on top of it. Buy an SAE 20 product that is lightweight, and then put no more than ten drops into the ports.
When you are looking for a service provider to perform service on your HVAC system, look for a company that stands behind their work. This is especially important if your compressor or condenser is being repaired. Repairs to these two things are extremely expensive, so you want to ensure that the service provider warranties their work.
The correct HVAC system should have sealed air ducts to minimize heating or cooling loss as air travels to different rooms. The heating or cooling requirements of different rooms in the home should be taken into consideration. There is no reason to increase energy usage by controlling the temperature in rooms that are used very little.
Whenever possible, try to shade the compressor unit outside. The air that's in a place that is shaded is usually five to six degrees cooler than the surrounding air. Your air conditioning unit will be up to ten percent more efficient if it is properly shaded during the summer months.
You should have your HVAC system inspected at least once, but preferably twice, per year. During service the technician will check the motor and refill the system fluids. These simple tasks will help keep your HVAC system running smoothly.
Sometimes, it can be hard to figure out if your HVAC system needs to be fixed or needs to be replaced. If your system frequently breaks down, is always turning on or off on its own, or if your bills are too high, it may pay to have it replaced. Otherwise, little things can just be fixed.
If you have a window air conditioner without a timer, use a regular outlet timer to control when it is on or off. These are the same ones you use for holiday lights, so all you have to do is plug your air conditioner into the timer and set it to cool you during the day.
Regular maintenance of your unit should be performed annually. The contractor should oil the parts that move and check the motor and freon levels. These simple tasks will help keep your HVAC system running smoothly.
To block out the sun on hot summer days, allowing your air conditioner to run less frequently, invest in heat blocking drapes. These textiles come in beautiful patterns and colors today, looking just like their designer counterparts. They will keep the heat out so that your home stays cooler without costing you an arm and a leg on utility bills.
Inspect your HVAC unit quickly for blockage if you become away of any clicking sound. The problem may be debris getting into the fans of the cooling system. Simple removal of the debris will solve the problem. Look carefully at it before you call up a service technician.
Make sure things don't get too hot or cold where your thermostat is. Any electronics HVAC Maintenance Contractor or heat sources like lamps or televisions nearby can trick the thermostat into thinking the home is warmer than it actually is. This just means it runs your air conditioning longer than necessary, wasting energy and money.
Looking for an efficient way to cool your home? Consider installing a whole-house evaporative cooler. They use water to cool air instead of traditional chemical coolants, using a ton less energy to cool your home than those other units. That said, they do work best in dry climates and not at all in humid ones.
Replace the air filter as often as possible. That's the easiest thing to do so your unit continues running in good shape. It is a small cost to do this.
Make sure to get references when hiring your contractor. Did the homeowner get what they expected? Was it done on budget and on time? Checking references helps you avoid scammers.
Is your home's electrical set-up ready to handle a new air conditioning unit? Most homes have 115-volt circuits in place, but larger air conditioners need 230-volts to be used. Some smaller units may need their own dedicated circuit as well to ensure your home doesn't go dark when you turn them on.
Don't just hire the first contractor you meet or call. Be sure to compare multiple options before going ahead with one. They should meet all of your requirements, be it offering a great guarantee to being able to come and do the work on your budget and within your timeline.
Make sure to be specific about everything that is written in your contracts. It should detail the work that is being done, the materials being used and the amount of time it will take to complete the job. Leaving anything out can give the contractor an exit if something goes wrong.
It should now be apparent that you can prevent HVAC disasters with proper maintenance. If your HVAC system fails on you it can cost a tremendous amount of money to fix. Prevent this from happening by sticking to the great tips that you found here.
