Ignoring your HVAC system is not the wisest thing to do, and usually it is only paid attention to when it breaks down. When that happens, it will suddenly be extremely important. It can be confusing to understand which company should hire to work on your system. This article will guide you through this process.
Think about what improvements you want made before picking an HVAC contractor. It’s hard to get an estimate since they haven’t look at your system. It can be harder if you don’t know what’s wrong. Understand this information beforehand.
Clean the fan blades and coils on the condenser fan every spring. Before you begin cleaning the unit, make sure that it is unplugged. Remove the grill and carefully clean the blades and surrounding areas.
When you cut the grass, make sure your mower isn’t tossing clippings toward your outdoor units. Instead, make sure that the grass is shooting in the opposite direction. This applies when you are taking care of the leaves in the yard.
Try to prevent debris from getting in your HVAC unit. Clean the fan grill often when leaves are falling. 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’ll find these ports are covered with a metal or rubber cap. Look for an oil that is lightweight and then put about 10 drops inside the port. You don’t want to put in too much.
Boost energy efficiency by putting your condenser unit in the shade. When your unit sucks in cooler air, then much less is required to cool it further, which saves you money on energy bills.
Consumers are usually advised to have their HVAC systems inspected twice a year. The best time of year to have the system checked is right before the weather begins to change. This type if preventative maintenance is highly necessary to ward off any expensive troubles from coming your way.
Turn off any outdoor condensers you have when the weather gets cold. If the outside temp is under 60 degrees, turn the unit off to prevent damage. This will ensure your system stays in good working order every year, saving you money on costly repairs.
Consider getting a programmable thermostat for your AC. Programmable thermostats can automatically dial back settings, saving you money. Some newer programmable thermostats have computerized controls you can access from your personal computer, laptop or mobile media device.
Air conditioners sometimes ice up. Freezing drain lines are also possible and can be mistaken for leaks. If you see this, immediately put your thermostat on the fan setting to turn off your compressor. It is best to call a professional in to fix this particular issue, even though the switch to fan setting should cause the ice to start melting.
Now that you know a thing or two about HVAC systems, you should feel comfortable dealing with them. There are certain things you need to do and certain things you should avoid doing. Getting the best system should be simplified with this information.