HVAC problems are one of those issues homeowners simply hate to see arise. The task of finding a qualified, affordable contractor is something that many simply dread. However, by applying the guidance that follows below, the process can actually be far easier than many might have imagined, so keep on reading.
Ask for referrals when hiring someone to install your HVAC system. Someone may seem like they know what they are doing, but you cannot simply take their word for it. You should be able to call past customers to get an idea of what to expect from this particular installer.
When seeking a new contractor, ask loved ones for referrals. They'll often have already had someone in for similar work and will know who to trust and who to avoid. If your family hasn't used anyone, ask co-workers or other people you trust in your community for some references.
Many homeowners forget to oil their condenser at least once per year, but it is required. Most of these ports have some sort of protective cap covering them. Put about ten drops or less of a good non-detergent SAE 20 oil into each port.
When you are no longer using your outdoor air conditioning unit, be sure to protect it with a tight cover. This will keep it free of debris, frost and snow so that you'll have a working unit when the spring comes and you are ready to uncover it and use it again.
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.
Outdoor condenser units need to be turned off when the weather turns cold. The unit will become damaged if you do not take care of it. This helps the system last much longer and will have to be repaired less often.
Before having someone install a new HVAC system or maintain or repair yours, make sure they are insured. Having someone who is insured work on your system will assure that if anything happens while they are working at your home, they are financially covered and you will not be responsible.
Outer coils can be cleaned with a regular outdoor hose before you turn the unit on for the season. That said, interior coils should be taken care of by a professional so that you don't do any damage as you attempt to clean them. Bring someone in to complete a check up.
Find an air conditioner calculator online to determine what models are best for you. If you buy something too large it won't be efficient as it cools the same. Use the manual to determine what size is right for you.
Keep your condensers free of nearby obstructions. Keep plants, fencing, even bushes back and away from the unit. Two feet is a good minimum distance it should have from anything, including walls, but the more space you give it to breathe, the better it will work and the less likely it will be to fail.
Air conditioners tend to ice up at times. There can be occasional freezes in their drain lines, and these are usually confused with plumbing 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.
Change your filter on a regular basis. This is one of the easiest HVAC tips that you can do yourself. It is also one of the least expensive things that you can do to ensure that your system is running efficiently. Clogged and dirty filters can make your unit work 5-10% harder.
Make sure your HVAC is clear when working outside. You should try keeping any vegetation about two feet away from your outdoor units. Keep the areas above it and on each side of it clear. Make sure you aim your grass clippings away from the unit when mowing. Keep leaves from getting inside your unit in the fall.
For your outdoor HVAC unit, make sure that your foliage is cleared around it. Two feet distance between the HVAC unit and shrubs is a good amount to remember. If you let the foliage creep up on the unit, it can cause all sorts of issues with debris and growth into the system.
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.
If you are hunting for an HVAC company, try to find a company that has plenty of equipment experience. The right company should know how to operate the HVAC brands that you want installed or repaired. They should also be able to answer questions that you have about them.
Want to save the most you can with your HVAC unit? Consider increasing your room temperature by a single degree or two. Each degree means money that stays in your pocket. In fact some estimate that each degree you move up can work out to be around 9% in overall energy savings.
Believe it or not, approximately 66 percent of all homes have leaking ducts! These can add up to a quarter of the utility costs you have. You can fix your ducts on your own, plus it's simple to do and cheap, too.
Whatever you buy should be energy efficient. That means you need to purchase something with an Energy Star label. In particular, you should take a look at the SEER rating. The larger the number, the less you should have to pay in energy costs each month. Even if the unit is a little more expensive initially, you should get that investment back over time.
You absolutely must take proper care of the HVAC unit if you would like to prevent serious Average Price To ReplACe FurnACe And AC damage from occurring. If you don't do this and your system breaks, the repair bill can be very costly. Use these tips to keep this from happening.
