Content written by-Corcoran Raynor
HVAC is what a lot of people would like to learn about, but they don't know where to get started. This is why things like this guide were put together to help people like you out. Once you're ready to tackle the subject, all you have to do is read along.
Make sure you check the filters in your air conditioning unit. This is important because checking your filters could make the difference between inexpensive repairs and more expensive ones down the line. Try to put it into your monthly schedule so that you don't forget to check the filters regularly.
Before you ever begin looking for an HVAC contractor, first consider the entire job that you'll need completed. You can't get a decent estimate over a telephone, so disregard those numbers and wait until they view your system. If you are unable to explain the work that needs to be taken care of, the conversation will be even less fruitful. You need to know this before you begin.
If you have a fan condenser with oil ports, it needs to be lubricated every year. A rubber or metal cap is typically placed over such ports. Choose a SAE 20 oil whch is lightweight and non-detergent and place 10 drops or less into each port, ensuring it doesn't overfill.
One of the most important things to consider when purchasing a new heating and cooling system is the manufacturer's warranty. Units come with a variety of warranties. Choose one with a long warranty for maximum long term savings. Generally, it is advised that homeowners should purchase the extended warranty if one is offered.
If you currently have a manual thermostat, consider installing a programmable one. You can set your system for different temperatures depending on time of day and if anyone is home. Also, you can set upper and lower temperature settings to allow for a comfortable range of temperatures so that heating and cooling don't kick in when not needed.
Don't ever let your home temperature get dangerously high. An air conditioner can only cool your home by 20ºF quickly. The temperature will only reduce to about 80 if your home heats up to 100 degrees. This won't be a healthy environment to live in.
Whether you have an air conditioner in a window or outside your home, be sure to keep it in the shade. The cooler the air around it, and the cooler the condenser itself, the easier a time it will have of keeping the air inside your home cool as well.
If you have a window air conditioner, be sure to check and see if it has an Energy Saver button. If so, use it! This turns off the fan when the unit isn't actually cooling the air, which can save you as much as 30 kwh over the period of a month!
Try to stay away from HVAC contractors that ask for upfront payments before they are willing to get started on the work they were hired to do. In many cases, this means that they are more concerned about getting paid than they are about making sure the job is done well.
If nobody is home, turn off the air conditioner to save money. When you turn it off, the house heats up, but only to a certain threshold.
click for info stays on, the more it ends up costing you in energy bills.
If you live in a hot climate, don't use duct tape on your HVAC. It just dries out and falls off, leaving you with leaks all over the place. Instead, use mastic sealant to cover any holes or gaps in duct work and you'll keep your home comfortable all year long.
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.
To boost your home HVAC's efficiency, install solar screening. It reflects sunlight back outside, stopping it from heating up your home. Your air conditioner will be able to run less in the daytime, and your energy bill will plummet as a result. You can install this on any glass you have, doors or windows.
If you live in a hot climate, don't use duct tape on your HVAC. It just dries out and falls off, leaving you with leaks all over the place. Instead, use mastic sealant to cover any holes or gaps in duct work and you'll keep your home comfortable all year long.
It is important that you know the measurements of the area you need to cool. The area's calculation can help you figure out what the size is and there are 20 BTUs for every foot squared in this area. Add the square footage for multiple rooms together.
A great way to reduce the stress on your HVAC unit is to install ceiling fans in your home. During the summer, you can have them blow downward to cool the air and make your home feel more comfortable. In the winter you can reverse the direction and circulate warm air trapped at the ceiling.
In order to save money overnight, buy an air conditioner with a switch that sets it to be fan-only. This will push hot air outside and bring in cool air from near the ground. Turn this on just before bed so that you can cool the house as you sleep.
Ask for references from any contractor you're considering. Be sure previous customers got the service and value they expected.
air conditioner repair will keep the scam artists away, but this only works by actually following up on the references.
When you have a short list of contractors to consider, ask the people on their reference list about not only the service they received, but also how well the system is still running. Did they need more work down the road? Has the company come back to make things right?
This article's aim was to help you learn and get familiar with information regarding the HVAC system. Most people need motivation before they can really get into working on their system. Once things begin to click inside your mind, you won't regret the decision.