The Professionals Share Their HVAC Secrets Here
Many houses today have HVAC systems to keep their houses at a comfortable temperature. Since these systems are basically machines, they will usually need to be installed and worked on by a professional. When you need someone to help you with your HVAC system, use the tips shared here.
To make sure your condenser fan works properly, keep the fan blades and the coils clean. Always make sure you shut off the power before you do any work on the unit other than superficial cleaning. In addition, always remove all debris such as leaves from the outside condenser unit.
If you want to know more about efficiently heating or cooling your home, go online and download the ENERGY STAR Guide. It provides information for homeowners to learn more about how they can save money while still keeping their home comfortable all year round, so it is a worthy ready.
You should clean your condenser fan's blades and coils every spring. Start by turning off the power to avoid having anything move when you work on it. Then you need to get the grill popped off and get the blades out so you can clean them and your unit gently.
An HVAC system is a really expensive investment. This is why you should do some browsing before purchasing your system. Try to find a good sale so you can get your system at a discount. Check out a couple of sites before making a decision. A great site to begin is www.energystar.gov.
Be careful when doing yard work that you do not get debris on or in your unit. Shoot grass the other way. Do the same when blowing snow or leaves.
Your HVAC unit may suffer when trees start to lose their leaves. Make sure the unit's fan grill is cleaned frequently when the leaves begin to fall. You can head off future problems that can be caused by blockages by making sure there is a free flow of air to your fan.
If you want things to be more efficient, get new units outside or have your current one moved into the shade. This will ensure cool air is sucked in, meaning less cooling must be done by the unit.
If your evaporator coil, found inside your home, becomes dirty, your unit will lose efficiency. Just pop off the front panel of the furnace and check to see that the coil is dry. Using a brush attachment on a vacuum, gently clean the coil of any dust or other debris.
If you want to cool your home in the summer without using your air conditioning on full, consider installing fans in your home. An attic fan can blow hot air out while sucking in cool air into your basement, and ceiling fans help distribute the air in your rooms evenly.
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.
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.
Make sure that the HVAC contractor you plan to hire does not use subcontractors to do their work. Many people use this as an excuse to shirk their responsibility in the event that something goes wrong when your system is being worked on. Only allow this if there is a note in the contract about what will happen if there is an issue.
Consider window air conditioners for your home if you are thinking about installing a central unit. Do you really need to cool your kitchen overnight? Do you have multiple floors with only one housing bedrooms? To efficiently and cheaply cool only where people are actually staying, window units are a great choice.
If you plan on having a service on your HVAC unit, ask the technician what he will be doing. Any thorough service should consist of several things. The technician should check temperature levels, pressures, amperage draw, and coolant levels. They should adjust any belts that need it and clean the coils.
When it comes to HVAC units, unless you have been trained in them, you usually need to call someone for help. The tips shared here can help you make the best decisions when it comes to using someone to help you with your unit. Be sure to use these tips for your HVAC needs.