Before you start calling to find someone to fix your unit, make sure you know the type of system that is installed. Get the brand, model name, and if you can you should get the maintenance history out. The contractor will likely need all of this information.
If you have outside condenser units, make sure to regularly clean the debris that builds up. After a wind or rain storm things may pile up, causing problems with your system. The whole thing can overheat, causing major problems and possibly an enormous expense for you.
Every spring you need to make sure your condenser fan's coils and blades on the fan part are clean. Make sure to turn off the fan's power first to be safe. Then take off the grill, take the blades out, and gently clean them.
Lubricate the oil ports on your condenser once each year. These ports are often covered by a rubber or metal cap. Put about ten drops or less of a good non-detergent SAE 20 oil into each port.
Look for shade when placing a compressor outdoors. If your unit is sucking in cooler air, it will have less work to do to cool that air as it sends it read more inside which boosts efficiency.
If you want things to be more efficient, get new units outside or have your current one moved into the shade. As you get your air conditioner to suck in cool air it won't have to do too much work to cool it which saves you some money.
If the house is yours or you're permitted to, replace the windows that are single pane with windows that are double pane. You can reduce your energy costs from energy leaking out through your windows by installing window that are double-paned. It also facilitates heat retention in winter.
To keep your system running smoothly have your system serviced once a year. When it's checked out, the motor will be inspected, moving parts well oiled and the level of freon adjusted if necessary. All of these little jobs will add up to big savings in energy use, with the improved efficiency.
Shut off the air conditioning if nobody is home. You don't need to keep the house cool if you aren't there. When you keep it on, you will be using electricity.
Shop around before hiring an HVAC contractor. You may also want to check with the BBB for information. These simple steps will help make a better decision.
When you're purchasing an HVAC system, make sure that you get a unit that is properly sized for your space. If you get something that's too big, it won't work as well for you in the end. Check the manual to see what the manufacturer rates the unit to cool for accurate information.
Ask your friends, relatives, and coworkers about their experiences with HVAC contractors in your area. People that have gotten great work done in the past generally love to share the information they know about it. This can also help you learn the names of those companies that you should avoid.
Contractors charge different rates, so make sure that you acquire multiple estimates. This will reduce your overall spending. Ideally, you should call five to six contractors to get a good idea of what a reasonable rate is.
To improve http://www.justanswer.com/hvac/ the efficiency of your HVAC system, think about placing a radiant barrier in your attic. It blocks the heat from inside out, reducing the energy that's needed for your home to get cooled during the summer. You may suddenly find that the attic even looks like a great option for another bedroom!
Are you looking at purchasing a HVAC system? Many things must be taken into account before you purchase one. Systems have a rating based on how well the system is able to cool or heat an area well. It's always better to buy something just a little bit bigger, as opposed to trying something too small.
If the system you're using now isn't working great, then check the ducts for some leakage. Call the utility company to test for you, it will usually be cheaper than a contractor. When these leaks are fixed, the testing will pay for itself in energy savings.
Now you know how to ensure your HVAC is working smoothly. By failing to do routine inspections, you're setting yourself up for failure. Thankfully you found this article, and now you're able to use the awesome tips here to assist you in figuring out what to do with your HVAC system.
