All of the possible HVAC systems available make it a confusing decision for first-timers. What system should you get? What is the correct size system for your home or business? Which features are needed? All the new products available these days can make for a frustrating shopping experience. If the choices are overwhelming you, use these tips to get the best system.
Before calling someone to repair your system, make sure you know what kind of HVAC system you actually have. Find out the brand and model and, if possible, dig out the maintenance history. Then, you’ll be ready to tell the contractor what they need to know.
Clean the fan blades and coils on the condenser fan every spring. Be sure to turn the power off first; you don’t want anything to move. Remove the grill and the blades, and then you can give them all a gentle clean.
Lubricate your condenser yearly if it has oil ports. You’ll find these ports are covered with a metal or rubber cap. Buy an SAE 20 product that is lightweight, and then put no more than ten drops into the ports.
When you are choosing a location for the outdoor compressor unit, it’s preferable to use a shaded area. The cooler the air that the unit is able to access, the less work it has to perform.
Make sure your HVAC unit is 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.
Turn off outdoor condenser units when weather turns cold. The unit will become damaged if you do not take care of it. This will ensure your system works well each year, which could save you quite a bit in repair costs.
A programmable thermostat is a simple way to help save money on air conditioning costs. If you adjust it to keep the house a little warmer or a little cooler during the time you are sleeping, you may see your energy bill go down by as much as ten percent. Some can even be controlled from a computer.
Do your homework on a number of HVAC companies before selecting the one that has the best reputation and service record. Check them out at the BBB and look for reviews posted by former customers. Doing all of this will make sure you hire the best company for your HVAC needs.
How long has the contractor been in business? This gives you some history so that you can be sure the company is reliable. Hiring a new contractor comes with an element of risk.
Ask friends and family for contractor recommendations. Find someone that has a lot of quality work under their belt. You are likely to also hear about negative experiences.
Purchasing an HVAC unit isn’t easy. The tips you just read will help you with that and much more. Read these tips again if needed, and maintain a great HVAC system.