The cooling and heating system in your home plays a major role in your comfort. Due to this, your HVAC must remain in working order. If you don’t properly care for your unit, it can lead to expensive repairs and an uncomfortable way of living. The following advice will help you keep your HVAC in great shape.
Before calling for help, know the system you have. Know what the manufacturer’s name is, which particular model you have and what’s gone on with the unit in the past. If you have to have someone come out to repair the unit, you will be able to help the contractor understand more about what is going on.
You should clean your condenser fan’s blades and coils every spring. Turn it off first so you don’t get hurt or break something. Remove the grill and the blades, and then you can give them all a gentle clean.
Your HVAC unit may suffer when trees start to lose their leaves. Clean outdoor units often to remove leaves. The fan needs to have an unobstructed path for air to enter the unit, and if it becomes blocked, you will end up with many headaches with the unit.
If the fan condenser on your unit has ports for oil, make sure you lubricate it once a year. They generally have a rubber or metal cap on them. Put 10 drops of lightweight, non-detergent SAE oil in each port. Be careful not to use too much.
If possible, put your HVAC in a shaded area if it is outside. As your air conditioner sucks in cool air, little will have to be done to cool it any further, saving you a ton on your energy bills.
Have the HVAC system serviced twice per year. Ideally, you should have it looked at in the spring and fall so you know everything is set for the hot and cold months. It doesn’t matter if your unit seems to be properly working, it is still advisable that you perform maintenance and resolve any potential problems.
Turn off outdoor condenser units when weather turns cold. The unit will become damaged if you do not take care of it. This will help keep it in good condition for many years.
If you own your own home or have permission from your landlord, replace your single pane windows with double paned versions. During the summer, the use of double-pane windows will help keep the cool air locked inside of the home. It keeps heat in during the winter, too.
A programmable thermostat is a simple way to help save money on air conditioning costs. It may save you as much as 10 percent of your overall utility bill if you turn your thermostat down by 10-15 degrees for a portion of the day. Some newer programmable thermostats have computerized controls you can access from your personal computer, laptop or mobile media device.
You now have an idea of what it takes to keep an HVAC system running great. Do not avoid the regular servicing your unit requires. Use these tips to keep your HVAC system from failing when it should be running smoothly. It’s not really a tough job at all!