Not everyone knows about working on HVAC systems. This is something you must educate yourself on for emergencies. The good news is that the material below can help any hapless homeowner identify the very best HVAC professionals around.
What Is Your System?
Before you call someone to help you fix your system, be sure to know what sort of system you have in place. Write down the brand and the model and have all maintenance records on hand. This will enable you to give your chosen contractor any information they might need.
Know Your Home
If you have some problems with the HVAC system, check out your home before calling a contractor. Jot down the rooms that are hot and the ones that are cold. Taking this step aids a contractor in figuring out what the problem is and how to repair it as quickly as possible.
Remember Routine Cleaning
Clean your condenser’s fan blades and coils come spring. If you are doing more than a light surface cleaning, make sure that the power is shut off to the HVAC unit. Leaves and debris can build up inside the unit and cause damage.
Clean the debris off your outdoor condenser unit. Debris can pile up after a storm, bringing potential damage with it. It could get too hot, leading to even more problems.
Make sure clippings don’t get on your outdoor units when your mowing your lawn. Get the grass shot away from your unit. This is the same if you are using a leaf blower.
If trees are losing leaves around your home, this can impact your HVAC unit. Frequently clean the fan grill when trees are shedding leaves. Your fan needs an unobstructed way to get air inside, and the more blocked up it becomes, the more headaches will develop for you with the system.
Be More Efficient, Save Money
Look for shade when placing a compressor outdoors. In this way, it will be cooling air that is already somewhat cooled. This saves energy.
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.
No one enjoys working with a malfunctioning HVAC unit. But a little learning prior to that happening can lessen the risk of trouble happening earlier than it needs to. By keeping the above tips and tricks handy, any homeowner can have what it takes to solve such issues promptly and affordably.
American Southwest Magazine 