Before calling for help, know the system you have. It is important to understand what model it is and which brand it is. Also, if it has been serviced before, you should have that information handy. Then, you'll be ready to tell http://aroundclock.com/cities-served/studio-city-ca-air-conditioning-heating-repair the contractor what they need to know.
Clean your condenser's fan blades and coils come spring. Prior to working on or cleaning the unit, be sure to turn off the power. Also, make sure you remove any debris or leaves from the condenser unit outside.
Clean the fan blades and coils on the condenser fan every spring. For safety, always turn the power off first. Then take off the grill, take the blades out, and gently clean them.
A big mistake that people make is cutting the grass next to the outdoor condenser unit and allowing all of the clippings to blow inside the fan and coil. Instead, make sure that the grass is shooting in the opposite direction. This also applies when you blow leaves, so be very careful near your exterior HVAC units when you move debris.
Your outdoor HVAC units might suffer when your trees lose leaves. Whenever leaves are falling, consistently clean the fan grill. The fan needs to be able to get proper air inside without any blockages, and extra blockage can later develop into more serious problems.
Check to determine if the fan condenser on your HVAC system is equipped with oil ports, and if it is, be sure to lubricate every year. You will see rubber or metal caps covering the ports. Pick out a SAE 20 type of oil because it has no detergent, is lightweight, and you should put around 10 drops in the ports but make it to where they don't get too full.
A shady spot is always a good choice for the placement of your outdoor compressor. In this way, it will be cooling air that is already somewhat cooled. This saves energy.
Boost energy efficiency by putting your condenser unit in the shade. This will help ensure that the AC is pulling in cooler air, reducing the amount of work it has to do and saving you money.
Install a thermostat you can program to save money on cooling your home. It changes the temperature so the system isn't in use when it's cooler outside or no one is home. Additionally, some models of programmable thermostats actually allow you to control them remotely from your office computer or cell phone.
Service your HVAC unit at least one time a year. This visit will include a motor inspection and checking the freon. This will help keep your system performing at maximum efficiency.
Turn your AC off if no one is at home. Even though the house will get hotter, it won't get too bad if the unit is off. If it is on all day, it is trying to maintain a cool temperature constantly, using a great deal of electricity to fight the heat.
Never allow your home to get dangerously hot inside. Air conditioners only cool down a home by 20 degrees. The temperature will only reduce to about 80 if your home heats up to 100 degrees. This isn't a very safe condition for a homeowner to sleep in, especially when the humidity levels are considered.
Before you hire any HVAC company, ask them how long they've been open for business. Companies with proven track records typically provide better service. Otherwise, you are taking a huge risk with the person you hire.
In order for your HVAC system to run more efficiently, think about putting a radiant barrier in your attic. It will block the heat and lower the energy necessary to keep your home cool in the summertime. You may even find that you can use the attic space more effectively.
It can be intimidating when you find that you must hire someone to come fix your HVAC system. The process isn't bad when you are educated about it. Hopefully you are now prepared to take all of this on so that you can work on this if you have problems in the future.
