It is not an option to let your HVAC system fail. You may be here because you wish to learn all you can to make your HVAC last a long time. Use the tips below as part of your game plan for keeping your HVAC system in working order for as long as you can.
Know what type of system you currently have before calling someone to fix it. 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. This helps make sure the contractor has the information they will need.
If your HVAC is giving you problems, tour your home before calling a technician. Find out which rooms are hot and which are cold. That knowledge can help the technician figure out what is going on.
To make sure your condenser fan works properly, keep the fan blades and the coils clean. Always shut the power off before doing any work or cleaning on the unit. Keep the exterior of the condenser unit free of debris.
If you have condenser units outside your home, be sure to clean out the debris from them often. Debris can pile up at rates that increase during rainy or windy weather, and this can foul up the inner workings of your system. It could overheat and cause a disaster with your unit.
You should clean your condenser fan’s blades and coils every spring. Be sure to turn the power off first; you don’t want anything to move. Next, pop the grill off, put the blades out and start to gently clean them along with the unit.
If you want to know where you should put an outdoor compressor, you should place it somewhere where there is a lot of shade. The cooler air entering the unit will require less work to get to the proper temperature.
Make sure to have your unit serviced once a year. The motor should be checked, the parts oiled and the freon levels inspected. Your unit will last longer this way.
Never allow your home to get dangerously hot inside. Air conditioners can only really cool your home down 20 degrees or so within a reasonable time period. If your house’s interior temperature hits 100 degrees Fahrenheit, you would only be able to cool it down just above 80 degrees. While it depends on the humidity, this is not safe for a human to sleep in to recover from the heat of the summer.
Make certain you properly investigate any company prior to hiring them. Inquire with the BBB and look elsewhere for other reviews from customers. Investing the time to check out potential contractors can save you money and headaches.
Prior to hiring any HVAC contractor, you should ask how long their business has operated. It is more likely that a contractor who has been in business for a longer time will give you better value for your money. Taking risks is not something that you want to do in this area.
You absolutely must take proper care of the HVAC unit if you would like to prevent serious damage from occurring. These systems can be expensive to replace or repair. Remember these suggestions to minimize your risks.