Secrets The HVAC Experts Don't Want You To Know
Your house will stay comfortable with a HVAC system. A lot of homes have these systems already in place, but you have to maintain and repair it overtime. A thorough understanding of HVAC systems is important so you will know exactly what to purchase. Read on for some suggestions.
If your fan condenser has oil ports, you must lubricate it once per year. These ports are typically covered with caps made of metal or rubber. Choose an oil graded SAE 20, it is non-detergent and lightweight. Place about 10 drops into each of the ports, taking care that it does not overfill.
Before you hire an HVAC contractor, have some sort of idea of the work that needs to be done. It is going to be hard to get a price estimate on the phone if the current system isn't something they've seen. If you don't have any idea, they will have trouble giving you any sort of quote. Know the right information ahead of time.
Be sure to check your evaporator coil drains frequently when your air conditioner is running. If this tube backs up, you can find water damage to your walls, ceilings and floors. If you end up with mold just use a solution of bleach and water to clean out the tube.
Be sure to clean the fan blades and coils of the condenser fan. First, turn off the power so that nothing will move as you are working on it. Then, pop off its grills, pull the blades out, and begin cleaning the unit and them gently.
Look for discounts wherever possible. HVAC systems can be rather costly, so you'll want to seek out whatever discounts and deals that may be out there. When shopping around, ask about any current specials running, and look for discounts that are related to ENERGY STAR compliance. Both can save you a lot of cash.
Find an air conditioner calculator online to determine what models are best for you. If you buy a unit that is too big, it won't do an efficient job. Look at the manual for more information.
If you have a window air conditioner without a timer, use a regular outlet timer to control when it is on or off. These are the same ones you use for holiday lights, so all you have to do is plug your air conditioner into the timer and set it to cool you during the day.
If you currently have a manual thermostat, consider installing a programmable one. You can set your system for different temperatures depending on time of day and if anyone is home. Also, you can set upper and lower temperature settings to allow for a comfortable range of temperatures so that heating and cooling don't kick in when not needed.
Sometimes, it can be hard to figure out if your HVAC system needs to be fixed or needs to be replaced. If your system frequently breaks down, is always turning on or off on its own, or if your bills are too high, it may pay to have it replaced. Otherwise, little things can just be fixed.
Unless you are fortunate enough to live in a place where the weather is always lovely, you are going to need an HVAC system in your home. Without one, you will sweat all summer and shiver all winter. What you have just read will help you choose a system that meets your needs.
How long things last
Want to know when your old furnace or washing machine is going to give out? Here are a few guesstimates.The life expectancy of a typical appliance depends to a great extent on the use it receives.
Moreover, appliances are often replaced long before they are worn out because changes in styling, technology and consumer preferences make newer products more desirable.
The National Association of Home Builders' "Study of Life Expectancy of Home Components" gives a decent guesttimate by compiling life-cycle data from scores of product manufacturers and testing labs.
Of the major appliances in a home, gas ranges have the longest life expectancy: 15 years. Dryers and refrigerators last about 13 years.
Some of the appliances with the shortest lifespan are: compactors (6 years), dishwashers (9 years) and microwave ovens (9 years).
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1lsY92_nmCH1u72gjMYI4ZChOCJLeKAXLe9ieG5qDeR4/edit?usp=sharing