uneven temperatures in your home

If you are buying your first home, there may be many things you do not know about with one of them being your HVAC unit. It is important that you learn about this, however, as this will increase the chances of it running smoothly for you. The two things below will give you a good start. 

1. How to Turn the HVAC Unit Off

There may be times when you need to turn the HVAC unit off. For example, if there is a problem that is causing the unit to run continuously this will not only put a lot of extra work on the unit itself but also increase your electric bill. The first thing to do is to turn the thermostat down all the way so that the unit will not come on. This does not completely turn the HVAC unit off, however. To turn off all power, you need to find the breaker switch that provides power to the AC system.

You should find a breaker panel in the basement, garage, or inside your home. Open the door and find the breaker that is marked HVAC unit. If you do not see this marked, you will need to contact an electrician to determine which breaker controls the HVAC unit. When you find the breaker, flip the switch in the opposite direction.

2. The HVAC Unit Needs Maintenance

Even if your HVAC unit is running well, you still need to hire an HVAC contractor to come to your home and provide maintenance for it. This can prevent problems from happening in the future. The best time to call the contractor is before the major seasons, such as in the spring before summer arrives, and in the fall before the cold weather moves in.

The HVAC contractor will check the exterior unit by removing the panel. They will inspect the fan to ensure it runs smoothly. Over times the blades on the fan will become bent, and this will restrict airflow. If this is the case a fin comb can be used to straighten the fins. The wiring will be checked for any damage or looseness, and the contractor will check the evaporator and compressor. Your HVAC system has refrigerant that keeps it cool, and this refrigerant can get low. If the contractor finds this is true, they can add more refrigerant.

The contractor will check the thermostat inside your home for any problems. If the thermostat is old, you should consider replacing it. Your contractor will do many more maintenance steps to your HVAC unit. They will go over this information with you. Ask the HVAC contractor while they are there about other things you need to know about your unit.