An efficient HVAC system is needed to live in comfortable home. At the same time, a malfunctioning system can make your home inhabitable to some. Not only are they expensive to fix, just living in an environment with uncomfortable temperatures makes it even worse. Therefore, it is important to know how to maintain your system, and what to do if you need to replace or repair it.
Make sure you check the filters in your air conditioning unit. This is important because checking your filters could make the difference between inexpensive repairs and more expensive ones down the line. Try to put it into your monthly schedule so that you don't forget to check the filters regularly.
If you want to know more about efficiently heating or cooling your home, go online and download the ENERGY STAR Guide. It provides information for homeowners to learn more about how they can save money while still keeping their home comfortable all year round, so it is a worthy ready.
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.
Be sure to get every quote or estimate in written form. You have no recourse on a verbal agreement, so a written contract is a must. This will allow you to follow up if something goes wrong or you don't get what you were promised, protecting you from shady contractors.
If you want to cool your home in the summer without using your air conditioning on full, consider installing fans in your home. An attic fan can blow hot air out while sucking in cool air into your basement, and ceiling fans help distribute the air in your rooms evenly.
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.
When you are looking for a service provider to perform service on your HVAC system, look for a company that stands behind their work. This is especially important if your compressor or condenser is being repaired. Repairs to these two things are extremely expensive, so you want to ensure that the service provider warranties their work.
Keep your condensers free of nearby obstructions. Keep plants, fencing, even bushes back and away from the unit. Two feet is a good minimum distance it should have from anything, including walls, but the more space you give it to breathe, the better it will work and the less likely it will be to fail.
Make certain the HVAC company you choose has a proven track record. Companies that are established have been proven, and you can use their track record to to determine if they provide good service. Hiring an inexperienced contractor can be risky.
When you are looking for a service provider to perform service on your HVAC system, look for a company that Air Conditioning Radiator Heat stands behind their work. This is especially important if your compressor or condenser is being repaired. Repairs to these two things are extremely expensive, so you want to ensure that the service provider warranties their work.
There are sizing calculators available to determine the proper sized system for your home. If you purchase a unit that's too large, it will not be efficient since it'll cool the same. Look in the manual or on the manufacturer website for this information.
If you plan on having a service on your HVAC unit, ask the technician what he will be doing. Any thorough service should consist of several things. The technician should check temperature levels, pressures, amperage draw, and coolant levels. They should adjust any belts that need it and clean the coils.
Improve the efficiency of your air conditioning by installing ceiling fans. Change the airflow direction of the ceiling fans. During the summer, the blades should move in a counter-clockwise direction. During the winter, the blades should move clockwise to help move the hot air in the ceiling down into the room.
When looking for an HVAC company, find one that is available when you need them. Reliable companies can be reached easily at any time. This includes both day and night. A prospective company should also values your resources and time. They should be able to schedule service calls at your earliest convenience.
In order to save money overnight, buy an air conditioner with a switch that sets it to be fan-only. This will push hot air outside and bring in cool air from near the ground. Turn this on just before bed so that you can cool the house as you sleep.
Call in a contractor to find out if you can install an air conditioner on your current forced-air system without having to install new duct work. This can save you a ton of time and money, plus it takes up less space in your walls and rooms to boot.
A great way to ensure that the HVAC professionals you hire are up to the task is to take steps to verify that they possess proper licensing and certification. Failing to check these very important credentials can cause you to hire someone who is more likely to do more harm than good and charge you a great deal of money along the way.
Make sure that you read any work contracts thoroughly before you sign them. Unfortunately, there are contractors out there that will take advantage of others and sneak things in that will benefit them. The only way you can avoid becoming a victim is to be totally clear about what you are signing.
When hiring a contractor, be sure to ask for a list of references. Check to see what other customers have experienced with them. That is why it is vital that you check references, so you don't run into those shady contractors!
As stated in the above article, keeping your HVAC system humming along is important to the overall comfort of your home. A bad HVAC system is one that will leave you with a big headache when trying to repair it. Don't let your HVAC system go bad on you, and with these good tips to follow, you should have a good understanding of how to maintain it so it works properly for a long time.
