The HVAC system in any home is vital to maintaining a comfortable environment. Perhaps you are here because you have experienced problems with it in the past or you just looking for information on how to properly maintain it. Either way the article below is a great resource on the upkeep of HVAC systems.
If you want to keep your air conditioning unit running efficiently make sure you replace or clean the air filter once a month. Check the owners manual on the a/c for instructions on how to clean the filter. Never run the unit when the filter is removed and let the filter dry before reinstallling it.
Do not be surprised if the HVAC contractor you choose does an evaluation on your home. Any good contractor will spend time looking at the system you currently have and what the needs are for your home. They will also take a look at your duct system and look for air leaks.
When a contractor gives you a list of references be sure to make use of it. Call the people on the list and ask about the quality of the work how closely they came to their quote and whether or not the work was completed according to the promised timeline.
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.
Your HVAC unit may suffer when trees start to lose their leaves. Make sure you clean out your fan grill often once nearby trees start shedding their leaves. The fan needs unobstructed air flow and if debris is blocking this air flow then your system could suffer.
Be sure to regularly clean debris from external condenser units. Debris quickly gathers here even more so if there is a storm. This can cause major issues with your system. It can also cause it to overheat.
When you are no longer using your outdoor air conditioning unit be sure to protect it with a tight cover. This will keep it free of debris frost and snow so that youll have a working unit when the spring comes and you are ready to uncover it and use it again.
Make sure that your contractor provides a home assessment. Not every HVAC solution is for everyone. Your home could have special needs for heating and cooling. Your contractor should do a walk around of your space to judge what is best. If they arent be sure to request one.
Sometimes air conditioning units ice up. There are also occasional freezes in the drain line which are often confused for plumbing leaks. Use the fan-only setting to allow the system time to thaw. If the problem persists be sure to call in a professional.
When dealing with HVAC contractors make sure that you get everything in writing. While verbal contracts are legal in many places it is usually very difficult to prove them. Having everything on paper is a great way to make sure that no ons is confused about any aspect of the process.
Outer coils can be cleaned with a regular outdoor hose before you turn the unit on for the season. That said interior coils should be taken care of by a professional so that you dont do any damage as you attempt to clean them. Bring someone in to complete a check up.
While price should be one of the considerations you make when you are hiring an HVAC contractor do not allow it to cloud your judgement. There are other factors that need to be considered in order to make a sound decision. Experience level work ethic and positive reviews are a few things that should be considered as well.
To boost your home HVACs efficiency install solar screening. It reflects sunlight back outside stopping it from heating up your home. Your air conditioner will be able to run less in the daytime and your energy bill will plummet as a result. You can install this on any glass you have doors or windows.
Each month you need to get a new air filter and install it in your unit. Thats the easiest thing to do so your unit continues running in good shape. Filters only cost a couple of dollars which is not that much.
Do you need a new HVAC system? Many things must be taken into account before you purchase one. The systems are generally rated based on the area they cover. Be sure to choose a slightly too large system over a too small of one.
It is common knowledge that having a homes cooling or heating system fail in the middle of a heat wave or in the chilly grip of winter can cause a real headache for homeowners. But if they get the right kind of information before they get started with this it wont be so bad. The tips you learned here can help you to make a great HVAC choice when the time comes.
Do you often find your home uncomfortably warm during the summer even when your air conditioner is running? Do you shiver inside during the winter? If so you may need to have your HVAC system replaced. For some useful advice on doing so read the tips in the following article.
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. When blowing leaves do the same. Always take care when passing your HVAC units while moving leaves grass or other debris.
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.
Look for deals and rebates on the HVAC system you are having installed. Many ENERGY STAR units come with huge rebates either from your local utility company or the government itself. Investigate your options as it could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars on the installation costs.
When the spring comes and the days begin to warm up call in a pro to give your HVAC a once over. This will ensure that your air conditioner works as expected all summer long stopping you from sweating it out when you least expect the system to fail.
Always ask for references before you allow anyone to start doing work on your HVAC system. Call several of them to make sure that they are legitimate. Many people take the word of the contractor when it comes to customer satisfaction and that can prove to be a mistake in the end.
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 dont kick in when not needed.
In order to cheaply cool your home turn the temperature up. If you take a few showers a day or just drink a cold ice water youll find that youre saving a lot of money on your utility bills by keeping the thermostat a little higher than usual in your home.
If you want to turn off your air conditioning at night to save money consider putting a standing fan next to your bed. You can set it to oscillate from your toes to your head blowing cool air over your body and letting you sleep comfortably all night long.
If you live in a hot climate dont use duct tape on your HVAC. It just dries out and falls off leaving you with leaks all over the place. Instead use mastic sealant to cover any holes or gaps in duct work and youll keep your home comfortable all year long.
To increase the efficiency of your HVAC unit determine the direction that your home faces. If trees are placed strategically you can block morning sunlight that can overheat the house. Anything that provides shade from direct sunlight can reduce the temperature inside your home and help reduce your energy bill for air conditioning during warm months.
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.
Never accept the first offer you get when you are looking to hire an HVAC contractor. There are many people out there that charge more than others for doing the same services. Getting price quotes from several companies can help ensure that you are getting a rate that is acceptable.
Want to save the most you can with your HVAC unit? Consider increasing your room temperature by a single degree or two. Each degree means money that stays in your pocket. In fact some estimate that each degree you move up can work out to be around 9% in overall energy savings.
A radiant barrier improves the efficiency of your HVAC. This helps block the heat from outside and will reduce the energy needed for cooling your home during the summer. If done right you can even start using the attic as living space.
If you are going to use the Internet as a source for good HVAC contractors you need to be very careful. You never know who is behind the glowing reviews that are posted all over the Web. There is a chance that the contractor is posting their own reviews or paying others to do so.
You do not want your living environment too hot or too cold and having a good HVAC system that is running how it is supposed to is key. Thankfully you just learned some helpful tips that showed you how to spot problems along with how to properly maintain your HVAC system. Keep these tips in mind as you perform regular maintenance on your HVAC system.