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 must hire someone to help you out with your HVAC system be sure to learn about all of the requirements your state has legislated regarding licencing and insurance. You need to be able to ask anyone you plan to hire if they meet these requirements before you hire them.
Get any agreement with an HVAC contractor in writing. Some contractors try to skip over this step and charge customers a fortune. If you have a certain price and warranty in writing they cannot go back and change this information. If they do they could have a lawsuit on their hands.
Make sure the equipment you are buying is ENERGY STAR compliant. It may seem a small thing but it isnt. Products that are ENERGY STAR compliant can save you a lot of money in energy costs over the year. It can be over $100 easily sometimes a lot more.
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 dont get what you were promised protecting you from shady contractors.
If at all possible install double-paned windows in your home instead of those with a single pane. You can reduce your energy costs from energy leaking out through your windows by installing window that are double-paned. As with other steps you take to improve your ability to keep your air conditioned air or heated air inside your home double-paned windows can help you save on energy costs.
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.
You should have your HVAC system inspected at least once but preferably twice per year. During this service visit they will inspect the motor of the system oil the moving parts and check the freon levels in the system. This maintenance means that your system will operate optimally.
Consider all of your alternatives before installing a central air conditioner. You can only cool certain rooms use whole-house fans or even make use of a geothermal system. The more efficient the system you set up the less youll spend on utility bills over time as you use it.
Check any company you are considering to see how long it has been around. Firms that have been in business for a long time are easier to assess. Working with someone that does not yet have a reputation in the business is a bit riskier.
As you compare new HVAC system be sure to look at the energy ratings for each unit. The higher they are the better they will be. Efficiency will not only get your home comfortable faster but it will save you on your energy bills when you are running your new unit.
If you dont know who you should call to repair install and maintain your HVAC systems check out reviews online. You have a choice of review sites to use. This is a great way to find people you want to work with and those you dont want to work with.
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.
You should focus on finding an HVAC contractor that can offer you a warranty on the work they are doing. This is a sign that they are confident in their ability to get the job done well. This will protect you in the event that is not done right and needs to be fixed.
If your HVAC unit is not operating as efficiently as it once was check the evaporator coil in it? There may be some debris blocking it which is causing the issue. You can use a soft brush to clean it - like the one you find as an attachment for handheld vacuum cleaners.
Make sure to be specific about everything that is written in your contracts. It should detail the work that is being done the materials being used and the amount of time it will take to complete the job. Leaving anything out can give the contractor an exit if something goes wrong.
In order to be comfortable in your home 365 days a year your HVAC system must remain in working order. However big issues can occur when one doesnt know much about them. Thankfully the tips above can assist a homeowner with their HVAC system.
The HVAC system in any home is very important to have it functioning properly. Everyone at some point in their life has had to deal with a faulty energy system but this should not be a reoccurring problem. If you would like good tips on how to ensure that you HVAC system stays in good working order then should read the following article.
Check out the system that you have before you call a professional. Find out the brand and model and if possible dig out the maintenance history. This will give contractors a better idea of what to expect before they show up which will help things go more smoothly on arrival.
If youve been having trouble with an HVAC system look around your home before calling in people to help. Make note of which rooms are cold and which are hot. This gives the repairer a starting point to work from.
Clean the debris from outside units often. You can never tell when things will pile up especially following rain or wind storms. These can wreak havoc on your units. It will damage the system by overheating.
Do you hear a clicking sound when your fan is turning? This may mean that there is something in the way of the blades of the fan. If it gets so bad that the blade bends you must replace it just unbending it will leave the fan unbalanced and can cause further issues.
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.
The correct HVAC system should have sealed air ducts to minimize heating or cooling loss as air travels to different rooms. The heating or cooling requirements of different rooms in the home should be taken into consideration. There is no reason to increase energy usage by controlling the temperature in rooms that are used very little.
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.
If you dont want to install ductwork in your home consider a mini-split system instead. They work form the outside in allowing your whole home to cool without a central air conditioner. This allows you to enjoy all of your indoor space in a cool comfortable way all summer long.
When you are looking to buy a new air conditioner consider your climate. If you live in a hot dry area then an evaporative cooler will be your best bet. If you live in a humid area opt for a compressor-style unit as its the only one which will work.
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.
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.
Contractor set their own prices; this is why you should get many quotes. By calling around and asking a few different contractors you can save a ton of money. Call at least four or five different HVAC specialist to find the best rates.
Make sure that the HVAC contractor you plan to hire does not use subcontractors to do their work. Many people use this as an excuse to shirk their responsibility in the event that something goes wrong when your system is being worked on. Only allow this if there is a note in the contract about what will happen if there is an issue.
To run an efficient HVAC you must ensure your house is fully insulated. First check into your attic to find out if you have the right kind of insulation and enough of it. If not investing in getting that up to grade is better than installing a strong HVAC system!
The energy efficiency of a unit should be taken into consideration when purchasing a new heating and cooling system. Although you should be concerned about the price of a unit the efficiency of the unit will save you thousands over the lifetime of the heating and cooling system and should weigh heavily on your buying decision.
Make sure that your HVAC system runs smooth by sticking to the tips in the above article. Its frustrating to come home after a long day to find out your system doesnt work. Your stress will only be compounded when you find out how much it will cost to fix. With these tips all of this may be prevented. Remember these tips while you are running your HVAC maintenance.