An HVAC system is a key component to any home and if it goes bad on you then it can be a major problem. If you would like good tips on keep an HVAC in good working order then the following article will do just that. Keep reading to get a quality HVAC education.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
If you are purchasing an AC unit there are calculators on the Internet that can help you figure out the right size. If you buy a unit that is too big it wont do an efficient job. Look in the manual or on the manufacturer website for this information.
Make sure things dont get too hot or cold where your thermostat is. Any electronics or heat sources like lamps or televisions nearby can trick the thermostat into thinking the home is warmer than it actually is. This just means it runs your air conditioning longer than necessary wasting energy and money.
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.
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.
Never hire anyone to work on your HVAC system unless they are licensed and bonded. This industry is one where mistakes happen often and you want to make sure that you are protected. You do not want to be stuck paying for medical bills that are more expensive than the work you were having done.
Use plants to increase your air conditioners effectiveness. An AC unit fully shaded by trees and shrubbery can operate up to 10 percent more efficiently. However do keep spacing in mind. Air flow must not be constricted and technicians need room to work when they come out to service your unit.
Do you want to make sure your HVAC unit works for you like it should? It is important to have your unit maintained on a regular basis. Any reputable technician will know exactly what you mean if you call them and ask for a maintenance service on your system.
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.
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.
A good HVAC system can keep your home comfortable no matter how hot or how cold it may be outside. However it can be hard to find the perfect system for your needs. There is so much that you need to remember. The tips you have read here will be very useful to you.
Maintaining a comfortable living environment at home is essential to feeling happy and having a poor HVAC system can really make your life miserable. Not only will you incur higher costs it will make your body feel very uncomfortable if it too cold or too hot. Below you will find many good tips on how to make sure that your HVAC system stays as good as new.
Know the name and type of your HVAC system before looking for a repair person. Get the brand model name and if you can you should get the maintenance history out. This will let you know that youre able to give the contractor the information that can help them.
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.
You should be sure to change the air filter of your HVAC system once every six months. Neglecting to do so can cause dust particles to clog the air ducts. In turn your system will not work properly and you will find your bills going up. Its worth spending the time to clean the filters.
To help you pick a good HVAC contractor carefully search for information that offers honest reviews about the companies that you might be looking to hire. A good start would be the BBB to see if there are any complaints then search online for review sites where you can see what actual customers had to say about their experience. It would be wise of you to take these steps.
If the fan condenser on your unit has ports for oil make sure you lubricate it once a year. You can easily find the ports as they have a rubber or metal cap. Put 10 drops of lightweight non-detergent SAE oil in each port. Be careful not to use too much.
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.
A programmable thermostat can really help you out when it comes to your power bills. If you adjust it to keep the house a little warmer or a little cooler during the time you are sleeping you may see your energy bill go down by as much as ten percent. Also you can find a thermostat that is controllable from a computer or smart phone.
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.
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.
Change your air conditioner filter quarterly or four times a year. This not only keeps the air coming into your home easier and cleaner to breathe it takes a lot of stress off of your AC unit itself. You get to enjoy health money savings and reduced energy use altogether at once.
Use your HVAC system to heat your water for free! In the summer residual heat pulled out of your house is used to heat water through a geothermal system. This will cool your home while allowing you to save a ton on hot water costs plus its environmentally friendly to boot!
Be sure to test for leaks in the ducts if your system seems inefficient. The local utility may be able to test for you and their services are frequently free or low cost. When these leaks are fixed the testing will pay for itself in energy savings.
Be careful of sounds in your HVAC. If the condenser fan begins to make a grating or clicking sound the blades could be hitting an obstruction. If blades get bent dont try straightening them. You could unbalance them and cause them to hit the condenser coil. This could loosen the motor in the fan. Try replacing the bent blades with new ones. Make sure the new blades can freely rotate without wobbling.
Ask any potential contractor about their experience. Make sure they are experienced doing the kind of work that you need. Though some workers with less experience are great you do not want to risk it.
Each month you need to get a new air filter and install it in your unit. This will maximize the production of your HVAC. The filters are only a couple dollars so it is a small monthly investment.
As stated in the introduction above it is essential to take great care of your HVAC system. The air in your home is very important especially to you and your familys health and comfort. Make use of the informative tips above when you are maintaining and repairing your HVAC system.