If your furnace stops working on a cold winters day you need to have it repaired right away. The same is true if your air conditioner gives out during a heat wave. In some cases you may need a whole new HVAC system. This article has some useful information for dealing with these issues.
Although most people are thinking of their heating systems during the winter months air conditioning is also important. When installing a new furnace or heating system make sure the air ducts are also set up to work with your air condition system. Using the ducts for both heating and cooling is the most economical choice.
Let your friends and family know about the discounts that are possible via ENERGY STAR. Theres a lot of savings that can be had here so why hold this good news all to yourself! You can save those closest to you hundreds of dollars over the course of a year.
If you want to save money once a new HVAC system is put in place be sure to pick ENERGY STAR rated products to use. They are very energy efficient so your new system wont cost you a ton when it comes to your utility bills every month recouping some of your installation costs.
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.
If the fan condenser on your unit has ports for oil make sure you lubricate it once a year. These ports have a metal covering. Sometimes it is rubber. Put about ten drops or less of a good non-detergent SAE 20 oil into each port.
Ask for references and be sure to call them as well. You are dealing with a high ticket item here so youll want to do your due diligence to make sure you are getting the best for your money. Ask for references but dont stop there. Call each reference to check. A lot of people dont take that important last step.
Before having someone install a new HVAC system or maintain or repair yours make sure they are insured. Having someone who is insured work on your system will assure that if anything happens while they are working at your home they are financially covered and you will not be responsible.
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.
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.
If you are looking to save money with your HVAC system consider turning down the air conditioner in the summer and turning the heat down in the winter. Putting on a sweater on a cold day can save you a ton of money on your utility bill as can enjoying a cold drink instead of heavy air conditioning use.
Dont ever let your home temperature get dangerously high. Air conditioners really can only cool a home down about 20 degrees Fahrenheit within a reasonable amount of time. If the temperature in your home rises above 100 degrees you will only be able to cool it down to 80. This can still be way too warm for you.
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.
You need to measure the space of your home so you can purchase the proper size unit. Normally you need 20 BTU for each square foot that you wish to cool. If the unit will be cooling several rooms combine their square footage in your calculations.
Keep your evaporator coil clean. A dirty coil will cause the unit to strain when cooling air. You can clean the coil yourself easily. Simply remove the front panel to expose the coil and use a soft brush attached to a vacuum to remove any dust and debris that has accumulated on the coil.
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.
As you can see from the above article with great tips and ideas it is much easier to take good care of your HVAC system. Now that you understand what keeps an HVAC running smoothly yours should last a very long time. Refer back to these tips to whenever you spot a problem.
<h3>HVAC Advice From The Experts In The Field</h3>
An HVAC system failure is one of the most frustrating occurrences a homeowner can face largely because they may not know the right person to call. However by simply spending a bit of time learning about what to look for in a contractor things can actually go rather smoothly. Continue reading to gain some helpful insights.
When purchasing a new HVAC system for your home be sure it is energy efficient. These days most new HVAC systems are energy efficient; there is a energy star label on the equipment. However to be sure your utility costs do not go through the roof choose equipment that is energy efficient.
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.
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.
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. Get the grass shot away from your unit. This also applies to leaf blowing and any other yard work that results in debris.
Consumers are usually advised to have their HVAC systems inspected twice a year. The normally recommended time for HVAC system inspections is once before the peak cooling season when it gets hot and youll be using your AC and once before the peak heating season during the cold months when youre likely to be using your heat. Whether you know of problems or not good maintenance will help you to avoid future issues.
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.
To improve the efficiency of your HVAC unit put a radiant barrier up inside the attic of your home. It ensures that your unit stays hot or cold as it should be. You might even be able to start living in your attic.
If you are uncertain about which HVAC contractor to call when you experience an equipment failure take the time to ask friends and family for personal recommendations. By doing this you will be able to feel more confident about the choice you make because you will have gotten the opinions of people you already know to be trustworthy.
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.
Looking for an efficient way to cool your home? Consider installing a whole-house evaporative cooler. They use water to cool air instead of traditional chemical coolants using a ton less energy to cool your home than those other units. That said they do work best in dry climates and not at all in humid ones.
Look for calculators online to help you determine the size of unit you need for your home. If you purchase a unit thats too large it will not be efficient since itll cool the same. To get the right information look in the manual to find out the rating the manufacturer gives the unit for cooling.
Figure out the direction your home is facing so your HVAC system can work better. You can help keep your home cool with the strategic placement of trees. The less heat the easier time the air conditioner in your home will have.
Have your HVAC inspected every year to ensure that it is working properly. The technician will check your filters drain lines air flow and Freon levels. This will have your HVAC working at peak performance saving you money all season long. It will also alert you to any repairs that need to be address before they become big problems.
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.
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.
The HVAC system in your home is very important and must be properly serviced. Failure to do certain things will result in costly fixes and a miserable time for you. Dont be a victim of a faulty HVAC system take what you learned here and use it to ensure that it runs smooth for a long time.