A properly serviced and running HVAC system is vital to ensure that you dont have skyrocketing energy costs. A faulty HVAC system can cost any homeowner a lot of money in costly repairs not too mention the time spent feeling uncomfortable if it is too cold or hot. Keep your HVAC system running right and with the tips below it is a great start so continue reading.
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 dont forget to check the filters regularly.
When your contractor comes to fix your unit or install a new one he should walk around your home and investigate whats going on with your current set-up. They should be looking for how much insulation you have where your windows are and what quality they are and more.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Place your HVAC unit in the shade to boost efficiency. As your air conditioner sucks in cool air little will have to be done to cool it any further saving you a ton on your energy bills.
Ask your friends relatives and coworkers about their experiences with HVAC contractors in your area. Those who have had a great experience should have no issue giving you this info. This will also let you know which companies to stay away from.
If you want to seriously extend the life of your HVAC system as well as cut down your overall power bill install ceiling fans in commonly used warm season rooms. Energy-star certified ceiling fans can sometimes cut your HVAC use in half. However you wont physically notice a difference in temperature.
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.
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.
A properly serviced and running HVAC system is vital to ensure that you dont have skyrocketing energy costs. A faulty HVAC system can cost any homeowner a lot of money in costly repairs not too mention the time spent feeling uncomfortable if it is too cold or hot. Keep your HVAC system running right and with the tips below it is a great start so continue reading.
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.
Clean the debris off your outdoor condenser unit. Particularly after bad weather you should inspect your unit. It may even overheat which can ruin your system.
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.
If your evaporator coil found inside your home becomes dirty your unit will lose efficiency. Just pop off the front panel of the furnace and check to see that the coil is dry. Using a brush attachment on a vacuum gently clean the coil of any dust or other debris.
When you buy a new air conditioning unit dont let the salesperson talk you into too large of a unit. This will be a waste of money and wont efficiently cool your home. The longer a system runs the more efficient it will be when its running so look for one which runs 15 to 30 minutes.
Clean your filters! If you have a window unit air conditioner there will be a filter right under the grill you can vacuum. If you have a furnace or outdoor units they will also have filters to be cleaned or replace. A dirty filter can make your unit inefficient or even let it overheat.
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.
Get an estimate before agreeing to have any work done on your HVAC unit. This will help keep you from being surprised by a bill at the end. Any reputable technician should be able to look at your unit determine the problem and give you an estimate as to how much it will cost to fix it.
It is always a wise move to obtain a few quotes from different contractors because prices can vary. You should be able to hire the best contractor for the job if you take the time to do this. Get in touch with more than a few contractors to best understand the going rate.
Sometimes air conditioners get iced up. In addition the drain line sometimes freezes and people often think that there is a plumbing leak. Switch the thermostat to the fan only. Once you know the problem contact a local HVAC professional and let them know whats going on in your system.
If you need recommendations for an HVAC contractor check online. There are many review sites you can check out. This will make it easier for you to find the right contractor.
Are you going to buy a new HVAC system? There are a number of things to think about first. For example the ratings on most systems describe how much space they can work to cool or heat. Be sure to choose a slightly too large system over a too small of one.
Consider painting the outside of your home in a light color to reflect heat if you live in a hot climate. If your summers are cool use a dark color to instead heat up your home in the winter. This simple change can end up saving you a lot on your utility bills.
If the HVAC unit makes a clicking noise look immediately to see if there is an obstruction. Sometimes debris interferes with the cooling system fans. Simply clear away the debris or remove any foreign objects and your problem is solved. Before contacting someone for repairs make sure you investigate the problem first.
Be sure to check your Filter Check light frequently on any stand-alone units. If it is on turn the unit off as you cant operate it without a filter in place. Clean the filter carefully and return it to its proper location but dont operate the unit if the filter is still wet.
If you want to buy a new HVAC unit or system ask a contractor to come up to size up your home and tell you what options you have. Theyll have the best advice as they know what sort of systems work in your area or in a home like yours.
An experienced HVAC company should be chosen to help you out. The best companies out there have technicians that keep a schedule and their appointments too. Good technicians are also able to diagnose issues quickly. This will maximize your overall satisfaction.
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.
Incredibly two-thirds of homes have ducts that leak! This can result in as much as one fourth of your utility bills. You can fix your ducts on your own plus its simple to do and cheap too.
As the beginning of this article discussed you need to have a great HVAC system in order to feel comfortable in your own home. The best way to get this kind of system is when you are educated on the topic. The above article gave you the important information you needed.