It is vital to have an HVAC system running properly in your home, because one that is working poorly will only cause nightmares. Repairing an HVAC unit is expensive and it can take a while before your home is once again a comfortable environment. It's generally an all-around good idea to study as much as you can about HVAC maintenance and upkeep. The following tips will provide you some great info to get you started.
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 owner's 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 spring rolls around, give the condenser fan blades and coils a good clean. Before you do anything, however, turn the power off. Take the grill off and pull the blades out to clean them.
Make sure you ask for an estimate in writing before choosing a specific HVAC vendor. There are a lot of moving pieces when it comes to purchasing these big items. You'll want to compare not only the cost of the equipment, but also the set up and the overall energy costs.
Before you hire an HVAC contractor, have some sort of idea of the work that needs to be done. It's hard for these contractors to give phone estimates without seeing the current system you have. It will be even harder if you cannot explain what you have done. So, you should know this beforehand.
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.
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.
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 aren't be sure to request one.
Research multiple contractors before choosing one. Inquiring with the Better Business Bureau is always a good idea, as is looking for online review sites where previous customers can post their experiences. These steps can help ensure you make the smartest and most informed choice.
If you want to cool your home in the summer without using your air conditioning on full, consider installing fans in your home. An attic fan can blow hot air out while sucking in cool air into your basement, and ceiling fans help distribute the air in your rooms evenly.
Every month clean out the leaves and debris that may have settled into your outdoor HVAC unit. You'll be surprised at how much gets caught in your unit. Over time these leaves can build up and create issues for your system. Just this little clean up can save you a lot of money in maintenance bills.
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 your HVAC unit is not operating as efficiently as it once HVAC Contractor Service 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.
To block out the sun on hot summer days, allowing your air conditioner to run less frequently, invest in heat blocking drapes. These textiles come in beautiful patterns and colors today, looking just like their designer counterparts. They will keep the heat out so that your home stays cooler without costing you an arm and a leg on utility bills.
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.
Be sure that both parties understand the terms involved when it comes to any HVAC work that you hire a contractor to perform. There are contractors that will try to overcharge you later for things like fuel charges and material fees. You can avoid these issues if you have a contract that is written out.
When you have a short list of contractors to consider, ask the people on their reference list about not only the service they received, but also how well the system is still running. Did they need more work down the road? Has the company come back to make things right?
Always check out any HVAC contractor you are considering hiring. Check them out with the Better Business Bureau in your area. Read their reviews and check out their business rating. Also, make sure the contractor is licensed and insured. Search online to see if they have any complaints from past clients. A few complaints is not a big deal but too many is a red flag.
If your outdoor compressor unit sits in the sun, consider building a shade over it. Air in the shade is about 5 degrees cooler than air in the sun. This can have a significant impact on your cooling bill. When done properly, you could see up to a 10 percent savings over the season.
If you have known the frustration of an HVAC failure, you know that one of the best things you can do as a homeowner is acquaint yourself with a skilled contractor. However, knowing what to look for in an HVAC professional takes a bit of research and study. Use the advice found above, and you will always be prepared for anything.
