Article by-Guldbrandsen Beard
In order to have a happy home you never want to let your HVAC system go bad. So the best thing you can do is have one that works properly. Everyone at some point in time deals with HVAC issues, but it doesn't have to be bad if you understand how to keep it in good shape. Below you will find helpful HVAC tips, so continue on.
When your contractor comes to fix your unit or install a new one, he should walk around your home and investigate what's 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.
Look to your neighbors and family to get recommendations of good HVAC specialists. Likely there's someone you know who's already done a ton of research. Use this knowledge to help get you the best specialist you can. This can save you many hours of research time and money too.
Don't hire a contractor until you know a little about what you are facing. 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. You need to know this before you begin.
Clean the condenser on your debris regularly. Excess debris can really affect your system's quality. It may even overheat, which can ruin your system.
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, you'll find that you're saving a lot of money on your utility bills by keeping the thermostat a little higher than usual in your home.
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 you'll spend on utility bills over time as you use it.
Make sure the equipment you are buying is ENERGY STAR compliant. It may seem a small thing, but it isn't. 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.
Turn off outdoor condenser units when weather turns cold. Once the temperature drops into the 50s, the unit should no longer be on. This will keep your system in working order year after year, saving you a ton on repairs.
Consider an annual service agreement for technicians to regularly inspect your AC unit. Schedule brief inspections for the winter to make sure nothing is obviously wrong. The most important time for an inspection and service is just before it starts getting warm. You don't want to discover an AC breakdown when you need it working most.
When dealing with HVAC contractors, make sure that you get everything in writing. While verbal contracts are legal in many places, it is usually very difficult to prove them. Having everything on paper is a great way to make sure that no ons is confused about any aspect of the process.
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 you'll spend on utility bills over time as you use it.
Contractors charge different rates, so make sure that you acquire multiple estimates. You should save some money this way. Contact a minimum of five contractors so you can determine realistically what the price will be.
For your outdoor HVAC unit, make sure that your foliage is cleared around it. Two feet distance between the HVAC unit and shrubs is a good amount to remember. If you let the foliage creep up on the unit, it can cause all sorts of issues with debris and growth into the system.
Look for leaks in the ducts if your system isn't working right.
mouse click the following website page can call in your local utility company to do the testing for you, often for free or at a lower cost than a contractor. You'll see the test pays for itself once all leaks are fixed.
Before
view website get into the hot summer months, make sure to schedule a tune up for your current HVAC system. This is very important to keep issues from popping up with your system. It's a small cost to pay compared to the large bills to fix issues that could arise.
When buying an air conditioner, you want to find out with a SEER rating of 13 or higher. 13 is the minimum standard set by the government, so higher ratings, while not mandatory, are going to offer you better efficiency. SEER ratings can go as high as 19, so keep this in mind as you shop.
Check the licensing of any HVAC company that you plan to hire. Start by making sure they are fully licensed. They should be in compliance with your state's business laws. Good HVAC companies should be fully insured. This is to protect their company, their employees, and their customers should anything happen when they are performing a service at the home of a customer.
Don't just hire the first contractor you meet or call. Be sure to compare multiple options before going ahead with one. They should meet all of your requirements, be it offering a great guarantee to being able to come and do the work on your budget and within your timeline.
Choose a contractor who installs items from more than one manufacturer. They should be able to compare multiple brands to ensure you are getting the right unit for your needs, not just what they have on hand. This will save you time and money when you have a great system in place.
As stated in the above article, it is very important to you and your home to have a properly running HVAC system. Without it functioning right, it can lead to a very expensive fix and a big headache for you. Don't let this happen to you! Use the tips here to make sure your HVAC system lasts as long as you own your home.