The HVAC system in any home is a very important feature, and if it is not running right it can lead to a very uncomfortable place to be. That is the last thing you want, and knowing how to take good care of it is key. Below there are many helpful HVAC tips that are important to understand if you want your system to last a very long time.
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.
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.
Let your friends and family know about the discounts that are possible via ENERGY STAR. There's 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.
Ask for references and be sure to call them as well. You are dealing with a high ticket item here, so you'll want to do your due diligence to make sure you are getting the best for your money. Ask for references, but don't stop there. Call each reference to check. A lot of people don't take that important last step.
Sometimes, it can be hard to figure out if your HVAC system needs to be fixed or needs to be replaced. If your system frequently breaks down, is always turning on or off on its own, or if your bills are too high, it may pay to have it replaced. Otherwise, little things can just be fixed.
Putting in a programmable thermostat is a smart way to cut back on air-conditioning costs. Such thermostats help you save around ten percent when it comes to energy costs. In addition, some models make things really easy on you, allowing you to adjust them from the computer.
Make sure things don't 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 out how long the HVAV contractor you are considering has been in business. The older they are, the more likely it will be for you to find out their history, which will help you gauge their quality. You will be taking a risk if you hire a newer contractor.
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, don't 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.
When water condenses on your air conditioner, it drips into a pan and drains out. This drain should be inspected on a regular basis. If algae forms in the drain line or if the drain line freezes, you could be in for some expensive repairs. The drip pan could overflow causing extensive damage to your ceilings.
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.
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 industrial pressure washing services simple change can end up saving you a lot on your utility bills.
Be sure to check your Filter Check light frequently on any stand-alone units. If it is on, turn the unit off as you can't operate it without a filter in place. Clean the filter carefully and return it to its proper location, but don't operate the unit if the filter is still wet.
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.
Be sure the HVAC contractor you pick is fast and knowledgeable. You want one that maintains a schedule. A professional can also perform a quick diagnosis on a faulty machine to locate the problem. They should offer you answers which can be implemented right away.
When your HVAC system is older than 15 years, the time has come to get yearly check-ups. These systems aren't expected to make it past two decades, so you have to monitor them for any issues which may crop up. In fact, new systems will be more efficient, so it might be time for an upgrade.
In order to determine the size of the air conditioner to purchase, you must measure the area that you want to cool. Plan for 20 BTU of power in your air conditioner for each square foot that needs to be cooled. Calculate the total square footage of all rooms if you will use the air conditioner to cool more than one room.
Pick HVAC companies that know what they're doing and can work quickly. A sign of a great company is one that arrives on time for their appointment. The technicians will be able to help you and offer the best possible options. Once the problem is identified, fixing it should be quick and easy.
A great way to ensure that the HVAC professionals you hire are up to the task is to take steps to verify that they possess proper licensing and certification. Failing to check these very important credentials can cause you to hire someone who is more likely to do more harm than good and charge you a great deal of money along the way.
Proper HVAC maintenance is key to having it last a very long time. Don't fall victim to a faulty HVAC system, use the tips here to keep it running smooth for a long time. With good tips such as these, there is no reason why your HVAC can give you many years of living in a comfortable environment.
