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 http://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=176026 help get you the best specialist you can. This can save you many hours of research time and money too.
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 won't cost you a ton when it comes to your utility bills every month, recouping some of your installation costs.
If your HVAC system is acting up, take a tour of the house prior to calling a professional. Jot down the rooms that are hot and the ones that are cold. You can then relay this information to the technician so that they can more easily figure out what the problem is.
You can boost the efficiency of your HVAC unit by replacing it with a new energy efficient one or moving your old one to a shady outside location. This will help ensure that the AC is pulling in cooler air, reducing the amount of work it has to do and saving you money.
If you want to know more about efficiently heating or cooling your home, go online and download the ENERGY STAR Guide. It provides information for homeowners to learn more about how they can save money while still keeping their home comfortable all year round, so it is a worthy ready.
If you are going to be gone during the day or on vacation, turn the temperature up on your air conditioning unit. The house will only heat to certain level and a decent HVAC system can quickly cool this down once you are home. The unit will use a large amount of electricity to combat the heat during the day when the house is empty.
In the winter, wearing layers can save you a ton of money on your utility bill. If you can install a digital thermostat that makes the house cooler when you're asleep and warmer just before you get up, you can see significant savings on your next bill when it arrives.
If you don't want to install ductwork in your home, consider a mini-split system instead. They work form the outside in, allowing your whole home to cool without a central air conditioner. This allows you to enjoy all of your indoor space in a cool, comfortable way all summer long.
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 won't physically notice a difference in temperature.
Want to save the most you can with your HVAC unit? Consider increasing your room temperature by a single degree or two. Each degree means money that stays in your pocket. In fact some estimate that each degree you move up can work out to be around 9% in overall energy savings.
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.
Think about having a radiant barrier installed in your attic so support the efficient functioning of your HVAC system. This device helps block the heat from the outside, which reduces your dependency on http://www.breathepureair.com/medical_air_purifiers.html your HVAC system, as well as your bill. If done correctly, this also enables you to start using your attic as a living space.
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.
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.
You should replace the filter on your HVAC system once every month. This represents an easy way to keep your system working well. It only costs a couple of bucks to replace the filter.
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?
When you are looking to buy a new air conditioner, consider your climate. If you live in a hot, dry area, then an evaporative cooler will be your best bet. If you live in a humid area, opt for a compressor-style unit as it's the only one which will work.
Hire contractors who offer guarantees of at least 5 year on all labor and parts. This will ensure that you can go back to them to fix anything that goes wrong shortly after your system is installed or repaired. Anyone who doesn't offer a guarantee won't come back unless you pay them again.
You should never hire an HVAC contractor without researching them thoroughly. While this may seem like a nuisance, it will ensure that you have a quality person completing work for you. There is a chance that something bad can happen with any contractor, but the odds decrease if you hire someone competent.
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.
