Ask for referrals when hiring someone to install your HVAC system. Someone may seem like they know what they are doing, but you cannot simply take their word for it. You should be able to call past customers to get an idea of what to expect from this particular installer.
In order to avoid having any problems with your air conditioning unit, keep all vegetation at least two feet away from the outdoor unit. The unit should be clear of any vegetation on all sides and above. When you mow the lawn, aim the grass clippings away from the a/c unit. This will prevent grass getting inside the a/c and making it malfunction.
One of the most important things to consider when purchasing a new heating and cooling system is the manufacturer's warranty. Units come with a variety of warranties. Choose one with a long warranty for maximum long term savings. Generally, it is advised that homeowners should purchase the extended warranty if one is offered.
If you can, use double-paned windows instead of single-paned ones. Double pane windows help minimize your air conditioning use in the summer by keeping the cooler air inside your home. This also helps retain heated air during the colder months.
Keep energy costs from rising by having your system serviced annually. During this service visit, they will inspect the motor of the system, oil the moving parts and check the freon levels in the system. These repairs will keep your HVAC system running smoothly.
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 http://www.iqair.com/cleanroom-h13-air-purifier your utility bills by keeping the thermostat a little higher than usual in your home.
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.
Air conditioners sometimes ice up. There can be occasional freezes in their drain lines, and these are usually confused with plumbing leaks. If you notice this, switch your thermostat to fan only to disable the compressor. You should call a pro to fix this problem, even if switching it to its fan setting starts making the ice melt.
In order for your HVAC system to run more efficiently, think about putting a radiant barrier in your attic. It will block the heat and lower the energy necessary to keep your home cool in the summertime. This can also help you make the attic useful again.
Try to stay away from HVAC contractors that ask for upfront payments before they are willing to get started on the work they were hired to do. In many cases, this means that they are more concerned about getting paid than they are about making sure the job is done well.
While price should be one of the considerations you make when you are hiring an HVAC contractor, do not allow it to cloud your judgement. There are other factors that need to be considered in order to make a sound decision. Experience level, work ethic and positive reviews are a few things that should be considered as well.
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 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 http://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=176026 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.
If you're only wanting to do the minimal amount of HVAC maintenance, you should work on replacing your air filter. It will improve the efficiency of your unit. Filters are inexpensive, so there is no excuse for not doing it.
You should always ask a contractor a few simple questions before hiring them for a job, such as how long they've been working in this field. Confirm that they have done this work before. While a worker with less experience may be capable of doing a good job, you will be taking a risk.
Look for deals on equipment. The equipment you need to update, maintain or repair your HVAC system tends to be expensive. Keep your eyes open for available coupons, store discounts and rebates on this equipment. Stock up on things you always need, like filters, when they are on sale.
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.
There is a lot to know about HVAC before you get involved in a purchase decision. Using the advice from our experts will make the decision easier. If you've got the time, review the tips above one more time for sake of clarity. Use the tips to make a more informed decision when it counts.
