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.
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 choose an HVAC contractor, have an idea in your mind of what needs to be done. Providing you with an accurate estimate over the telephone may be difficult to impossible is they can't see the system you have. It will be more difficult for him to assist you over the phone without the information readily available. Understand this information beforehand.
If the outside of your home has condenser units, ensure they are constantly cleaned. Things pile up after storms and damage your system. It could get too hot, leading to even more problems.
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Each spring, try cleaning the fan blades and coils on the condenser fan. First, turn the power off so nothing moves when you're working with it. Next, pop the grill http://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=176026 off, put the blades out and start to gently clean them along with the unit.
If the current location of your HVAC unit outside isn't working, try having it moved to an area with more shade. The air in the shade is cooler and can help save on energy costs.
Having a radiant barrier in your attic helps you HVAC http://filtersupplyamerica.com/ system run better. This will block the heat that comes in. If this is done properly, it will help extend your living space.
To save money on your HVAC system, turn the air conditioning down at night and let your home warm up a bit. To keep yourself cool, use a chilling water-filled pillow to cool down your head and your whole body as a result. This combined with a fan will keep you from overheating while saving on your utility bills.
If you want to ensure your air conditioner offers you great performance, keep it dry. If it is located in a dry, cool area, you'll find that the efficiency goes up and the unit lasts a long time. You can even buy a water vapor cooler to cool it as it is running.
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.
Sometimes air conditioners get iced up. The drain line might also freeze over. If this is something you notice, switch the thermostat in your home to fan only so the compressor is disabled. You can call a HVAC professional, but switching to the fan will make the ice melt.
Improve the efficiency of your air conditioning by installing ceiling fans. Change the airflow direction of the ceiling fans. During the summer, the blades should move in a counter-clockwise direction. During the winter, the blades should move clockwise to help move the hot air in the ceiling down into the room.
Think about installing a digital programmable thermostat to keep your heating and cooling bills low. These digital thermostats have timers that allow you to completely control your HVAC use. You can set the heat and cooling to only turn on when you are home and to turn off when you are at work.
Make sure your HVAC is clear when working outside. You should try keeping any vegetation about two feet away from your outdoor units. Keep the areas above it and on each side of it clear. Make sure you aim your grass clippings away from the unit when mowing. Keep leaves from getting inside your unit in the fall.
There is a lot to think about when you install an air conditioner unit. For example, a big unit won't remove humidity while a small unit won't cool enough. Placing it in the wrong place can make it less efficient, and not insulating your home adequately could render it almost useless.
If you hear clicking noises from your condenser fan, make sure that it is not striking something inside the unit. If it is not hitting something, it may be bent. Do not try to straighten the blades. This could cause it to become unbalanced. Simply replace the blade to ensure proper rotation.
Make sure that your contractor can be reached at all times. The professional should also be able to promptly arrive at your home whenever the need arises.
When you need to find a contractor to handle your HVAC work for you, make sure that the one you choose has a phone number they will answer 24-hours per day. They should be available to you if a problem arises.
If you hear clicking noises from your condenser fan, make sure that it is not striking something inside the unit. If it is not hitting something, it may be bent. Do not try to straighten the blades. This could cause it to become unbalanced. Simply replace the blade to ensure proper rotation.
As you can see from the above article, you now understand how it vital it is to have a properly maintained HVAC system. If you don't provide regular maintenance, you could have costly fixes down the road. You should not want that, so remember these tips to help you keep your HVAC system running right for many years to come.
