If the thought of an HVAC failure leaves you scratching your head wondering what you would do during such an event, you are not alone. The key to knowing how to handle such events is spending some time learning how to hire the best possible professionals. The information found below can serve as just the resource you need.
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.
In order to keep your outside condenser fan running efficiently, make sure the coils and the fan blades are cleaned before the cooling season begins. Except when cleaning the outside, turn the unit off when performing any type of maintenance. Keep the exterior of the condenser unit free of debris.
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As you compare new HVAC system, be sure to look at the energy ratings for each unit. The higher they are, the better they will be. Efficiency will not only get your home comfortable faster, but it will save you on your energy bills when you are running your new unit.
Don't let your house get too hot. An AC unit will reduce the internal temperature of your home approximately twenty degrees in a fair time. So, if your home temp reaches 100 degrees, your air conditioning will only bring that temp down to about 80 degrees. This isn't a very safe condition for a homeowner to sleep in, especially when the humidity levels are considered.
If you have a window air conditioner, be sure to check and see if it has an Energy Saver button. If so, use it! This turns off the fan when the unit isn't actually cooling the air, which can save you as much as 30 kwh over the period of a month!
If you are going to be gone during the day or on vacation, turn the temperature up on your air conditioning unit. Sure, the temp will rise, but no one is home anyway. When the AC is left running, your power bill will go up quite a bit.
Determine the direction that your home faces. If you strategically place trees, it's possible to block some of the morning sunlight so your home won't become overheated. The less heat, the easier time the air conditioner in your home will have.
If you have fans in place to help make your HVAC more efficient, be sure that they're turning in the right direction. They should be pushing air downwards over the people in the room to help cool their skin. If it's blowing upwards, all it does is push hot air into the room.
If you are looking http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_filter to save money with your HVAC system, consider turning down the air conditioner in the summer and turning the heat down in the winter. Putting on a sweater on a cold day can save you a ton of money on your utility bill, as can enjoying a cold drink instead of heavy air conditioning use.
Is your home's electrical set-up ready to handle a new air conditioning unit? Most homes have 115-volt circuits in place, but larger air conditioners need 230-volts to be used. Some smaller units may need their own dedicated circuit as well to ensure your home doesn't go dark when you turn them on.
To help lower cooling costs when not at home, make sure the air conditioner is turned off. The house will only heat up to a certain point. However, leaving it on increases your electric bill and wear and tear on the system.
If your home gets hot in the summer and you'd like to use your air conditioner less often, consider a metal roof. It reflects the heat right back up into the sky, allowing your home to gain less heat on sunny days. Since metal roofs are permanent, you'll save on repair and replacement costs also.
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 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.
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.
Consider a digital window air conditioner with a remote to make use easy as pie. These often come with a thermostat in the remote, turning off the unit when the air near the remote is cool enough. Place the remote on the other side of the room so that the whole area cools down.
Be certain you know what to expect when you hire contractors to do a certain job. Some contractors may try to charge you more for things you ought not be paying for. Having a written contract will let you avoid these types of issues.
Choose a contractor who knows how to work with your current system. If they work with electronic air filters that set-up frequently, they'll quickly diagnose any problems and know exactly how to maintain it. Choosing such a firm will save you time and money, and will also save you from unnecessary headaches.
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.
Keeping your home's HVAC system working properly is a must if you want to avoid extremes of heat and cold. However, sorting through all of the different options that are available to you can be tricky. Let the information that you have read here guide your next purchase of an HVAC system.
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