It is important to have some knowledge of your present system and needs before calling a contractor. You might not be able to get a price quote unless you let the contractor see your current system first. In addition, you need to be able to tell the contractor what you have already tried. So, figure out this information before anything else.
Do not be surprised if the HVAC contractor you choose does an evaluation on your home. Any good contractor will spend time looking at the system you currently have and what the needs are for your home. They will also take a look at your duct system and look for air leaks.
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.
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 help get you the best specialist you can. This can save you many hours of research time and money too.
If you currently have a manual thermostat, consider installing a programmable one. You can set your system for different temperatures depending on time of day and if anyone is home. Also, you can set upper and lower temperature settings to allow for a comfortable range of temperatures so that heating and cooling don't kick in when not needed.
Fall is a hard time on HVAC units. When you notice your trees shedding, frequently clean your unit's fan grill. A blocked unit can quickly become a broken unit.
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.
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.
Keep your condensers free of nearby obstructions. Keep plants, fencing, even bushes back and away from the unit. Two feet is a good minimum distance it should have from anything, including walls, but the more space you give it to breathe, the better it will work and the less likely it will be to fail.
Think about the air flow coming out of the air conditioner and where you want to place it for maximum comfort. If it has to be placed in a corner, get a unit where the air won't be trapped against the wall.
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.
Be sure to replace your HVAC air filters every month. This is the easiest step to take to ensure that your unit remains in good operating condition. Filters don't cost too much to use, and that isn't a lot each month for you https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLHdI1Pfd_g some things about the HVAC that you didn't know before. Take all that you've just read into account when working on any system. You will be happy you found this article.
