Look for deals and rebates on the HVAC system you are having installed. Many ENERGY STAR units come with huge rebates either from your local utility company or the government itself. Investigate your options as it could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars on the installation costs.
You need to have a contractor review your unit twice a year. The ideal thing to do would be to have it checked out in the fall and spring so you're able to figure out if everything is ready for the cold and hot months. Even if everything seems fine, check things out to find potential problems.
Look for discounts wherever possible. HVAC systems can be rather costly, so you'll want to seek out whatever discounts and deals that may be out there. When shopping around, ask about any current specials running, and look for discounts that are related to ENERGY STAR compliance. Both can save you a lot of cash.
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 your utility bills by keeping the thermostat a little higher than usual in your home.
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.
Use plants to increase your air conditioner's effectiveness. An AC unit fully shaded by trees and shrubbery can operate up to 10 percent more efficiently. However, do keep spacing in mind. Air flow must not be constricted, and technicians need room to work when they come out to service your unit.
To help you pick a good HVAC contractor, carefully search for information that offers honest reviews about the companies that you might be looking to hire. It is a good idea to check with the BBB and look for reviews from prior clients. When done in advance you can be sure of making a sound decision.
Clean your filters! If you have a window unit air conditioner, there will be a filter right under the grill you can vacuum. If you have a furnace or outdoor units, they will also have filters to be cleaned or replace. A dirty filter can make your unit inefficient or even let it overheat.
If the system you're using now isn't working great, then check the ducts for some leakage. The local utility company may be able to do this for you at a cost lower than what a contractor would charge you. The testing will pay for itself once you find and repair the leaks.
Install a radiant barrier in your attic to boost HVAC efficiency. It will block the heat and lower the energy necessary to keep your home cool in the summertime. If done correctly, this also enables you to start using your attic as a living space.
If your existing system is malfunctioning, look for leaks in the ducts. Your utility company can test this for you, oftentimes at no charge. If not, it should be less expensive than a HVAC contractor. When you get leaks repaired, you may see that the testing pays for itself.
If you want to buy a new HVAC unit or system, ask a contractor to come up to size up your home and tell you what options you have. They'll have the best advice as they know what sort of systems work in your area or in a home like yours.
Always ask for references before you allow anyone to start doing work on your HVAC system. Call several of them to make sure that they are legitimate. Many people take the word of the contractor when it comes to customer satisfaction and that can prove to be a mistake in the end.
When looking for an HVAC company, find one that is available when you need them. Reliable companies can be reached easily at any time. This includes both day and night. A prospective company should also values your resources and time. They should be able to schedule service calls at your earliest convenience.
Use an HVAC company who has a lot of experience in the field. The most reliable companies make sure their technicians stay on schedule and keep appointments. These techs that come out should be quickly able to figure out the issue and remedy the problem right away. After a quick diagnosis, they resolve issues swiftly.
Take advantage of the http://www.lowes.com/Heating-Cooling/Air-Filters/_/N-1z0znaz/pl opportunity to add a programmable thermostat when you are putting in new heating and air-conditioning or repairing your old system. This will help you to regulate the temperature at all times.
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Ask your contractor if there are any upgrades which can boost your home's energy efficiency. For example, could extra insulation be added to the attic? Or should your windows and doors be better sealed? Once these are in place the change may be dramatic enough to allow you to install a cheaper HVAC unit.
Expect an evaluation. Any good HVAC contractor will want to look at your home before proposing any changes or recommending any products. Every home is different and what works for one home may not work well in another. If a contractor starts trying to sell you on a particular HVAC system without actually seeing your home, look elsewhere.
Proper maintenance is key to having a http://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=176026 good working HVAC system. Don't let your system go bad, use the tips here to inspect it for problems to ensure that you don't have costly repairs down the road. Keep checking it and remember the tips here to use as guide so you know what to look for.
