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.
Be sure to get every quote or estimate in written form. You have no recourse on a verbal agreement, so a written contract is a must. This will allow you to follow up if something goes wrong or you don't get what you were promised, protecting you from shady contractors.
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 http://www.hayneedle.com/home-improvement-and-maintenance/residential-furnace-filters_list_184170 installation costs.
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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 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.
When you are no longer using your outdoor air conditioning unit, be sure to protect it http://camfilusa.yolasite.com/ with a tight cover. This will keep it free of debris, frost and snow so that you'll have a working unit when the spring comes and you are ready to uncover it and use it again.
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.
When you are away from home, adjust your thermostat to a money saving temperature. The house will heat up when it is turned off, but only a certain amount. Obviously, if you leave your air conditioning set at a low temperature all day long even if you're not home, you'll be paying to maintain that low temperature.
Looking for an efficient way to cool your home? Consider installing a whole-house evaporative cooler. They use water to cool air instead of traditional chemical coolants, using a ton less energy to cool your home than those other units. That said, they do work best in dry climates and not at all in humid ones.
Get a handful of quotes before accepting any. This will reduce your overall spending. Compare the rates of at least 5 or 6 contractors to help you decide on the most reasonable rate for the job you need done.
Want to save the most you can with your HVAC unit? Consider increasing your room temperature by a single degree or two. Each degree means money that stays in your pocket. In fact some estimate that each degree you move up can work out to be around 9% in overall energy savings.
Always get some references before hiring any contractor. You want to be able to ask if what was expected is what the homeowner got, such as being on time and on budget. If you check references carefully, you can avoid being scammed.
Speak with family and friends to get a recommendation for a reputable HVAC contractor. Anyone that has previously needed work done on their HVAC unit are more than happy to tell you their experiences. It's also important to do this to learn which companies should not be contracted for 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.
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 to be specific about everything that is written in your contracts. It should detail the work that is being done, the materials being used and the amount of time it will take to complete the job. Leaving anything out can give the contractor an exit if something goes wrong.
The biggest step to preventing problems in your air conditioner is getting a professional tune-up once a year. This is especially important before the summer. This is when your air conditioning system will be working its hardest. Getting regular tune-ups reduces the risk of malfunctions and will keep you cool all summer long.
Do not let the heat build up inside your home. Lighting, electronic devices and appliances are all common sources of heat inside the home. To prevent this excessive heat, do not put televisions or lamps close to your a/c's thermostat. These appliances make the a/c think that the house is hotter than it really is, causing the system to run longer than needed and wasting energy.
Any HVAC contractor you hire should have a 24-hour emergency hotline. You should have the ability to get them out to your home, whether it is the midst of a horrible heat wave or a snow storm.
These suggestions will assist you in maintaining your system. Coming home to find no air coming out of the vents is not a good feeling. Then worrying about the cost of repairs can make it worse for you. With the information in this article, it will be a smoother process. Remember these tips to help you maintain your HVAC system.
