Know the name and type of your HVAC system before looking for a repair person. It is important to understand what model it is and which brand it is. Also, if it has been serviced before, you should have that information handy. This will help make sure that the contractor you hire has all the necessary information.
If the condenser for your HVAC system is located outside, make sure you clear away any debris that might settle in or around it. Your HVAC system may run into problems after storms if it is surrounded by debris. It can cause the unit to overheat and break down.
Prior to choosing an HVAC customer, try to have an idea of what you want done. A contractor will be hard pressed to provide you with an over-the-phone estimate if unfamiliar with your system. You need to know how to describe any issues. You need to know this before you begin.
An HVAC system is a really expensive investment. This is why you should do some browsing before purchasing your system. Try to find a good sale so you can get your system at a discount. Check out a couple of sites before making a decision. A great site to begin is www.energystar.gov.
Ask for references and be sure to call them as well. You are dealing with a high ticket item here, so you'll want to do your due diligence to make sure you are getting the best for your money. Ask for references, but don't stop there. Call each reference to check. A lot of people don't take that important last step.
Be sure to check your evaporator coil drains frequently when your air conditioner is running. If this tube backs up, you can find water damage to your walls, ceilings and floors. If you end up with mold just http://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=176026 use a solution of bleach and water to clean out the tube.
If there isn't anyone at home, then there's no need for the AC unit to be running and wasting electricity. Your home will become somewhat warmer during this time. Leaving your heating or cooling running full blast while you are away is a waste of money and energy.
Install a thermostat you can program to save money on cooling your home. These convenient thermostats may shave ten percent or more off of your bills, because they significantly cut energy use when you're not around. In addition, some models make things really easy on you, allowing you to adjust them from the computer.
Whether you have an air conditioner in a window or outside your home, be sure to keep it in the shade. The cooler the air around it, and the cooler the condenser itself, the easier a time it will have of keeping the air inside your home cool as well.
Online reviews are a great source of information about HVAC contractors. There are a number of great sites out there that let customers talk about how they were treated by services. This will be an excellent way to locate people you should work with and people that may not work well with you.
If you are thinking of installing a new roof and want it to also boost the efficiency of your HVAC, choose white materials. They reflect the sun's heat so that your attic doesn't get hot, and that means your air conditioner doesn't have to labor as hard to cool your home.
To reduce the air conditioning's energy cost, close drapes, blinds and shades that cover windows which face the sun. Also, white shades will reflect the heat away from the house, keeping it cooler and saving you money. It is also recommended that you close the vents in rooms that are not used often. This will ensure that you are not spending money cooling less-used rooms.
If you can, find a way to create shade over your outdoor HVAC unit. This can actually save you money as shaded air being pulled in by the HVAC unit is typically 5 to 6 degrees cooler than air that's heated by direct sunlight. It's a smart solution to lowering those energy bills.
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 https://www.allstate.com/tools-and-resources/home-insurance/change-home-air-filter.aspx when you are at work.
Never hire anyone to work on your HVAC system unless they are licensed and bonded. This industry is one where mistakes happen often and you want to make sure that you are protected. You do not want to be stuck paying for medical bills that are more expensive than the work you were having done.
If you hear a clicking noise coming from the HVAC unit, see if there is any debris in it. The problem may be debris getting into the fans of the cooling system. Simple removal of the debris will solve the problem. Check this out before calling a repairman.
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.
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Hire contractors who offer guarantees of at least 5 year on all labor and parts. This will ensure that you can go back to them to fix anything that goes wrong shortly after your system is installed or repaired. Anyone who doesn't offer a guarantee won't come back unless you pay them again.
As stated above, your HVAC system is very important and you need to keep it running right. The suggestions above should help you save money on expensive repairs to your HVAC system. It is your job to ensure you know all you can about your HVAC unit and you understand everything that has been discussed in this article.
