If you want to keep your air conditioning unit running efficiently, make sure you replace or clean the air filter once a month. Check the owner's manual on the a/c for instructions on how to clean the filter. Never run the unit when the filter is removed and let the filter dry before reinstallling it.
If you want to know more about efficiently heating or cooling your home, go online and download the ENERGY STAR Guide. It provides information for homeowners to learn more about how they can save money while still keeping their home comfortable all year round, so it is a worthy ready.
Clean your permanent air filters or replace disposable ones every single month. If you have the choice, an electrostatic is the best option on the market today. Be sure to turn off your unit before you change the filter as it should never be run without a filter in place.
Do you hear a clicking sound when your fan is turning? This may mean that there is something in the way of the blades of the fan. If it gets so bad that the blade bends, you must replace it, just unbending it will leave the fan unbalanced and can cause further issues.
Lubricate your fan condenser at least once a year. These ports have a metal covering. Sometimes it is rubber. Choose a SAE 20 oil whch is lightweight and non-detergent and place 10 drops or less into each port, ensuring it doesn't overfill.
Make sure that your ducts are not leaking. Your utility company can test this for you, oftentimes at no charge. If not, it should be less expensive than a HVAC contractor. The testing will pay for itself once you find and repair the leaks.
An investment in a smart thermostat is truly going to save you money. You can program it to turn on and off at certain temperatures or times, allowing you to ensure that your air conditioner or heater isn't running when it doesn't need to be, saving you a ton.
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!
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.
Be sure the HVAC contractor you pick is fast and knowledgeable. The best HVAC companies do their best to maintain their appointments and get to their customers quickly. They should quickly know what's wrong with your system as well. Once the problem is identified, fixing http://www.airfiltersdelivered.com/ it should be quick and easy.
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Consider installing a radiant barrier to your attic to help your HVAC system run more efficiently. It blocks the heat from inside, reducing how much energy you need to cool down your home during summer. You may even find that you can use the attic space more effectively.
Make sure that the HVAC contractor you plan to hire does not use subcontractors to do their work. Many people use this as an excuse to shirk their responsibility in the event that something goes wrong when your system is being worked on. Only allow this if there is a note in the contract about what will happen if there is an issue.
Improve the efficiency of your air conditioning by installing ceiling fans. Change the airflow direction of the ceiling fans. During the summer, the blades should move in a counter-clockwise direction. During the winter, the blades should move clockwise to help move the hot air in the ceiling down into the room.
Learn the rules and regulations regarding licenses and insurance before hiring an HVAC professional. This way you can check to make sure that any contractor you consider hiring meets any requirements. This can prevent a costly legal process, especially in case of an accident on site. Without insurance, you could be held liable for damages.
Understand where the air flows in your home and use that information to determine where to put your AC unit. If you have no choice but to put merv 11 air filters it in the corner, be sure to buy a unit which allows for the air flow direction to be changed away from the wall.
Which way does the air come out of the air conditioner? Put it in a corner where the air does not flow into the wall.
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.
Get bids from several companies before deciding who you are going to hire to install or repair your HVAC system. Most people know to avoid the company that has the highest quote, but you should also stay away from the one with the lowest. The price may be lower due to shoddy workmanship an/or using low-quality equipment.
Always follow up on any references provided to you by a prospective HVAC contractor. People often assume references are legit when a contractor provides them, but that is not always true. This will not take a lot of your time.
Dealing with broken HVAC systems can be a nightmare that many homeowners do not want to deal with. But, by studying in advance, things can go much more smoothly. Keep the information from this article handy so you can solve and issues that arise quickly and at a reasonable cost.
