The importance of a good HVAC system can not be overstated. Without such a system, it can be very difficult to keep your home at a constant temperature throughout the year. If your old system is not working well, you need to have it replaced. Keep reading for some useful advice on this topic.
The coils and blades on the fans should be cleaned once a year. Turn it off first so you don't get hurt or break something. Then, pop off its grills, pull the blades out, and begin cleaning the unit and them gently.
When a contractor gives you a list of references, be sure to make use of it. Call the people on the list and ask about the quality of the work, how closely they came to their quote and whether or not the work was completed according to the promised timeline.
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.
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.
Whenever possible, try to shade the compressor unit outside. The air that's in a place that is shaded is usually five to six degrees cooler than the surrounding air. Your air conditioning unit will be up to ten percent more efficient if it is properly shaded during the summer months.
Make sure the equipment you are buying is ENERGY STAR compliant. It may seem a small thing, but it isn't. Products that are ENERGY STAR compliant can save you a lot of money in energy costs over the year. It can be over $100 easily, sometimes a lot more.
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.
If you want to cool your home in the summer without using your air conditioning on full, consider installing fans in your home. An attic fan can blow hot air out while sucking in cool air into your basement, and ceiling fans help distribute the air in your rooms evenly.
Do not close your vents. Keep air vents open and unblocked at all times. Many people believe that closing off a vent will save them money on cooling costs. This is not true. It can actually damage your HVAC system. Closing vents can cause your cooling coil to freeze and damage the compressor.
The energy efficiency of a unit should be taken into consideration when HVAC System Configuration purchasing a new heating and cooling system. Although you should be concerned about the price of a unit, the efficiency of the unit will save you thousands over the lifetime of the heating and cooling system and should weigh heavily on your buying decision.
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.
When you hear an odd clicking noise coming from your HVAC unit, you should immediately begin to look for any obstructions. Sometimes, debris will be the cause of the disturbance. Just pull it out and clean the blade off. Do this before calling for assistance.
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.
When water condenses on your air conditioner, it drips into a pan and drains out. This drain should be inspected on a regular basis. If algae forms in the drain line or if the drain line freezes, you could be in for some expensive repairs. The drip pan could overflow causing extensive damage to your ceilings.
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.
You can always search the Internet when you aren't entirely sure who you should call for proper HVAC repair or maintenance. There are plenty of online websites that give people the opportunity to leave comments about the service they received. This works both in finding those you want to hire and also with those you want to avoid.
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.
Be sure that both parties understand the terms involved when it comes to any HVAC work that you hire a contractor to perform. The contractors can overcharge later for items like material and fee costs and charges. Avoid issues such as these by procuring a written contract.
Ask your neighbors who they have fixing their HVAC systems. Neighborhoods are often built at the same time and will have the same set-ups for heating and cooling. That means if someone did a good job on their unit, they should offer you the same high quality service as well.
Now that you've read the advice above, you should know more about how to keep an HVAC running for a long time. An HVAC system that is not cared for will cost you with large electricity bills and repair costs. Keep these tips in mind, because they will only help you out over the life of your system.
