Article by-Kendall Bass
In order to have a happy home you never want to let your HVAC system go bad. So the best thing you can do is have one that works properly. Everyone at some point in time deals with HVAC issues, but it doesn't have to be bad if you understand how to keep it in good shape. Below you will find helpful HVAC tips, so continue on.
When purchasing a new HVAC system for your home, be sure it is energy efficient. These days, most new HVAC systems are energy efficient; there is a energy star label on the equipment. However, to be sure your utility costs do not go through the roof, choose equipment that is energy efficient.
If you are having issues with your HVAC, do a tour of your house before you call in help. Find out which rooms are hot and which are cold.
https://www.nrdc.org/experts/emily-deanne/beat-heat-energy-efficiency gives the repairer a starting point to work from.
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.
One of the most important things to consider when purchasing a new heating and cooling system is the manufacturer's warranty. Units come with a variety of warranties. Choose one with a long warranty for maximum long term savings. Generally, it is advised that homeowners should purchase the extended warranty if one is offered.
Check your unit at least twice each year. Your system should be inspected in Spring and Fall. Although there might not be any noticeable issues, it is important to provide regular upkeep to prevent bad things from happening.
Clean your condenser's fan blades and coil in the spring. First, turn off the power so that nothing will move as you are working on it. Remove the grill and carefully clean the blades and surrounding areas.
Make sure your HVAC systems is checked twice a year. Check into it twice a year before you head into the hot and cold months. Even if everything seems okay, it doesn't hurt to check things out.
Air conditioners tend to ice up at times. There can be occasional freezes in their drain lines, and these are usually confused with plumbing leaks. If this happens, put your thermostat over to fan. Once you know the problem, contact a local HVAC professional and let them know what's going on in your system.
For your outdoor HVAC unit, make sure that your foliage is cleared around it. Two feet distance between the HVAC unit and shrubs is a good amount to remember. If you let the foliage creep up on the unit, it can cause all sorts of issues with debris and growth into the system.
When you need an HVAC contractor, obtain recommendations from friends and family members. If they know a good contractor, they will surely guide you right. This will also help you avoid scammers.
Consider an annual service agreement for technicians to regularly inspect your AC unit. Schedule brief inspections for the winter to make sure nothing is obviously wrong. The most important time for an inspection and service is just before it starts getting warm. You don't want to discover an AC breakdown when you need it working most.
Look for calculators online to help you determine the size of unit you need for your home. Buying a unit which is too big reduces efficiency. To get the right information, look in the manual to find out the rating the manufacturer gives the unit for cooling.
If you HVAC unit is clicking, immediately check for any type of obstruction. Frequently the cause is some kind of debris that is making contact with the cooling system of the fan. All you need to do is remove the debris to solve the problem. Before you call a technician, look at it yourself.
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
webpage out can give the contractor an exit if something goes wrong.
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.
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.
Figure out the direction your home is facing so your HVAC system can work better. Block the sun in the morning with trees around your home. The less heat inside the house, the less time that the AC has to work.
Find an HVAC contractor that can be contacted 24 hours a day, in case of an emergency. Your system can go out after hours, and if you need help, you want someone who can be there at any time of the day.
Get references from anyone you are considering hiring. Ask these references if the job was what they expected, if it was done in a timely manner and on budget. By checking references, you can avoid being cheated.
That wasn't too hard to learn about was it? If you just spend some time putting the things you learned here into practice, you should be able to easily see that this all can work for you. It just takes the right attitude and a willingness to put things into practice that you learned above.