We all want to have a well functioning heating and air conditioning unit in our homes. The HVAC system is critical to your quality of life, so maintenance is key. Following are a number of tips to aid you in that regard, so read on!
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.
When your contractor comes to fix your unit or install a new one, he should walk around your home and investigate what's going on with your current set-up. They should be looking for how much insulation you have, where your windows are and what quality they are and more.
When your contractor comes to fix your unit or install a new one, he should walk around your home and investigate what's going on with your current set-up. They should be looking for how much insulation you have, where your windows are and what quality they are and more.
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.
You should be sure to change the air filter of your HVAC system once every six months. Neglecting to do so can cause dust particles to clog the air ducts. In turn, your system will not work properly and you will find your bills going up. It's worth spending the time to clean the filters.
As you notice the tress begin to lose their leaves, keep an eye on your outdoor condenser unit. When you notice your trees shedding, frequently clean your unit's fan grill. The fan must be unobstructed to work properly, and if it becomes blocked, it could cause your system to break down.
Make sure that your contractor provides a home assessment. Not every HVAC solution is for everyone. Your home could have special needs for heating and cooling. Your contractor should do a walk around of your space to judge what is best. If they aren't be sure to request one.
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.
You shouldn't rely on a single quote from one contractor to gauge the cost, because different specialists set their own price. Getting several quotes will ultimately help you save lots of money. 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.
If you live in a hot climate, don't use duct tape on your HVAC. It just dries out and falls off, leaving you with leaks all over the place. Instead, use mastic sealant to cover any holes or gaps in duct work and you'll keep your home comfortable all year long.
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!
Always ask for references before you allow anyone to start doing work on your HVAC system. Call several of them to make sure that they are legitimate. Many people take the word of the AC Unit Repair Company contractor when it comes to customer satisfaction and that can prove to be a mistake in the end.
In order to save money overnight, buy an air conditioner with a switch that sets it to be fan-only. This will push hot air outside and bring in cool air from near the ground. Turn this on just before bed so that you can cool the house as you sleep.
If you are going to use the Internet as a source for good HVAC contractors, you need to be very careful. You never know who is behind the glowing reviews that are posted all over the Web. There is a chance that the contractor is posting their own reviews or paying others to do so.
Have your HVAC inspected every year to ensure that it is working properly. The technician will check your filters, drain lines, air flow and Freon levels. This will have your HVAC working at peak performance saving you money all season long. It will also alert you to any repairs that need to be address before they become big problems.
If you would like your HVAC unit to be more efficient, simply look at where the front of your home faces. Trees block morning sunlight, stopping your home from getting too hot. You will reduce the need for AC when your home is naturally cooler.
Replace the air filter monthly. It is an easy thing to do yourself in order to have your system running well. Also, this will not cost a lot of money.
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.
Always check out any HVAC contractor you are considering hiring. Check them out with the Better Business Bureau in your area. Read their reviews and check out their business rating. Also, make sure the contractor is licensed and insured. Search online to see if they have any complaints from past clients. A few complaints is not a big deal but too many is a red flag.
As stated above, your HVAC system is very important and you need to keep it running right. Thanks to this article, you can save money on repairs. You need to follow them; however, so you aren't put into the position of having to spend thousands on repairing something that with a little bit of effort should have been prevented.
