Hiring an HVAC professional to either replace old heating and cooling equipment or install a brand new unit is something with which not every homeowner is entirely comfortable. The best way to confront this type of challenge is to gain some great tips and tricks. The article below should serve that purpose quite nicely.
Make sure you check the filters in your air conditioning unit. This is important because checking your filters could make the difference between inexpensive repairs and more expensive ones down the line. Try to put it into your monthly schedule so that you don't forget to check the filters regularly.
Before you start calling to find someone to fix your unit, make sure you know the type of system that is installed. Get information on the make and model, plus if you have information on the history of maintenance, that will help, too. In this way, you can be sure your repair person has all vital information.
If there are oil ports on your fan condenser, lubricate it annually. You can easily find the ports as they have a rubber or metal cap. Put 10 drops of lightweight, non-detergent SAE oil in each port. Be careful not to use too much.
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.
The correct HVAC system should have sealed air ducts to minimize heating or cooling loss as air travels to different rooms. The heating or cooling requirements of different rooms in the home should be taken into consideration. There is no reason to increase energy usage by controlling the temperature in rooms that are used very little.
Before you hire any HVAC company, ask them how long they've been open for business. Fly-by-night companies are those you want to avoid. New companies are just too risky.
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.
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 contractor when it comes to customer satisfaction and that can prove to be a mistake in the end.
Change your air conditioner filter quarterly, or four times a year. This not only keeps the air coming into your home easier and cleaner to breathe, it takes a lot of stress off of your AC unit itself. You get to enjoy health, money savings and reduced energy use altogether at once.
Sometimes, air conditioners collect ice. The drain line can freeze, making you think it's a plumbing leak. Change your thermostat in situations like this. While switching the system to the fan setting should begin the ice melting process, the best thing to do is to hire a professional to deal with the problem.
Consider painting the outside of your home in a light color to reflect heat if you live in a hot climate. If your summers are cool, use a dark color to instead heat up your home in the winter. This simple change can end up saving you a lot on your utility bills.
Having a radiant barrier in your attic helps you HVAC system run better. It will block the heat and lower the energy necessary to keep your home cool in the summertime. You may even find that you can use the attic space more effectively.
Always find out how much experience a contractor has in the business. It is best to match the job you have to a company with that kind of experience. It's best to find someone who knows what they're doing.
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.
Check the licensing of any HVAC company that HVAC Service Valves you plan to hire. Start by making sure they are fully licensed. They should be in compliance with your state's business laws. Good HVAC companies should be fully insured. This is to protect their company, their employees, and their customers should anything happen when they are performing a service at the home of a customer.
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're only wanting to do the minimal amount of HVAC maintenance, you should work on replacing your air filter. That's the easiest thing to do so your unit continues running in good shape. Filters cost only a few dollars, so it's a small monthly price to pay.
If you feel like you are spending too much money on your heating and cooling, there is a simple way to reduce this cost. Raise or lower the temperature depending on the season. A single degree in temperature change can equate to almost a nine percent savings in cooling and heating costs.
Be sure to choose a contractor who designs your HVAC system themselves. A salesperson is not equipped to get such a job done right. If a project is designed incorrectly, gases from the system can be blown into the house and your family can be made sick or even worse.
These tips will really help you deal with your HVAC issues. Ensure that the unit is installed correctly, and don't forget to maintain it. Apply all the ideas you can from this particular article to make wise choices in all matters relating to heating, ventilation and air conditioning.
