A properly functioning HVAC system can mean the difference between comfort and discomfort in the home. A lot of people spend quite a bit to fix things when they don’t work right, but could have avoided such issues if they had maintained them properly. The following article will help you maximize your HVAC running great.
If your HVAC doesn’t seem to be working properly, check things out yourself prior to calling in a technician. Make a list of the rooms which are comfortable and which just aren’t. That knowledge can help the technician figure out what is going on.
Turn the power off first so you don’t get hurt or break something. Next, pop the grill off, pull out the blades and start cleaning them and the unit itself off gently.
Prior to choosing an HVAC customer, try to have an idea of what you want done. It is going to be hard to get a price estimate on the phone if the current system isn’t something they’ve seen. It will be even harder if you cannot explain what you have done. Learn this information to start with.
Your HVAC units might suffer when your trees start to lose their leaves. Make sure you clean out your fan grill is cleaned frequently when the leaves begin to fall. The fan needs to have an unobstructed path for air to enter the unit, and if it becomes blocked, you will have to contend with problems.
Clean the condenser on your debris regularly. Your HVAC system may run into problems after storms if it is surrounded by debris. It can cause your system to malfunction by overheating.
Put your outdoor condensers in the shade.
Check your unit at least twice each year. Ideally, you should have it looked at in the spring and fall so you know everything is set for the hot and cold months. A quick check is worth it to avoid problems down the road.
Be sure to have the HVAC unit in your home checked about two times every year. This should happen in the fall and malfunctions.
If you can, use double-paned windows instead of single-paned ones. In warmer months, these windows will help to maintain the cooler inside temperature. Conversely, they keep warm air in during the winter.
Turn off any outdoor condenser when the weather gets cold. This should turn it off to prevent damage if the temperature drops below 60ºF to avoid damage. This can keep your system working for many years.
Having a programmable thermostat installed is a money saving idea. Programmable thermostats can reduce your power HVAC energy costs by as much as ten percent, just by dialing back your thermostat ten or fifteen percent up to eight daily hours. In addition, some models make things really easy on you, allowing you to adjust them from the computer.
It is always a good idea to replace single-paned windows for double pane ones. This also keeps warm air in during the winter months.
Spend some time on researching for reliable HVAC companies to ensure that they have a good reputation. Inquiring with the Better Business Bureau is always a good idea, as is looking for online review sites where previous customers can post their experiences. Investing the time to check out potential contractors can save you money and headaches.
Don’t ever let your home to become dangerously hot. An AC unit will reduce the temperature of your home approximately twenty degrees in a short time span. If the temperature in your home reaches 100 degree Fahrenheit, then you will only be able to reasonably cool to around 80. This won’t be a safe and comfortable temperature for you to sleep in.
Figure out how long the HVAC company you choose has been in business. You are more likely to get good service this way. Hiring a newer contractor may be taking a considerable risk.
Research and check the companies that you consider using. Check with different references to determine the BBB and look for reviews posted by former customers. Doing this will make sure you make a better decision.
Your HVAC system can run more efficiently if your attic has a radiant barrier. This mechanism will prevent outside heat from coming in, reducing your energy consumption when cooling. You could even use your attic as part of your living space if it is done right.
Speak with family and friends to get a recommendation for a reputable HVAC unit.People that have had quality work done are usually more than willing to share the name of their contractor.This can also be used to see who you learn the names of those companies that you should avoid.
If your existing system is malfunctioning, look for leaks in the ducts. Your utility company can test this for you, oftentimes at no charge. If not, it should be less expensive than a HVAC contractor. You’ll see the test pays for itself once all leaks are fixed.
There are many review sites that other customers can check out. This method provides you with as well as those that you want to avoid.
Make your HVAC work efficiently when you consider what way your home faces. Trees in certain areas can provide shade, which means your house will stay cooler. When there is less heat inside your home, the air conditioner will not have to work as hard.
Contractors are responsible for their own charges and fees, so make sure to get multiple quotes.You have the potential to save tons of money by asking for many quotes. You want to get quotes from at least a handful of contractors to determine what you should be paying.
To gain maximum HVAC efficiency, you need efficient windows and doors too. They have to have a tight seal, stopping air from going in or out. A good professional can test this for you, and they might even do it for free.
Are you thinking about having a new heating and cooling system? There are several things you must consider first. Systems get rated according to the total area they effectively cool and heat. You are better off purchasing a bigger unit rather than purchasing one that is a bit too small.
In order to determine the size of the air conditioner to purchase, you must measure the area that you want to cool. You will need about 20 BTU per square footage of the room. Add the square footage for multiple rooms together.
Check the ducts to find any leaks if your existing system is not be working efficiently. When these leaks are fixed, you’ll see that the tests paid for themselves.
Replace the air filter in your HVAC system every month. It’s easy and has a huge impact on performance. Filters don’t cost too much to use, and that isn’t a lot each month for you to pay.
Determine the direction that your home faces in order to establish efficient HVAC operation. The less amount of heat inside of your home, the easier time the air conditioner in your home will have.
Pick HVAC companies that know what they’re doing and can work quickly. Companies who understand their customers are important often require their workers to follow a schedule and show up to all appointments. The tech will also know how to find the problem quickly. Once the technician figures out what’s wrong, they can help resolve the problems in a timely and cost-effective manner.
Measure the living area that requires air conditioning. You generally need about 20 BTU for each square foot of the room. If you have a lot of rooms to keep cool, add together their square footage to reach this calculation.
Consider what kind of experience a company has before you consider hiring any contractor for HVAC work in your home. You need to verify they have the type of experience needed to work on your particular system. This will help to maximize their productivity.
If you have to place it in a corner of your home, be sure you can change the direction of air flow to avoid having it hit the wall.
When you hire a contractor, make sure you ask for some references. Ask these references if the job was what they expected, if it was done in a timely manner and on budget. Checking references helps you avoid scammers.
Ask any potential contractor about their experience prior to hiring them. You need to verify they have done the sort of experience needed to work you require.
Make sure that you are clear about what is included in the cost of the HVAC work you are contracting someone to do. You might find that some contractors try to add hidden charges for odd items, such as materials and fuel. Make sure that you have an ironclad written contract to avoid these disasters.
As mentioned earlier, a good HVAC system is a vital component to any home, so keeping everything up to par is critical. Thanks to this article, you can save money on repairs. However, you must follow them to avoid being in a position of losing thousands for having something fixed that you could’ve avoided.
Make sure any quote you get has a heat-loss calculation included. This will determine how much BTU your new system will need to keep your home comfortable. There are several factors involved, including your insulation and how many outside windows and doors you have.
