HVAC Do’s And Don’ts For The Average Person

Your house will feel comfortable with a HVAC system. Lots of homes come with this, but others may require installation or repair later on. Understanding what to look for in an HVAC system will help you out when the time is right.

Know what work you want done before you select an HVAC contractor. It is going to be hard to get a price estimate on the phone if the current system isn’t something they’ve seen. In addition, you need to be able to tell the contractor what you have already tried. So, know this information in advance.

TIP! If the condenser fan has oil parts, then you need to lubricate it at least once per year. These ports are often covered by a rubber or metal cap.

Know what you want done before you hire a contractor. It will be hard for an HVAC contractor to provide you with an estimate over the phone without knowing what your current system. It can be harder if you can’t figure out what they need to do.

Don’t let grass clippings on your outdoor condenser. Aim the grass cuttings in a different direction from your unit. This applies to leaf blowing and any other yard work that results in debris.

Look for shade when placing a compressor outdoors. If it sucks in cool air, it will need to work less to coll the air inside, which can make it last longer.

TIP! If the current location of your HVAC unit outside isn’t working, try having it moved to an area with more shade. This will ensure cool air is sucked in, meaning less cooling must be done by the unit.

Leaves falling from trees can damage your system. Make sure you clean out your fan grill often during the fall. When blockages restrict the flow of air to the fan, you will lose out on quality air.

Put your outdoor condensers in the shade.

Update the windows in your home to double-paned if you own it. Double pane windows will allow you to use less air during the summer because cooler air will stay in your house. Your home will also stay warmer in the winter.

A programmable thermostat is a simple way to help save money on air conditioning bill. Some programmable thermostats can even be controlled from a PC or computer.

Ask your friends and relations for contractor recommendations. People that have had great service are usually more than willing to tell of it. This can also provide you with good information on which contractors you should avoid hiring.

Don’t allow your home to overheat. It takes quite a while to cool a home by more than 20 degrees. A home that is over one hundred degrees will only be cooled to around eighty. Depending on the levels of humidity, that is not a safe temperature when it comes to sleeping or escaping from the heat of summer.

TIP! To choose a reliable HVAC contractor, the best thing to do is to do your homework on a number of possible firms and check out their reputations. The BBB is always great when you are looking for references or online reviews.

There are now different online sites that let customers talk about how they were treated by services. This is useful for finding people that you want to hire and also with those you want to avoid.

Contractors are responsible for their own charges and fees, so make sure to get multiple quotes. You can save some money by asking for many quotes. Call around to find out what the best deal possible.

It is possible for air conditioners to ice over. Freezes also occur in your drain line. These freezes are easily confused as leaks to the untrained eye. If you notice this, switch your thermostat to fan only to disable the compressor. You should leave the repair to a professional, but switching to the fan setting should start to melt the ice.

TIP! Before you go out there and hire an HVAC contractor, find out the length of time they’ve been in the industry. It is more likely that a contractor who has been in business for a longer time will give you better value for your money.

Think about getting a radiant barrier installed in your attic so support the efficient functioning of your HVAC system. It blocks outside heat from coming in which will make sure you won’t have to use more energy to keep your unit stays hot outside. You may even find that you can use your attic space if it is done right.

Are you looking at purchasing a cooling and heating system that’s new? There are things to consider. Systems get rated according to the total area they can effectively cool and heat. You are wise to err on the side of a bigger unit that is slightly too large for your needs than a smaller one.

Use recommendations when you are looking for a contractor. Those who have had this work done will know the best options. It’s also a good way to learn the names of contractors you should avoid.

TIP! Make certain that you get written estimates before you hire a contractor. Making some phone calls before deciding is a good way to save money.

HVAC systems can be a satisfying investment for you to make in your home because they make it comfortable year-round. If you must replace your system, keep the information located above in mind. You will make better choices and have a great system.