HVAC contracting isn’t something too many people know nothing about. This fact can cause problems when issues arise.
If you struggle with your HVAC, try touring your home before calling a professional. While you are walking through the house, gauge which rooms are the coolest and which are the warmest. This can help contractors quickly figure out the issue and how to fix it easily and quickly.
Know the name and type of your HVAC system you currently have before calling someone to fix it. This will enable you know that you’re able to give the contractor the information that can help them.
Clean the debris on an external condenser units. You never know when things can pile up, like right after it’s windy or rains, and that can throw a wrench in your system. It will damage the system to malfunction by overheating.
You can boost the efficiency of your HVAC unit by replacing it with a new energy efficient one or moving your old one to a shady outside location. If the air your machine draws in is already cooler, it will require less energy to regulate before it’s filtered into your home.
Don’t get grass clippings pile up against your outdoor condenser. Aim your grass in a direction from your unit. This applies to leaf blowing and any other yard work that results in debris.
Put outdoor units in places with shade.
If you own your own home or have permission from your landlord, replace your single pane windows with double paned versions. Good double pane windows keep cool air in during the summer and minimize your utility expenses. Conversely, this also works to keep warm air in during colder months.
A programmable thermostat can really help you save money on your power bills. Some programmable thermostats can even be controlled from a PC or computer.
During the visit, the contractor will oil parts, oil the moving parts and check the freon levels in the system. These simple things are going to allow your system to run its best.
Keep your air conditioner off when people aren’t home to save you money. Even though the house will get hotter, it won’t get too bad if the unit is off. Leaving it on all the time only makes it work harder and results in a larger utility bill.
Research and check the reputation of companies that you consider using. Check with different references to determine the BBB and look for your situation. Doing all of this will make sure you choose wisely..
Air conditioners tend to ice up. The drain line might also freeze up.If you see this, switch the thermostat in your home to fan only so the compressor is disabled. If the issue persists, call a professional.
Sometimes air conditioners will ice up. There are sometimes also freezes that happen in a drain line, and this can be confused for a plumbing leak. If this happens, disable the compressor by switching the thermostat to run the fan only. It is best to call a professional in to fix this particular issue, even though the switch to fan setting should cause the ice to start melting.
Companies that are well established have a better record than those that haven’t been. Hiring an inexperienced contractor who is just starting out can be risky.
Ask around so you are looking for a reputable HVAC contractor. People will tell you who have used and if they are worth calling. This is also be used to see who you should avoid hiring.
If you need recommendations for an HVAC contractor, check online. There are a number of great sites out there that let customers talk about how they were treated by services. This works both in finding those you want to hire and also with those you want to avoid.
Contractors charge different rates, so make sure you get quotes from several contractors before you make any hiring decision. You can save tons of money this way. Call around 5 contractors so that you can get the best rates.
Do you wish to buy a new HVAC unit? You will need to think about a few things into account. Systems are given ratings by how well the system is able to cool or heat an area. You are better off purchasing a bigger unit that is slightly too large for your needs than a smaller one.
You should think about putting in a radiant barrier in order to help your system run efficiently. It blocks heat from the inside out, lowering the amount of energy needed to cool your home in the summer. If done right, you can even start using the attic as living space.
A tarnished HVAC can cause a lot of issues. However, taking the time to research the topic of HVAC systems, any homeowner can avoid the nightmare of dealing with a last minute fix. Having these tricks and tips handy will help a homeowner solve any HVAC issues affordably and promptly.