How do you to know what kind of system to purchase? What size do you consider? What sort of features does it need? It can be hard to figure out each day.
Check out the system that you have before you call a professional. Know the brand name and model number. It is also helpful to have the maintenance history. This will facilitate the process when your contractor asks for this information.
Don’t get grass clippings pile up against your outdoor condenser. Aim your grass in a direction from the unit. This applies when you are taking care of the leaves in debris.
Your HVAC units might suffer when your trees start to lose their leaves. Make sure you clean out your fan grill is cleaned often during the fall. The fan must not have anything in the way so that air can flow into it, and if it becomes blocked, then your system could suffer.
Know what work you want done before you select an HVAC contractor. It will be difficult for an HVAC contractor to provide you with an estimate on the phone without knowing what your current setup is. They also won’t be able to offer you a quote if they don’t have a detailed idea of what you want done. It’s a good idea to learn this information in advance.
Put outdoor unit in the shade.
It is always a good idea to swap out single pane windows with ones that have double pane ones. This will also helps keep it warm in the winter.
Don’t let your outdoor HVAC units get smothered with clippings anytime you mow the yard. Have the grass shoot in the opposite direction. This includes grass clippings and leaves.
During this service visit, professionals can help by inspecting the system’s motor, the moving parts will be oiled and the freon levels will be checked These simple things will keep your system running at its peak performance.
Don’t ever let your home temperature get way too hot to where it’s dangerous. Air conditioners are limited in that they can only reduce the indoor temperature 20 degrees or so within a reasonable time period. If the temperature in your home rises above 100 degrees, then you will only be able to reasonably cool to around 80. This is not a healthy environment to live in.
If at all possible, install double-paned windows in your home instead of those with a single pane. Try to insulate your windows to prevent air from being lost. Your home will also stay warmer in the winter.
Research the reputation of companies that you consider using. Check with different references to determine the BBB and look for reviews of potential companies online. These steps are going to help ensure your decision is a wise one.
Air conditioners tend to ice up. The drain line might also freeze up. If this is something that’s happening to you, switch the thermostat in your home to fan only so the compressor is disabled. You should call a pro to fix this problem, but switching to the fan will make the ice melt.
If you are going to be gone during the day or on vacation, turn the temperature up on your air conditioning unit. The house will only heat to certain level and a decent HVAC system can quickly cool this down once you are home. The longer the unit stays on, the more it ends up costing you in energy bills.
Ask people that you know and family for their HVAC contractor recommendations. People who have been happy with work they have had great service are normally more than happy to recommend their contractors. This is also be used to see who you should avoid hiring.
There are a lot of sites now that other customers talk about their experiences with contractors. This is useful for finding people that you want to hire and those that you don’t.
Use an online sizing calculator to help you calculate the proper size of the air conditioning unit you should purchase. Proper sizing will increase efficiency. Read over the owner’s manual to see the manufacturers suggestions as to the cooling capacity of the unit for the most accurate information.
Contractors determine their own fee levels, so make sure you get quotes from several contractors before you make any hiring decision. You can save a bit of cash simply by doing your homework. You want to call at least five contractors in order to know what reasonable rates are.
Check for duct leaks if you you feel your existing system is not be working efficiently. If a leak is found, this testing will pay for itself.
Checkout online reviews if you do not know which contractor to call for installation, maintenance or repair of your HVAC system. Many websites allow consumers to share their experience with a service. This is a great way to find people you want to work with and those you don’t want to work with.
Figure out which direction your home is facing so your HVAC system more efficient. The less heat in your home, the less time that the AC has to work.
Make sure they have tight seals to keep air can’t seep in. You can hire someone to test them all for you and often this testing is free.
Think about getting a radiant barrier in your attic so your HVAC system can run better. This will block the heat that comes in. You may suddenly find that the attic even looks like a great option for another bedroom!
It can feel overwhelming or confusing to choose an HVAC system. Thankfully, these tips will help. Spend some time re-reading this advice and make good use of it when you start making decisions about keeping your house comfortable.