Many people don’t even think about their HVAC systems until they all the sudden quit working. Finding the right specialist to repair or install an HVAC system can be a little tricky for new homeowners with no experience. This article can substitute for experience and help you choose the process easier.
If your HVAC system is acting up, take a tour of the house prior to calling a professional. Note which of your rooms are hot and which are cold. That way, the contractor will have an easier time diagnosing the problem and repairing it fast.
If your HVAC system us giving you issues, check things out yourself prior to calling in a technician. This will help the repairman determine where the problem is.
Clean your condenser’s fan blades and coils when the weather begins to warm. Clean off any leaves or debris from your condenser unit regularly.
Don’t get grass clippings on your outside unit. When you work with your lawn mower, make sure it spits the grass to the side opposite of your unit. The same goes for when you blow leaves, so make sure your are careful when moving any debris in the vicinity of your HVAC devices.
Clean any debris on your 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 could overheat and cause your unit.
Don’t let grass clippings on your outside unit. Aim your grass cuttings in a different direction away from the unit. This applies to leaf blowing and any other yard work that results in the yard.
In order for your new unit to be as efficient as possible, or to make older units more efficient, make sure it’s put in a shaded area. The unit will have to do less work cooling this air.
It is a good idea to swap out single pane windows for double pane ones. This also keeps warm in during the winter months.
A programmable thermostat is a simple way to help save money on your air conditioning costs. Some programmable thermostats can even be controlled from your smart phone or computer.
Have a smart thermostat installed. It may save you as much as 10 percent of your overall utility bill if you turn your thermostat down by 10-15 degrees for a portion of the day. Some newer programmable thermostats have computerized controls you can access from your personal computer, laptop or mobile media device.
During the service check, the contractor will oil parts, oil the unit’s moving parts and ensure the unit has proper freon levels. These repairs will keep your system running smoothly.
Don’t ever let your home temperature get too hot. An air conditioning unit is really only able to reduce the temperature of your home approximately twenty degrees in a short time span. If your home gets above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, then you will only be able to reasonably cool to around 80. This is not a healthy environment to live in.
Speak with family and friends to get a recommendation for a reputable HVAC contractor. Anyone that has previously needed work done on their HVAC unit are more than happy to tell you their experiences. This will also help you to avoid undesirable companies.
Research the reputation of companies that you consider using. Check with the BBB and look for your situation. Doing all of this can help you make a better decision.
Ask people that you know and family for their HVAC contractor recommendations. People who’ve had quality work done are usually more than willing to tell of it. This can also be used to see who you should be avoided.
It is always a wise move to obtain a few quotes from different contractors because prices can vary. Save yourself some money by calling around before you make your final decision. To get the best picture and get an idea of what rates are reasonable, call five or six different contractors.
Are you going to buy a new HVAC system installed? There are things to consider. Systems get rated according to how large an area they effectively heat or cool. You are wise to err on the side of a bigger unit that is slightly too large for your needs than a smaller one.
Make certain they have tight seals to keep air can’t seep in. You can also hire someone to test things and a lot of the time the testing costs nothing.
Make an HVAC system run more efficiently by determining what direction your house faces. Trees block morning sunlight, stopping your home from getting too hot. The less heat, the easier time the air conditioner in your home will have.
Square Footage
Measure the area you wish to cool before going air conditioner shopping. You will need 20 BTU per square footage of room space. If you need to cool multiple rooms, be sure to add their square footage together.
Be sure to replace your HVAC air filters every month. It is the easiest way to take care of it. It is a small cost each month to do this.
Replace the air filter monthly to keep your HVAC system every month. This represents an easy thing to do and it will keep your HVAC system running well.
Pick out an HVAC business that is fast and works quickly to solve the problem. The best companies will ensure that their technicians will always be on time. A licensed technician will also have no problem diagnosing any problems with your HVAC. After they see what the problem is, they resolve issues swiftly.
Always be very clear about what will be included in your estimate of cost on any HVAC work you have someone do. There are contractors out there that will make you pay for extra things like charges for fuel or materials. Make sure that you have an ironclad written contract to avoid these disasters.
You have now increased your knowledge regarding HVAC systems. If you need to have your existing system repaired or replaced, you will know what to look for and what to avoid. Use what you’ve just learned to make it a simple process.