Dealing with HVAC trouble can be a frightening scenario for anyone unfamiliar with the best ways to identify reputable, qualified contractors. The most important thing a homeowner can do is educate themselves thoroughly on the process before any needs arise. The article below can help everyone do just that.
If you want to keep your air conditioning unit running efficiently:
- Replace or clean the air filter once a month.
- Check the owner’s manual on the a/c for instructions on cleaning the filter.
- Never run the unit when the filter is removed, and let it dry before reinstalling it.
When purchasing a new HVAC system for your home, be sure it is energy efficient. These days, most new HVAC systems are energy efficient; there is an energy star label on the equipment. However, to be sure your utility costs do not go through the roof, choose equipment that is energy efficient.
When the spring comes and the days begin to warm up, call in a pro to give your HVAC a once over. This will ensure that your air conditioner works as expected all summer long, stopping you from sweating it out when you least expect the system to fail.
Make sure the equipment you are buying is ENERGY STAR compliant. It may seem a small thing, but it isn’t. ENERGY STAR compliant products can save you a lot of money in energy costs over the year. It can be over $100 easily, sometimes a lot more.
Ask for references and be sure to call them as well. You are dealing with a high ticket item here, so you’ll want to do your due diligence to ensure you get the best for your money. Ask for references, but don’t stop there. Call each reference to check. A lot of people don’t take that important last step.
To save money on your HVAC system, turn the air conditioning down at night and let your home warm up a bit. Use a chilling water-filled pillow to cool down your head and whole body to keep yourself calm. This, combined with a fan, will keep you from overheating while saving on your utility bills.
Air conditioners sometimes ice up. You may even encounter a freeze in your drain line, often confused with a plumbing leak. Turn your unit to the fan setting to turn off the compressor. You should call a pro to fix this problem, even if switching it to its fan setting starts making the ice melt.
Before you go out there and hire an HVAC contractor, please find out the length of time they’ve been in the industry. Established companies have been proven, and you can use their track record to determine if they provide good service. Hiring a newer contractor may be taking a considerable risk.
Keep your condensers free of nearby obstructions. Keep plants, fencing, and even bushes back and away from the unit. Two feet is a reasonable minimum distance it should have from anything, including walls, but the more space you give it to breathe, the better it will work and the less likely it will be to fail.
Installing a whole-house fan can cool your home without air conditioning or make your air conditioner more efficient. It blows out all of the hot air which collects in your attic, and this air flow draws in cool air from your basement and up into your home.
Every year hire someone to give your HVAC unit routine maintenance. This will ensure that it works properly throughout the entire year. It will also allow you to have lower heating and cooling bills. When your HVAC runs appropriately, it will use the least energy and save you money.
Think about getting a radiant barrier in your attic to run better your HVAC system. This helps block the heat from outside and reduces the energy needed for cooling your home during the summer. This can also help you make the attic useful again.
Every month clean out the leaves and debris that may have settled into your outdoor HVAC unit. You’ll be surprised at how much gets caught in your unit. Over time these leaves can build up and create issues for your system. This little clean-up can save you a lot of money in maintenance bills.
Improve the efficiency of your air conditioning by installing ceiling fans. Change the airflow direction of the ceiling fans. During the summer, the blades should move in a counter-clockwise direction. During the winter, the blades should move clockwise to help move the hot air in the ceiling down into the room.
It would be best to focus on finding an HVAC contractor that can offer you a warranty on their work. This is a sign that they are confident in getting the job done well. This will protect you if it is not done right and needs to be fixed.
Every season inspect the outdoor condenser unit of your HVAC system. Remove any weeds and leaves that may be obstructing air flow to the unit. Hose off the inside and outside of the unit to remove any dirt build-up. Cover the motor with plastic bags before rinsing the unit to avoid getting it wet.
If you hear clicking noises from your condenser fan, make sure that it is not striking something inside the unit. If it is not hitting something, it may be bent. Do not try to straighten the blades. This could cause it to become unbalanced. Replace the blade to ensure proper rotation.
There is no denying that confronting issues with an HVAC system can be scary for those not in the know. Finding a great local contractor to install new equipment or repair the old can be challenging without great tips and advice. Luckily, the information presented above can serve as an easy reference for anyone.
