Article writer-McMahon Beck
Maintaining a comfortable living environment at home is essential to feeling happy, and having a poor HVAC system can really make your life miserable. Not only will you incur higher costs, it will make your body feel very uncomfortable if it too cold or too hot. Below you will find many good tips on how to make sure that your HVAC system stays as good as new.
Once it grows cold outside, turn off your outside condenser unit. This should be done when the temperature drops below 60ºF to avoid damage. You'll pay less for repairs which you follow this tip.
Before you hire anyone to do any work on your HVAC, be sure to get a written estimate which has itemized costs listed on it. This will ensure that comparing one contractor to another will be simple as you can see what one offers that another doesn't, or what price they're charging for the same items.
One of the most important things to consider when purchasing a new heating and cooling system is the manufacturer's warranty. Units come with a variety of warranties. Choose one with a long warranty for maximum long term savings. Generally, it is advised that homeowners should purchase the extended warranty if one is offered.
If you do have a good experience with a HVAC product or contractor, let others know. Go online and post a review so that people can easily find out who and what brands to trust. At the same time, you can check reviews online to learn more yourself about what's available.
If you want to cool your home in the summer without using your air conditioning on full, consider installing fans in your home. An attic fan can blow hot air out while sucking in cool air into your basement, and ceiling fans help distribute the air in your rooms evenly.
Condenser units for the outdoors should be shut off when it starts to get cold outside. If temps go below 60 you run the risk of damaging a unit that remains on. You will save in repair bills and increase the efficiency of your system.
Use plants to increase your air conditioner's effectiveness. An AC unit fully shaded by trees and shrubbery can operate up to 10 percent more efficiently. However, do keep spacing in mind. Air flow must not be constricted, and technicians need room to work when they come out to service your unit.
Have your HVAC inspected every year to ensure that it is working properly. The technician will check your filters, drain lines, air flow and Freon levels. This will have your HVAC working at peak performance saving you money all season long. It will also alert you to any repairs that need to be address before they become big problems.
There are sizing calculators available to determine the proper sized system for your home. If you buy a unit that's too large, it won't be energy efficient for your needs. You can look online or do other research to get information from HVAC system manufacturers and sellers in order to determine the best unit size for your needs.
As you compare new HVAC system, be sure to look at the energy ratings for each unit. The higher they are, the better they will be. Efficiency will not only get your home comfortable faster, but it will save you on your energy bills when you are running your new unit.
Get an estimate before agreeing to have any work done on your HVAC unit. This will help keep you from being surprised by a bill at the end. Any reputable technician should be able to look at your unit, determine the problem and give you an estimate as to how much it will cost to fix it.
When you are looking to buy a new air conditioner, consider your climate. If you live in a hot, dry area, then an evaporative cooler will be your best bet. If you live in a humid area, opt for a compressor-style unit as it's the only one which will work.
If you aren't sure who to call for HVAC maintenance, repairs, or installation, look online for reviews. There are many sites that other customers can place their reviews. This will tell you who is great and who isn't.
When
https://www.bobvila.com/articles/does-homeowners-insurance-cover-mold/ condenses on your air conditioner, it drips into a pan and drains out. This drain should be inspected on a regular basis. If algae forms in the drain line or if the drain line freezes, you could be in for some expensive repairs. The drip pan could overflow causing extensive damage to your ceilings.
When you have a short list of contractors to consider, ask the people on their reference list about not only the service they received, but also how well the system is still running. Did they need more work down the road? Has the company come back to make things right?
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
https://earth.google.com/web/data=MkEKPwo9CiExZmdTQ1lzZGdMb1lRdVNxWklPSXV4SllSRjdTbkRWZWISFgoUMEZGN0ZGRTY2MDIxQ0U1M0IwRUIgAQ , the blades should move clockwise to help move the hot air in the ceiling down into the room.
Any contractor that gives you a quote over the phone shouldn't be trusted. To truly evaluate your needs, they must come into your home and check it out basement to attic. If they make promises without even seeing your house, there is no way they'll be able to keep them.
Make sure you wipe up any water that is close to the air intake of the vents of your HVAC system. Clean up any water that is standing around because water can cause mold to easily expand. Some water buildup is normal but if you're picking up water more than once every six months you might have a problem, so contact a HVAC technician.
You should make sure the contractor you hire to repair or install your HVAC system has a hotline for emergencies that is available all day. You want a company that will be there when you need them.
As stated in the introduction above, it is essential to take great care of your HVAC system. The air in your home is very important, especially to you and your family's health and comfort. Make use of the informative tips above when you are maintaining and repairing your HVAC system.