Article created by-Mahoney Gustavsen
HVAC is a subject that a lot of people want to know about, but they don't know where to get some advice. Thankfully for you, this article is full of great guidelines to help you out. If this sounds like something you're interested in then you should continue reading to learn more.
When seeking a new contractor, ask loved ones for referrals. They'll often have already had someone in for similar work and will know who to trust and who to avoid. If your family hasn't used anyone, ask co-workers or other people you trust in your community for some references.
Do not be surprised if the HVAC contractor you choose does an evaluation on your home. Any good contractor will spend time looking at the system you currently have and what the needs are for your home. They will also take a look at your duct system and look for air leaks.
Lubricate your fan condenser at least once a year. They generally have a rubber or metal cap on them. Pick out a SAE 20 type of oil because it has no detergent, is lightweight, and you should put around 10 drops in the ports but make it to where they don't get too full.
If you currently have a manual thermostat, consider installing a programmable one. You can set your system for different temperatures depending on time of day and if anyone is home. Also, you can set upper and lower temperature settings to allow for a comfortable range of temperatures so that heating and cooling don't kick in when not needed.
Make sure that your contractor provides a home assessment. Not every HVAC solution is for everyone. Your home could have special needs for heating and cooling. Your contractor should do a walk around of your space to judge what is best. If they aren't be sure to request one.
Replace single pane windows by installing double pane, if possible. Double pane windows help minimize your air conditioning use in the summer by keeping the cooler air inside your home. Conversely, they keep warm air in during the winter.
Try to stay away from HVAC contractors that ask for upfront payments before they are willing to get started on the work they were hired to do. In many cases, this means that they are more concerned about getting paid than they are about making sure the job is done well.
Looking for an efficient way to cool your home? Consider installing a whole-house evaporative cooler. They use water to cool air instead of traditional chemical coolants, using a ton less energy to cool your home than those other units. That said, they do work best in dry climates and not at all in humid ones.
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.
Determine the direction your home is facing to help get your HVAC system functioning efficiently. It's always a good idea to plant trees in areas that will help block the scorching sun that heats up your home and causes your AC unit to work harder. The less amount of heat inside of your home, the fewer occasions you have to use your air conditioner.
To choose a HVAC contractor, it is important to check their reputations. It is always wise to check their status with the BBB. In addition, check out customer reviews that appear online. These simple steps will help make a better decision.
Outer coils can be cleaned with a regular outdoor hose before you turn the unit on for the season. That said, interior coils should be taken care of by a professional so that you don't do any damage as you attempt to clean them. Bring someone in to complete a check up.
When water 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.
Change your filter on a regular basis. This is one of the easiest HVAC tips that you can do yourself. It is also one of the least expensive things that you can do to ensure that your system is running efficiently. Clogged and dirty filters can make your unit work 5-10% harder.
When water condenses on your air conditioner, it drips into a pan and drains out.
https://www.marketerscenter.com/d/agency/hvac-clients-on-demand/ should be inspected on a regular basis. If
learn here 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.
Get your work order in writing. You should always have a written proposal before the HVAC contractor begins work. This will help prevent overspending, or any extra fees or expenses that you may be unaware of. Make sure you go over it with your contractor so that you understand every charge.
If you hear a clicking noise coming from your HVAC unit, immediately start looking for any obstructions. Often it is being caused by debris hitting fans in your cooling system. Get rid of the debris and this will no longer be an issue. Take a look before calling a service technician.
If you can, find a way to create shade over your outdoor HVAC unit. This can actually save you money as shaded air being pulled in by the HVAC unit is typically 5 to 6 degrees cooler than air that's heated by direct sunlight. It's a smart solution to lowering those energy bills.
The services you are paying a contractor to do should be clearly spelled out in your contract. Some contractors will attempt to overcharge you after the work is complete for fuel or extra material. This is why getting estimates in writing is so important.
As you can see from the above article, with great tips and ideas it is much easier to take good care of your HVAC system. Now that you understand what keeps an HVAC running smoothly, yours should last a very long time. Refer back to these tips to whenever you spot a problem.