Your HVAC system is very valuable to your home and family. It keeps the air in your home clean and at a comfortable temperature. If you do not take proper care of it, it will cost your more in energy and repair down the road. Use these helpful tips to take good care of your HVAC system.
If you must hire someone to help you out with your HVAC system, be sure to learn about all of the requirements your state has legislated regarding licencing and insurance. You need to be able to ask anyone you plan to hire if they meet these requirements before you hire them.
When you call an HVAC system for help, you need to be aware of what you need them to do before calling. A contractor will not be able to give you an accurate price without accurate information about your system. If you don't have any idea, they will have trouble giving you any sort of quote. This is information that you should have prepared in advance.
Make sure the equipment you are buying is ENERGY STAR compliant. It may seem a small thing, but it isn't. Products that are ENERGY STAR compliant can save you a lot of money in energy costs over the year. It can be over $100 easily, sometimes a lot more.
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.
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.
Each spring, clean the fan blades and coils on your condenser. Before you do so, shut off the power to ensure that none of the parts will move while you work on it. Then remove the grill, remove the blades and clean it from top to bottom gently.
It is a good idea to replace single-paned windows with ones that have double panes. Double pane windows can help minimize how much you use your air conditioner in the summer, because they keep cool air inside the home. This also helps keep it warm in the winter.
Keep your condensers free of nearby obstructions. Keep plants, fencing, even bushes back and away from the unit. Two feet is a good 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.
As you compare new HVAC system, be sure to look at the energy ratings Air Conditioner Repair Technician 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.
Make certain the HVAC company you choose has a proven track record. Someone that has been in the business for a while probably isn't going to scam you. New companies are just too risky.
Be sure to check your Filter Check light frequently on any stand-alone units. If it is on, turn the unit off as you can't operate it without a filter in place. Clean the filter carefully and return it to its proper location, but don't operate the unit if the filter is still wet.
Consider painting the outside of your home in a light color to reflect heat if you live in a hot climate. If your summers are cool, use a dark color to instead heat up your home in the winter. This simple change can end up saving you a lot on your utility bills.
Do not let the heat build up inside your home. Lighting, electronic devices and appliances are all common sources of heat inside the home. To prevent this excessive heat, do not put televisions or lamps close to your a/c's thermostat. These appliances make the a/c think that the house is hotter than it really is, causing the system to run longer than needed and wasting energy.
Before having someone install a new HVAC system or maintain or repair yours, make sure they are insured. Having someone who is insured work on your system will assure that if anything happens while they are working at your home, they are financially covered and you will not be responsible.
Is your home's electrical set-up ready to handle a new air conditioning unit? Most homes have 115-volt circuits in place, but larger air conditioners need 230-volts to be used. Some smaller units may need their own dedicated circuit as well to ensure your home doesn't go dark when you turn them on.
Never hire an HVAC contractor that does not hold a valid license from your state. There are people out there that will offer to do less expensive work since they have no license. While it may seem like a bargain, you will have lots of issues in the event that something goes wrong.
Consider how long a contractor has been in business before you hire them. The longer they've been in your community, the more likely they are to do a good job. Fly by night operations pop up wherever people haven't heard of them before, and they're just the firms you want to avoid.
Make sure you're prepared for a home evaluation from your chosen HVAc company. The technician needs to check out your current home and unit to figure out your needs. They must check teh size of your house, your windows, and the insulation. They have to make sure whatever unit they install is the proper fit for maximum efficiency.
When hiring a contractor, be sure to ask for a list of references. Check to see what other customers have experienced with them. That is why it is vital that you check references, so you don't run into those shady contractors!
Purchasing an HVAC is typically confusing, but you are now armed with the information you need. Use it when discussing your choices with a professional to make the buying process easier and the end result one you are happy with. This will help to make your home a comfortable one all year round.
