When your HVAC goes bad, you may end up in chaos. Uncomfortable indoor temperatures only add to the realization that the repair is bound to be costly. Making sure you pay attention to advised maintenance and repair can help prolong the life of your HVAC system and save you money over time. The tips below will help you determine whether your current approach to HVAC system maintenance is as good as you want it to be.
If you want to keep your air conditioning unit running efficiently, make sure you replace or clean the air filter once a month. Check the owner's manual on the a/c for instructions on how to clean the filter. Never run the unit when the filter is removed and let the filter dry before reinstallling it.
Be sure to get every quote or estimate in written form. You have no recourse on a verbal agreement, so a written contract is a must. This will allow you to follow up if something goes wrong or you don't get what you were promised, protecting you from shady contractors.
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.
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.
If you are looking to save money with your HVAC system, consider turning down the air conditioner in the summer and turning the heat down in the winter. Putting on a sweater on a cold day can save you a ton of money on your utility bill, as can enjoying a cold drink instead of heavy air conditioning use.
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.
Make certain that an outdoor unit is in the shade. The unit will operate more efficiently to cool your home if the intake air is cooler to begin with.
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.
When you cut the grass, don't cover the outdoor units with their clippings. Direct the grass clippings in a direction away from the HVAC unit. If you're blowing leaves, this same problem can occur, so make sure you move around the unit and blow the leaves away from it.
You should think about putting in a radiant barrier in order to help your system run efficiently. It blocks the heat from inside out, reducing the energy that's needed for your home to get cooled during the summer. It can even make your attic a livable space.
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.
Never accept the first offer you get when you are looking to hire an HVAC contractor. There are many people out there that charge more than others for doing the same services. Getting price quotes from several companies can help ensure that you are getting a rate that is acceptable.
If you hear a clicking noise coming from your HVAC unit, immediately start looking for any obstructions. It could be that debris has made its way into the system. Removing the debris solves the issue. Look before calling in a technician.
Take a measuring tape and get the square footage of the area where the unit will be cooling. The area's calculation can help you figure out what the size is and there are 20 BTUs for every foot squared in this area. If the unit will be cooling several rooms, combine their square footage in your calculations.
An experienced HVAC company should be chosen to help you out. The best companies out there have technicians that keep a schedule and their appointments too. The technicians need to also know what to do to figure out what's going wrong with an HVAC unit quickly. Also, they should be able to service it quickly.
Only choose a contractor to repair or install your HVAC unit if they provide a 24 hour hotline in case of emergencies. They must be HVAC Stupid Install able to reach your home at any time, in any weather.
If you are hunting for an HVAC company, try to find a company that has plenty of equipment experience. The right company should know how to operate the HVAC brands that you want installed or repaired. They should also be able to answer questions that you have about them.
Be sure to look up information online about the reliability of any unit you are thinking of having installed. While the efficiency ratings, BTU and price are important, knowing that it will continue working for many years will save you a lot of money on repairs over time, so be vigilant.
Upon completing this article, you should have learned a great deal about what to look for in an HVAC system. Keeping the inside of your home at a pleasant temperature, no matter what it is like outside, should be your goal. Use what you have read here to choose a great new system.
