Article written by-Fallon Lynggaard
A properly serviced and running HVAC system is vital to ensure that you don't have skyrocketing energy costs. A faulty HVAC system can cost any homeowner a lot of money in costly repairs, not too mention the time spent feeling uncomfortable if it is too cold or hot. Keep your HVAC system running right, and with the tips below it is a great start, so continue reading.
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.
Get any agreement with an HVAC contractor in writing. Some contractors try to skip over this step and charge customers a fortune. If you have a certain price and warranty in writing, they cannot go back and change this information. If they do, they could have a lawsuit on their hands.
When a contractor gives you a list of references, be sure to make use of it. Call the people on the list and ask about the quality of the work, how closely they came to their quote and whether or not the work was completed according to the promised timeline.
In order to avoid having any problems with your air conditioning unit, keep all vegetation at least two feet away from the outdoor unit. The unit should be clear of any vegetation on all sides and above. When you mow the lawn, aim the grass clippings away from the a/c unit. This will prevent grass getting inside the a/c and making it malfunction.
In the winter, wearing layers can save you a ton of money on your utility bill. If you can install a digital thermostat that makes the house cooler when you're asleep and warmer just before you get up, you can see significant savings on your next bill when it arrives.
Sometimes, it can be hard to figure out if your HVAC system needs to be fixed or needs to be replaced. If your system frequently breaks down, is always turning on or off on its own, or if your bills are too high, it may pay to have it replaced. Otherwise, little things can just be fixed.
Clean your filters! If you have a window unit air conditioner, there will be a filter right under the grill you can vacuum. If you have a furnace or outdoor units, they will also have filters to be cleaned or replace. A dirty filter can make your unit inefficient or even let it overheat.
Manage the heat flow into your home with window coverings to help out your HVAC system. In
Heating repair companies in peoria , use drapes, curtains and blinds to block out sunward facing windows to keep heat from building up through the greenhouse effect. Alternatively, make sure that sunlit windows are letting light and warmth in during the colder months.
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 is running properly, it will use the least amount of energy and save you money.
Make sure things don't get too hot or cold where your thermostat is. Any electronics or heat sources like lamps or televisions nearby can trick the thermostat into thinking the home is warmer than it actually is. This just means it runs your air conditioning longer than necessary, wasting energy and money.
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
Discover More 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.
While price should be one of the considerations you make when you are hiring an HVAC contractor, do not allow it to cloud your judgement. There are other factors that need to be considered in order to make a sound decision. Experience level, work ethic and positive reviews are a few things that should be considered as well.
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.
When you hire a contractor to do a job, be sure to listen to what they tell you. For example, they can give you advice on how to keep your HVAC in working order. Ask about maintenance tips and how often you should be cleaning or servicing the unit.
Choose a contractor who installs items from more than one manufacturer. They should be able to compare multiple brands to ensure you are getting the right unit for your needs, not just what they have on hand. This will save you time and money when you have a great system in place.
Consider what kind of experience a company has before you consider hiring any contractor for HVAC work in your home. They should have a good history of working with HVAC units. That isn't to say that a worker with less experience can't handle the job, we all have to start somewhere, but it's not a chance you should take.
It is important to think about the direction air flows from your unit. For a corner location, check for a unit that has the ability to direct the air flow in a different direction from the wall.
To save money, try going with an HVAC unit that is an Energy Star unit. This will save you a ton of money during the year. These standards are determined by the United State Environmental Protection Agency. This is vital if you want to cut your costs. Spending time looking into these units could lead to long-term savings on your energy costs.
If you already have someone servicing your HVAC unit every year, consider talking to them about installing a new system. Even if you need something custom built, they may have staff on hand who can do what you need. If you already trust them, you know they'll be right for the job.
Now you're probably a lot more familiar with HVAC than you were before. It's something that will take you time, but after you learn what to do with it all you'll do fine. Now the only thing left to do would be to get yourself out there to put these tips to good use!