Article created by-Dideriksen Dotson
When you think of HVAC you may think it's too hard to learn a bunch about it. However, it's really quite simple if you read the information below. The reason for that is that you will get great advice and learn quite a bit about this subject.
What do you need done? Know this before calling a contractor. It's hard for these contractors to give phone estimates without seeing the current system you have. It will be more difficult for him to assist you over the phone without the information readily available. Thus, it is worthwhile to have this knowledge ahead of time.
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.
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.
Be sure to place your outdoor unit in a shady spot to maximize efficiency.
https://www.facilitiesnet.com/hvac/article/Steps-for-Successful-Boiler-Selection--19172 will help you save on your energy bill when you do this.
Ask for references and be sure to call them as well. You are dealing with a high ticket item here, so you'll want to do your due diligence to make sure you are getting the best for your money. Ask for references, but don't stop there. Call each reference to check. A lot of people don't take that important last step.
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.
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.
https://www.diigo.com/profile/alohahvac should do a walk around of your space to judge what is best. If they aren't be sure to request one.
Talk to others that you have in your life to see if they can recommend an HVAC contractor to you. People usually love to boast about the wonderful work they have had done, so you should be given great leads to follow. This will also help you avoid scammers.
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.
If possible, put your HVAC in a shaded area if it is outside. When the air conditioner pulls in cooler air, it won't have to do much more to cool it and that will save you a lot of money on energy bills.
Installing a whole-house fan can either cool your home without the use of air conditioning or make your air conditioner more efficient. It blows out all of the hot air which collects in your attic, and this air flow draws in cool air from your basement and up into your home.
If you plan on having a service on your HVAC unit, ask the technician what he will be doing. Any thorough service should consist of several things. The technician should check temperature levels, pressures, amperage draw, and coolant levels. They should adjust any belts that need it and clean the coils.
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.
When dealing with HVAC contractors, make sure that you get everything in writing. While verbal contracts are legal in many places, it is usually very difficult to prove them. Having everything on paper is a great way to make sure that no ons is confused about any aspect of the process.
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 the winter, the blades should move clockwise to help move the hot air in the ceiling down into the room.
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.
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.
During the winter months, you will want to cover your condenser unit to protect it. This will make sure the condenser will last for a long time. The unit's compressor should never be on when the temperature is 60 degrees or below. Do this by simply turn on the fan so that you don't cause the unit unnecessary strain.
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.
These tips will help you to keep your HVAC system in great shape for the whole time you live in your home. Print this off and revisit it once a year so that you know what you need to do. The more effort you put into your home, the more benefit you will gain from it.