Article created by-Mead Kane
Nobody wishes to get home to see that they have an air conditioner or heater that doesn't work right. Because the HVAC system in your home is critical to the comfort of your family, you must care for it properly. Continue reading for some helpful HVAC tips.
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.
If you want to save money once a new HVAC system is put in place, be sure to pick ENERGY STAR rated products to use. They are very energy efficient so your new system won't cost you a ton when it comes to your utility bills every month, recouping some of your installation costs.
Be careful when doing yard work that you do not get debris on or in your unit. When you work with your lawn mower, make sure it spits the grass to the side opposite of your unit. If
hvac contractor blowing leaves, this same problem can occur, so make sure you move around the unit and blow the leaves away from it.
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.
Once it grows cold outside, turn off your outside condenser unit. This means that you should turn it off to prevent damage if the weather falls under 60 degrees Farenheit. This helps your system remain in good working order.
Get
visit web site 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.
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.
Be sure to check your evaporator coil drains frequently when your air conditioner is running. If this tube backs up, you can find water damage to your walls, ceilings and floors. If you end up with mold just use a solution of bleach and water to clean out the tube.
If you want to pay for less power use, consider installing an HVAC-specific solar panel system. Such an installation harnesses the power of the sun directly for your heating and air conditioning. Don't worry though; you can have a switch put in that automatically connects to the power grid the days there isn't enough sun.
Use online reviews to help you find a source for HVAC maintenance. Many online review sites provide an avenue for this information. This is useful for finding people that you wish to work with and those that you don't.
Do not close your vents. Keep air vents open and unblocked at all times. Many people believe that closing off a vent will save them money on cooling costs. This is not true. It can actually damage your HVAC system. Closing vents can cause your cooling coil to freeze and damage the compressor.
For your outdoor HVAC unit, make sure that your foliage is cleared around it. Two feet distance between the HVAC unit and shrubs is a good amount to remember. If you let the foliage creep up on the unit, it can cause all sorts of issues with debris and growth into the system.
Check around and get a number of quotes prior to hiring a contractor. If you call around before making a final decision, it can save you a lot of money in the end. Ideally, you should call five to six contractors to get a good idea of what a reasonable rate is.
Call in a contractor to find out if you can install an air conditioner on your current forced-air system without having to install new duct work. This can save you a ton of time and money, plus it takes up less space in your walls and rooms to boot.
Take
heating repair rocklin ca measuring tape and get the square footage of the area where the unit will be cooling. Generally, 20 BTU per square foot is ideal. Just measure your rooms and tally up the total square footage.
A great way to reduce the stress on your HVAC unit is to install ceiling fans in your home. During the summer, you can have them blow downward to cool the air and make your home feel more comfortable. In the winter you can reverse the direction and circulate warm air trapped at the ceiling.
While it is common practice to negotiate a rate quoted by a contractor, you should not offer an amount that the contractor will find offensive. They have to pay for things like insurance and overhead costs. Keep this in mind when you are trying to haggle with them for a better rate.
Once you decide who you are buying from, talk to them about what they recommend. While you may have a certain system in mind, the contractor might have some good advice that leads you in another direction. Remember, all manufacturers are different, and you want a system with a good warranty.
You should make sure the contractor you hire to repair or install your HVAC system has a hotline for emergencies that is available all day. You want a company that will be there when you need them.
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.