An HVAC system failure is one of the most frustrating occurrences a homeowner can face, largely because they may not know the right person to call. However, by simply spending a bit of time learning about what to look for in a contractor, things can actually go rather smoothly. Continue reading to gain some helpful insights.
Look for discounts wherever possible. HVAC systems can be rather costly, so you'll want to seek out whatever discounts and deals that may be out there. When shopping around, ask about any current specials running, and look for discounts that are related to ENERGY STAR compliance. Both can save you a lot of cash.
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.
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. Your contractor should do a walk around of your space to judge what is best. If they aren't be sure to request one.
Clean the debris from outside units often. Leaves and debris can accumulate quickly, particularly following storms, and that can cause problems for your system. Overheating can occur, which often spells disaster for your system.
Your HVAC system could suffer when trees begin dropping their leaves. When you see nearby trees shedding their leaves, clean the fan grill on your unit constantly. The fan must not have anything in the way so that air can flow into it, and if it is clogged, you'll have a lot of headaches eventually.
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.
Turn your AC off if no one is at home. Even though the house will get hotter, it won't get too bad if the unit is off. If it is on all day, it is trying to maintain a cool temperature constantly, using a great deal of electricity to fight the heat.
If you have fans in place to help make your HVAC more efficient, be sure that they're turning in the right direction. They should be pushing air downwards over the people in the room to help cool their skin. If it's blowing upwards, all it does is push hot air into the room.
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 you currently have a manual thermostat, consider installing a programmable one. You can set your system for different temperatures depending on time of day and if anyone is home. Also, you can set upper and lower temperature settings to allow for a comfortable range of temperatures so that heating and cooling don't kick in when not needed.
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.
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 Residential And Commercial HVAC Services anything happens while they are working at your home, they are financially covered and you will not be responsible.
Make sure to make a well-informed decision on the size of your HVAC. If you buy a unit that is too big, it won't do an efficient job. Check the manufacturer's handbook to see what amount of space the unit can effectively cool.
Make sure to be specific about everything that is written in your contracts. It should detail the work that is being done, the materials being used and the amount of time it will take to complete the job. Leaving anything out can give the contractor an exit if something goes wrong.
If your HVAC unit is not operating as efficiently as it once was, check the evaporator coil in it? There may be some debris blocking it which is causing the issue. You can use a soft brush to clean it - like the one you find as an attachment for handheld vacuum cleaners.
If you feel like you are spending too much money on your heating and cooling, there is a simple way to reduce this cost. Raise or lower the temperature depending on the season. A single degree in temperature change can equate to almost a nine percent savings in cooling and heating costs.
If your outdoor compressor unit sits in the sun, consider building a shade over it. Air in the shade is about 5 degrees cooler than air in the sun. This can have a significant impact on your cooling bill. When done properly, you could see up to a 10 percent savings over the season.
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.
If you need a new HVAC unit, do not simply choose one based on size. You want the unit to work efficiently. Have your contractor do heat-load calculations before deciding on the air conditioner that you need for your home. This will account for the shape, size, orientation, window area and other factors that will ensure that the unit matches your living space.
There aren't many things that can help you more with your home than an HVAC system that works in the right way. When simple problems occur in your system, they can become serious problems if you ignore them. Thankfully, the tips above can assist a homeowner with their HVAC system.
