One key feature of any home is the HVAC system and how it all works. One that is poorly designed and not functioning properly can end up costing you a lot of extra money. So it is important that you know what to look for in HVAC systems. Keep reading for an education on this subject.
Ask for referrals when hiring someone to install your HVAC system. Someone may seem like they know what they are doing, but you cannot simply take their word for it. You should be able to call past customers to get an idea of what to expect from this particular installer.
If you want to know more about efficiently heating or cooling your home, go online and download the ENERGY STAR Guide. It provides information for homeowners to learn more about how they can save money while still keeping their home comfortable all year round, so it is a worthy ready.
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.
When selecting the spot to put the outdoor compressor for your unit, choose somewhere that gets plenty of shade. If your unit is sucking in cooler air, it will have less work to do to cool that air as it sends it inside which boosts efficiency.
Your system should be checked twice a year. Your system should be inspected in Spring and Fall. Even if you can't see anything wrong, checking it may help you locate and repair some possible issues.
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.
If you can, install double-paned windows throughout your home. Good double pane windows keep cool air in during the summer and minimize your utility expenses. When it is cold in the winter months, these same windows will keep the warm air inside as well.
If you have a window air conditioner without a timer, use a regular outlet timer to control when it is on or off. These are the same ones you use for holiday lights, so all you have to do is plug your air conditioner into the timer and set it to cool you during the day.
If you have a window air conditioner, be sure to check and see if it has an Energy Saver button. If so, use it! This turns off the fan when the unit isn't actually cooling the air, which can save you as much as 30 kwh over the period of a month!
To reduce the air conditioning's energy cost, close drapes, blinds and shades that cover windows which face the sun. Also, white shades will reflect the heat away from the house, keeping it cooler and saving you money. It is also recommended AC Replacement Cost Calculator that you close the vents in rooms that are not used often. This will ensure that you are not spending money cooling less-used rooms.
If you don't want to install ductwork in your home, consider a mini-split system instead. They work form the outside in, allowing your whole home to cool without a central air conditioner. This allows you to enjoy all of your indoor space in a cool, comfortable way all summer long.
Choose a good HVAC company. You need to find one that has a solid reputation. It's important that it has been around for several years and is backed by a good reputation in customer service. Find one that has trained professionals and qualified technicians to help with all kinds of customer needs. They should be able to handle any HVAC job no matter how simple or complex.
Before you get into the hot summer months, make sure to schedule a tune up for your current HVAC system. This is very important to keep issues from popping up with your system. It's a small cost to pay compared to the large bills to fix issues that could arise.
Be sure to check your Filter Check light frequently on any stand-alone units. If it is on, turn the unit off as you can't operate it without a filter in place. Clean the filter carefully and return it to its proper location, but don't operate the unit if the filter is still wet.
To block out the sun on hot summer days, allowing your air conditioner to run less frequently, invest in heat blocking drapes. These textiles come in beautiful patterns and colors today, looking just like their designer counterparts. They will keep the heat out so that your home stays cooler without costing you an arm and a leg on utility bills.
Look for deals on equipment. The equipment you need to update, maintain or repair your HVAC system tends to be expensive. Keep your eyes open for available coupons, store discounts and rebates on this equipment. Stock up on things you always need, like filters, when they are on sale.
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.
In the winter, keep your condenser unit properly covered. When the condenser is not being used, the cover will help it to last much longer. Do not use the compressor if the temperature drops below 60 degrees. Instead, switch only the fan on.
When seeking an HVAC contractor, be sure to check references. Lots of folks take them at face value, but that is not always smart. It only takes a short amount of time to contact someone, so it is important that you do that right away.
Try looking at some reviews online for local HVAC companies. There are many websites and directories online that should include these services that are in your area. This can help you comparison shop. You need to look at many aspects. Pay special attention to licensing, how many years they've been around, any issues, and how they were resolved.
As stated in the above article, if you want to have a quality long-lasting HVAC system then you need to know important tips about the upkeep of them. It really pays to understand what problems can occur, and what to look that could potentially be a future problem. Now that you have these good tips to follow, you should be an expert on the subject of HVAC systems!
