Understanding how HVAC systems work can really save a homeowner a lot of money. The last you want is to come home one day and find that it is not working properly. That only leads to misery, which I'm sure most have us have experienced at one time or another due to a faulty HVAC system. Great tips on maintaining your HVAC system is in the following article, so keep reading!
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.
Before you choose an HVAC contractor, have an idea in your mind of what needs to be done. You can't get a decent estimate over a telephone, so disregard those numbers and wait until they view your system. It will be even harder if you cannot explain what you have done. Know the right information ahead of time.
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.
Lubricate your fan condenser if it has oil ports. You can find these ports covered with rubber or metal caps. Choose a SAE 20 oil whch is lightweight and non-detergent and place 10 drops or less into each port, ensuring it doesn't overfill.
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.
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 anything happens while they are working at your home, they are financially covered and you will not be responsible.
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.
Manage the heat flow into your home with window coverings to help out your HVAC system. In the warmer months, 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.
Do you want to make sure your HVAC unit works for you like it should? It is important to have your unit maintained on a regular basis. Any reputable technician will know exactly what you mean if you call them and ask for a maintenance service on your system.
It can be confusing to figure out what the correct HVAC system size is for your home, but you can solve this with the help of a sizing calculator. Buying one that's too large will not cool that well. Always look through the manual as well.
Consider an annual service agreement for technicians to regularly inspect your AC unit. Schedule brief inspections for the winter to make sure nothing is obviously wrong. The most important time for an inspection and service is just before it starts getting warm. You don't want to discover an AC breakdown when you need it working most.
When placing your AC unit, think about the direction the air will flow. For a corner location, check for a unit that has the ability to direct the air flow in a different direction from the wall.
Before you hire an HVAC contractor to perform work on your system, learn about their experience level. It's important that a contractor is experienced in the area of the kind of work you require. This will help to maximize their productivity.
If there's only one thing that you do in terms of HVAC maintenance monthly, it should be to replace your air filter. It's easy and has a huge impact on performance. Filters are relatively cheap, so it does not cost much to do this.
When deciding what size of an air conditioner is right for you, you will need to measure how much area it will have to cool. The area's calculation can help you figure out what the size is and there are 20 BTUs for every foot squared in this area. Combine the square footage of all rooms, in the event that you will be cooling more than one.
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 algae forms 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.
If there's only one thing that you do in terms of HVAC maintenance monthly, it should be to replace your air filter. This is such a Cost Of Central Heat And Air System simple thing that takes little time, and it can save you money by helping to keep your system running longer. Filters only cost a couple of dollars, which is not that much.
Be sure to look up information online about the reliability of any unit you are thinking of having installed. While the efficiency ratings, BTU and price are important, knowing that it will continue working for many years will save you a lot of money on repairs over time, so be vigilant.
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.
As this article's contents indicate, learning about HVAC can be a complicated process, but some preliminary information can help get you started. Be sure to work carefully to avoid breaking the system. Keep your home running efficiently by taking care of your HVAC system.
