Content written by-Bryan Meier
It's always the hottest or coldest day when your HVAC fails. Learning what you can about HVAC units will help you fix them or maintain them. Read this article to get started on that.
If your HVAC is running into problems, check out each room in your house before calling for assistance. While you are walking through the house, gauge which rooms are the coolest and which are the warmest. This can help the contractor determine the problem areas quickly and fix the problem easily.
When a contractor gives you a list of references, be sure to make use of it. Call the people on the list and ask about the quality of the work, how closely they came to their quote and whether or not the work was completed according to the promised timeline.
Make sure you ask for an estimate in writing before choosing a specific HVAC vendor. There are a lot of moving pieces when it comes to purchasing these big items. You'll want to compare not only the cost of the equipment, but also the set up and the overall energy costs.
Keep outside
you can try this out running smoothly by cleaning fan blades and coils before the summer begins. Turn off your power before doing any job like this. Also, it is important to clear the outside condenser unit from any debris that maybe trapped inside.
Consider all of your alternatives before installing a central air conditioner. You can only cool certain rooms, use whole-house fans, or even make use of a geothermal system. The more efficient the system you set up, the less you'll spend on utility bills over time as you use it.
An investment in a smart thermostat is truly going to save you money. You can program it to turn on and off at certain temperatures or times, allowing you to ensure that your air conditioner or heater isn't running when it doesn't need to be, saving you a ton.
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.
When you want a HVAC contractor who is reliable, you need to spend some time in researching the background and reputation of several potential companies. You may also want to check with the BBB for information. Doing this makes it more likely that you choose wisely..
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.
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.
Install a radiant barrier in your attic to boost HVAC efficiency. It can help keep heat out during the hot summer months, which means you will lower your power bills. If this is done properly, it will help extend your living space.
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.
Consider painting the outside of your home in a light color to reflect heat if you live in a hot climate. If your summers are cool, use a dark color to instead heat up your home in the winter. This simple change can end up saving you a lot on your utility bills.
You should focus on finding an HVAC contractor that can offer you a warranty on the work they are doing. This is a sign that they are confident in their ability to get the job done well. This will protect you in the event that is not done right and needs to be fixed.
Consider a digital window air conditioner with a remote to make use easy as pie. These often come with a thermostat in the remote, turning off the unit when the air near the remote is cool enough. Place the remote on the other side of the room so that the whole area cools down.
Pick out an HVAC business that is fast and knows what to do. The best companies will ensure that their technicians will always be on schedule. Techs must be knowledgeable about diagnosing and repairing your system quickly. After diagnosis, they should then know how to deal with the problem.
If you are going to use the Internet as a source for good HVAC contractors, you need to be very careful. You never know who is behind the glowing reviews that are posted all over the Web. There is a chance that the contractor is posting their own reviews or paying others to do so.
Keep your evaporator coil clean. A dirty coil will cause the unit to strain when cooling air. You can clean the coil yourself easily. Simply remove
Air conditioning companies phoenix to expose the coil and use a soft brush attached to a vacuum to remove any dust and debris that has accumulated on the coil.
If you hear clicking noises from your condenser fan, make sure that it is not striking something inside the unit. If it is not hitting something, it may be bent. Do not try to straighten the blades. This could cause it to become unbalanced. Simply replace the blade to ensure proper rotation.
Now that you know so much about HVAC units, you're ready to take control of your own. Use these tips as you ensure yours is in tip top condition at all times. Continue to learn more about these systems so that your family can rely on you to keep them cool in the summer and warm all winter long.