Content author-Zacho Celik
Keeping a home cool in the summer and warm in the winter is one of the most fundamental duties of a homeowner. Knowing the right person to call in the event of an equipment failure is essential to staying comfortable on a year-round basis. By reading the material below, there should never be any doubt about what steps to take.
Make sure you check the filters in your air conditioning unit. This is important because checking your filters could make the difference between inexpensive repairs and more expensive ones down the line. Try to put it into your monthly schedule so that you don't forget to check the filters regularly.
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.
What system do you have? You need this information to tell your contractor. Get information on the make and model, plus if you have information on the history of maintenance, that will help, too. This will help make sure that the contractor you hire has all the necessary information.
Put outdoor units in the shade if you are installing them. If the air your machine draws in is already cooler, it will require less energy to regulate before it's filtered into your home.
If the outside of your home has condenser units, ensure they are constantly cleaned. The dirt could pile up and harm your system. It can cause your system to malfunction by overheating.
If you are uncertain about which HVAC contractor to call when you experience an equipment failure, take the time to ask friends and family for personal recommendations. By doing this, you will be able to feel more confident about the choice you make, because you will have gotten the opinions of people you already know to be trustworthy.
Search online for reviews to find an HVAC customer you can trust. There are a lot of sites these days that let customers talk about their experiences with contractors. This will help you find a top notch professional.
Make sure your HVAC is clear when working outside. You should try keeping any vegetation about two feet away from your outdoor units. Keep the areas above it and on each side of it clear. Make sure you aim your grass clippings away from the unit when mowing. Keep leaves from getting inside your unit in the fall.
Use an online sizing calculator to help you calculate the proper size of the air conditioning unit you should purchase. Buying one that's too large will not cool that well. Check the manufacturer's handbook to see what amount of space the unit can effectively cool.
Your HVAC system will be more efficient if your doors and windows are efficient as well. Make sure that their seals are tight and that they do not allow air to seep in or out. A professional can also test the windows and many times the testing is free.
Every month clean out the leaves and debris that may have settled into your outdoor HVAC unit. You'll be surprised at how much gets caught in your unit. Over time these leaves can build up and create issues for your system. Just this little clean up can save you a lot of money in maintenance bills.
If your system isn't working right, try looking for leaks in the ducts. Often, utility companies will test them free of charge. When you repair the leaks, you'll see that the tests paid for themselves.
Never hire anyone to work on your HVAC system unless they are licensed and bonded. This industry is one where mistakes happen often and you want to make sure that you are protected. You do not want to be stuck paying for medical bills that are more expensive than the work you were having done.
Make sure you wipe up any water that is close to the air intake of the vents of your HVAC system. Clean up
https://www.contractingbusiness.com/residential-hvac/article/21152523/horizon-group-holdings-acquires-eanes-heating-air-conditioning that is standing around because water can cause mold to easily expand. Some water buildup is normal but if you're picking up water more than once every six months you might have a problem, so contact a HVAC technician.
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. This calculation will tell you how many BTU's you need. If multiple rooms need cooling, add together their square footage to reach this calculation.
Improve the efficiency of your air conditioning by installing ceiling fans. Change the airflow direction of the ceiling fans. During the summer, the blades should move in a counter-clockwise direction. During the winter, the blades should move clockwise to help move the hot air in the ceiling down into the room.
When looking for an HVAC company, find one that is available when you need them. Reliable companies can be reached easily at any time. This includes both day and night. A prospective company should also values your resources and time. They should be able to schedule service calls at your earliest convenience.
Look for a unit that has the Energy Star emblem. Energy Star units must meet certain guidelines. The standards are set forth by the EPA. Choosing to invest in such a unit can help you save on your energy bills in the long-term. Spending time looking into these units could lead to long-term savings on your energy costs.
If your outdoor compressor unit sits in the sun, consider building a shade over it.
https://www.consumerreports.org/car-repair-maintenance/pay-less-for-vehicle-maintenance-with-an-ev/ 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.
Keeping your home's HVAC system working properly is a must if you want to avoid extremes of heat and cold. However, sorting through all of the different options that are available to you can be tricky. Let the information that you have read here guide your next purchase of an HVAC system.