HVAC Success In A Few Simple Tips
The HVAC system you have is important to your home, so you can let it go bad. You are likely here to learn about getting your HVAC system to last. The following article has helpful advice for you.
When seeking a new contractor, ask loved ones for referrals. They'll often have already had someone in for similar work and will know who to trust and who to avoid. If your family hasn't used anyone, ask co-workers or other people you trust in your community for some references.
You should clean your condenser fan's blades and coils every spring. Make sure to turn off the fan's power first to be safe. Remove the grill and carefully clean the blades and surrounding areas.
Don't let your outdoor HVAC units get smothered with clippings anytime you mow the yard. Turn your lawnmower in the opposite direction. This applies when you are taking care of the leaves in the yard.
Make sure you have your HVAC system checked at least twice a year. This should be done in the fall and again in the spring. You should have it looked at even if no problems are occurring; there could still be a problem or potential problem.
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.
Don't let your home get overly hot. An air conditioner can only cool your home by 20ºF quickly. The temperature will only reduce to about 80 if your home heats up to 100 degrees. This won't be a healthy environment to live in.
Use an online sizing calculator to help you calculate the proper size of the air conditioning unit you should purchase. If you buy a unit that's too large, it won't be energy efficient for your needs. Any unit's manual will be able to give you an accurate idea for the size of the unit versus your home.
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.
Keep your condensers free of nearby obstructions. Keep plants, fencing, even bushes back and away from the unit. Two feet is a good minimum distance it should have from anything, including walls, but the more space you give it to breathe, the better it will work and the less likely it will be to fail.
Consider window air conditioners for your home if you are thinking about installing a central unit. Do you really need to cool your kitchen overnight? Do you have multiple floors with only one housing bedrooms? To efficiently and cheaply cool only where people are actually staying, window units are a great choice.
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.
While price should be one of the considerations you make when you are hiring an HVAC contractor, do not allow it to cloud your judgement. There are other factors that need to be considered in order to make a sound decision. Experience level, work ethic and positive reviews are a few things that should be considered as well.
Never accept the first offer you get when you are looking to hire an HVAC contractor. There are many people out there that charge more than others for doing the same services. Getting price quotes from several companies can help ensure that you are getting a rate that is acceptable.
To boost your home HVAC's efficiency, install solar screening. It reflects sunlight back outside, stopping it from heating up your home. Your air conditioner will be able to run less in the daytime, and your energy bill will plummet as a result. You can install this on any glass you have, doors or windows.
In order to save money overnight, buy an air conditioner with a switch that sets it to be fan-only. This will push hot air outside and bring in cool air from near the ground. Turn this on just before bed so that you can cool the house as you sleep.
As the article here has shown you, it's important for you to work on taking care of an HVAC system so it doesn't go bad. When a heating and cooling system fails, it can cost thousands. Following the tips above should help you keep the system in good working order, and find a suitable replacement if it becomes necessary.