Article by-Thrane Meyer
When properly maintained, your home's HVAC system isn't something you notice. You just walk in the door and enjoy an air temperature and quality you find comfortable. When your home HVAC isn't working right though, everyone knows. Keep reading this article for advice on ideas on proper installation and maintenance of your home's heating, ventilation and air conditioning.
If you want to keep your air conditioning unit running efficiently, make sure you replace or clean the air filter once a month. Check the owner's manual on the a/c for instructions on how to clean the filter. Never run the unit when the filter is removed and let the filter dry before reinstallling it.
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.
Sometimes, it can be hard to figure out if your HVAC system needs to be fixed or needs to be replaced. If your system frequently breaks down, is always turning on or off on its own, or if your bills are too high, it may pay to have it replaced. Otherwise, little things can just be fixed.
Don't get grass clippings on your outside unit. Make sure the grass does not get in your unit. This also applies when you blow leaves, so be very careful near your exterior HVAC units when you move debris.
Change your air conditioner filter quarterly, or four times a year. This not only keeps the air coming into your home easier and cleaner to breathe, it takes a lot of stress off of your AC unit itself. You get to enjoy health, money savings and reduced energy use altogether at once.
Occasionally, ice will form on your AC. There can be occasional freezes in their drain lines, and these are usually confused with plumbing leaks. Use the fan-only setting to allow the system time to thaw. You should call a pro to fix this problem, even if switching it to its fan setting starts making the ice melt.
Try to stay away from HVAC contractors that ask for upfront payments before they are willing to get started on the work they were hired to do. In many cases, this means that they are more concerned about getting paid than they are about making sure the job is done well.
Make sure that the HVAC contractor you plan to hire does not use subcontractors to do their work. Many people use this as an excuse to shirk their responsibility in the event that something goes wrong when your system is being worked on. Only allow this if there is a note in the contract about what will happen if there is an issue.
Occasionally, air conditioners ice up. There are sometimes also freezes that happen in a drain line, and this can be confused for a plumbing leak. If you notice this, switch your thermostat to fan only to disable the compressor. If the problem persists be sure to call in a professional.
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.
Never hire an HVAC contractor that does not hold a valid license from your state. There are people out there that will offer to do less expensive work since they have no license. While it may seem like a bargain, you will have lots of issues in the event that something goes wrong.
A radiant barrier improves the efficiency of your HVAC. It keeps heat blocked from inside to the outside, and that lowers how much energy it takes to keep your home cool. If done correctly, this also enables you to start using your attic as a living space.
Each contractor will have their own fee schedule, so make sure you get several different quotes before you hire anybody. Getting several quotes will ultimately help you save lots of money. Call around 5 contractors so that you can get the best deal possible.
A great way to reduce the stress on your HVAC unit is to install ceiling fans in your home. During the summer, you can have them blow downward to cool the air and make your home feel more comfortable. In the winter you can reverse the direction and circulate warm air trapped at the ceiling.
visit my webpage inspect the outdoor condenser unit of your HVAC system. Remove any weeds and leaves that may be obstructing air flow to the unit. Hose off the inside and outside of the unit to remove any dirt build up. Cover the motor with plastic bags prior to rinsing the unit so that you do not get it wet.
If
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1oJpe8b7aQ2w8oN2On_1VtrtVexDBfshhmNDhKBRSIeU/edit?usp=sharing feel like you are spending too much money on your heating and cooling, there is a simple way to reduce this cost. Raise or lower the temperature depending on the season. A single degree in temperature change can equate to almost a nine percent savings in cooling and heating costs.
It is important that any contractor you hire is familiar with your make and model of HVAC unit. Ask them what brands they work with most frequently and compare it to what you have. If you can't find a contractor that knows your brand well, instead consider who has the best reputation.
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.
Don't get caught up in the myth that you have to have a huge system in order to get great service. Things have changed a lot in the past few decades. Things like how much insulation you have, the climate you live in and the number of people in the house will all affect the size of the HVAC.
As stated above, HVAC can be one of the fundamental parts of your home. The above tips will make sure you will keep repairs to a minimum. You need to follow them; however, so you aren't put into the position of having to spend thousands on repairing something that with a little bit of effort should have been prevented.