The HVAC system in your home is a component to having a nice living space. If it's too hot or cold, or you having no air blowing at all, the only thing that follows is misery. You know how expensive it is to fix, so it is vital that you prevent these things from occurring. Below there are many good tips to help you keep up with proper HVAC maintenance.
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.
Look for deals and rebates on the HVAC system you are having installed. Many ENERGY STAR units come with huge rebates either from your local utility company or the government itself. Investigate your options as it could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars on the installation costs.
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.
The correct HVAC system should have sealed air ducts to minimize heating or cooling loss as air travels to different rooms. The heating or cooling requirements of different rooms in the home should be taken into consideration. There is no reason to increase energy usage by controlling the temperature in rooms that are used very little.
If you want to cool your home in the summer without using your air conditioning on full, consider installing fans in your home. An attic fan can blow hot air out while sucking in cool air into your basement, and ceiling fans help distribute the air in your rooms evenly.
If your evaporator coil, found inside your home, becomes dirty, your unit will lose efficiency. Just pop off the front panel of the furnace and check to see that the coil is dry. Using a brush attachment on a vacuum, gently clean the coil of any dust or other debris.
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.
Whether you have an air conditioner in a window or outside your home, be sure to keep it in the shade. The cooler the air around it, and the cooler the condenser itself, the easier a time it will have of keeping the air inside your home cool as well.
Outdoor condenser units need to be turned off when the weather turns cold. When the temperature goes below 60 degrees, shut off the unit in order to prevent damage. This can ensure your unit is working well throughout the years without the cost of repairs.
Looking for an efficient way to cool your home? Consider installing a whole-house evaporative cooler. They use water to cool air instead of traditional chemical coolants, using a ton Install AC Unit Yourself less energy to cool your home than those other units. That said, they do work best in dry climates and not at all in humid ones.
If you want to ensure your air conditioner offers you great performance, keep it dry. If it is located in a dry, cool area, you'll find that the efficiency goes up and the unit lasts a long time. You can even buy a water vapor cooler to cool it as it is running.
When you are looking to buy a new air conditioner, consider your climate. If you live in a hot, dry area, then an evaporative cooler will be your best bet. If you live in a humid area, opt for a compressor-style unit as it's the only one which will work.
When dealing with HVAC contractors, make sure that you get everything in writing. While verbal contracts are legal in many places, it is usually very difficult to prove them. Having everything on paper is a great way to make sure that no ons is confused about any aspect of the process.
If you hear a clicking noise coming from your HVAC unit, immediately start looking for any obstructions. It could be that debris has made its way into the system. Removing the debris solves the issue. Look before calling in a technician.
Measuring the space you want to cool is the first step to figure how large of an air conditioner you need. You will need about 20 BTU per square footage of the room. Account for all of the rooms in the house.
Ask for referrals from friends and family. The best way to judge if an HVAC company is going to do a good job is from people who have actually used them. Ask your acquaintances if they have had work done, and find out if they were happy with the job, timeliness, and budget.
Choose a contractor who knows how to work with your current system. If they work with that set-up frequently, they'll quickly diagnose any problems and know exactly how to maintain it. Choosing such a firm will save you time and money, and will also save you from unnecessary headaches.
Try looking at some reviews online for local HVAC companies. There are many websites and directories online that should include these services that are in your area. This can help you comparison shop. You need to look at many aspects. Pay special attention to licensing, how many years they've been around, any issues, and how they were resolved.
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.
As you can see, finding the perfect HVAC system for your home can be tricky. There is a lot of information that you need to absorb before you can make the right decision. By keeping this advice in mind, you can find a great new system that will keep you comfortable all year long.
