Article written by-Campbell Walker
One of the most important things in a home can be its HVAC system, and it is vital that any homeowner understand how it works. If you would like good tips on how to maintain your HVAC system, then the following article is for you. Read on and learn and get beneficial information that can help you better understand your HVAC system.
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.
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.
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.
Before you hire anyone to do any work on your HVAC, be sure to get a written estimate which has itemized costs listed on it. This will ensure that comparing one contractor to another will be simple as you can see what one offers that another doesn't, or what price they're charging for the same items.
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.
Outer coils can be cleaned with a regular outdoor hose before you turn the unit on for the season. That said, interior coils should be taken care of by a professional so that you don't do any damage as you attempt to clean them. Bring someone in to complete a check up.
If you want to turn off your air conditioning at night to save money, consider putting a standing fan next to your bed. You can set it to oscillate from your toes to your head, blowing cool air over your body and letting you sleep comfortably all night long.
There are plenty of online tools, such as sizing calculators, which can help you find the best unit to cool your home. If you get something that's too big, it won't work as well for you in the end. Read over
https://flipboard.com/@BurfordHeat4p9d?from=share to see the manufacturers suggestions as to the cooling capacity of the unit for the most accurate information.
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 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.
Find out how
look at this site has been in business before you hire them. Companies that have been around for longer have a proven track record that you can use to decide if they are worth the time and money. Hiring a new contractor comes with an element of risk.
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.
Think about installing a digital programmable thermostat to keep your heating and cooling bills low. These digital thermostats have timers that allow you to completely control your HVAC use. You can set the heat and cooling to only turn on when you are home and to turn off when you are at work.
Be careful of sounds in your HVAC. If the condenser fan begins to make a grating or clicking sound, the blades could be hitting an obstruction. If blades get bent, don't try straightening them. You could unbalance them and cause them to hit the condenser coil. This could loosen the motor in the fan. Try replacing the bent blades with new ones. Make sure the new blades can freely rotate without wobbling.
When buying an air conditioner, you want to find out with a SEER rating of 13 or higher. 13 is the minimum standard set by the government, so higher ratings, while not mandatory, are going to offer you better efficiency. SEER ratings can go as high as 19, so keep this in mind as you shop.
Replace the air filter monthly. This will maximize the production of your HVAC. Filters cost only a few dollars, so it's a small monthly price to pay.
An HVAC system is expensive. Therefore, you want to make sure that you work with a reputable contractor or company to ensure that you get the most from your investment. Always get references from anyone that you are considering working with, and make sure to follow up on each of those references.
Once you decide who you are buying from, talk to them about what they recommend. While you may have a certain system in mind, the contractor might have some good advice that leads you in another direction. Remember, all manufacturers are different, and you want a system with a good warranty.
Get bids from several companies before deciding who you are going to hire to install or repair your HVAC system. Most people know to avoid the company that has the highest quote, but you should also stay away from the one with the lowest. The price may be lower due to shoddy workmanship an/or using low-quality equipment.
Ask your contractor if there are any upgrades which can boost your home's energy efficiency. For example, could extra insulation be added to the attic? Or should your windows and doors be better sealed? Once these are in place the change may be dramatic enough to allow you to install a cheaper HVAC unit.
As you can see from the above article, you now understand how it vital it is to have a properly maintained HVAC system. If you don't provide regular maintenance, you could have costly fixes down the road. You should not want that, so remember these tips to help you keep your HVAC system running right for many years to come.