HVAC Tips You Can't Master The Topic Without
Good maintenance is important for an HVAC unit. It can be very costly to have a unit that does not run well. Your HVAC is important, so it is advisable that you keep reading this great article for some insightful tips on how to keep it working properly.
Ask for referrals when hiring someone to install your HVAC system. Someone may seem like they know what they are doing, but you cannot simply take their word for it. You should be able to call past customers to get an idea of what to expect from this particular installer.
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.
If you must hire someone to help you out with your HVAC system, be sure to learn about all of the requirements your state has legislated regarding licencing and insurance. You need to be able to ask anyone you plan to hire if they meet these requirements before you hire them.
Make sure that your contractor provides a home assessment. Not every HVAC solution is for everyone. Your home could have special needs for heating and cooling. Your contractor should do a walk around of your space to judge what is best. If they aren't be sure to request one.
If you want to seriously extend the life of your HVAC system, as well as cut down your overall power bill, install ceiling fans in commonly used warm season rooms. Energy-star certified ceiling fans can sometimes cut your HVAC use in half. However, you won't physically notice a difference in temperature.
To choose an HVAC contractor that's trustworthy, take time to research some companies you're interested in, along with their reputations. Checking with the BBB is a good idea, and so is checking online reviews to see the experiences that other customers have had with a company. This will help you to choose a contractor that is of high quality.
Air conditioners sometimes ice up. Sometimes the drain line will freeze, causing leaks. When you see ice, turn the unit to fan. If this doesn't work, call a professional.
Contractors determine their own fee levels, so make sure to get multiple quotes. If you call people before you work on hiring one person, you can save some money overall. You want to call at least a handful of contractors to determine what reasonable rates are.
Check for duct leaks if your unit seems to not be working efficiently. Your utility company can test this for you, oftentimes at no charge. If not, it should be less expensive than a HVAC contractor. If you do have leaks that are repaired, this testing will pay for itself.
Do not close your vents. Keep air vents open and unblocked at all times. Many people believe that closing off a vent will save them money on cooling costs. This is not true. It can actually damage your HVAC system. Closing vents can cause your cooling coil to freeze and damage the compressor.
If you live in a hot climate, don't use duct tape on your HVAC. It just dries out and falls off, leaving you with leaks all over the place. Instead, use mastic sealant to cover any holes or gaps in duct work and you'll keep your home comfortable all year long.
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.
If you're only wanting to do the minimal amount of HVAC maintenance, you should work on replacing your air filter. This will help your unit run properly. Filters only cost a couple of dollars, which is not that much.
Always make sure to get references from a contractor. You should know that the contractor does exactly what he says he's going to do, and there are no hidden costs involved. This will keep the scam artists away, but this only works by actually following up on the references.
If you want to buy a new HVAC unit or system, ask a contractor to come up to size up your home and tell you what options you have. They'll have the best advice as they know what sort of systems work in your area or in a home like yours.
Since the article above will help you understand how to keep your HVAC properly maintained, it should run perfectly for years. A malfunctioning HVAC system is not something you want, since that can run up your stress and budget. By choosing to implement these great tips, you are ensuring that your HVAC will function for quite some time.