In parts of the country where it gets very hot during the summer, a good cooling system is a must. Similarly, in regions where the winters can be very cold, a high-quality furnace is vital. Finding the right HVAC system for your home is a snap when you use the following tips.
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.
It is important to have some knowledge of your present system and needs before calling a contractor. You can't get a decent estimate over a telephone, so disregard those numbers and wait until they view your system. If you can't explain anything to them, this will be even more difficult. It's important to know this beforehand.
During the fall, leaves can gather around your HVAC. When you see nearby trees shedding their leaves, clean the fan grill on your unit constantly. The air needs to be unobstructed into the fan, and any blockages create performance issues for the whole system.
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 currently have a manual thermostat, consider installing a programmable one. You can set your system for different temperatures depending on time of day and if anyone is home. Also, you can set upper and lower temperature settings to allow for a comfortable range of temperatures so that heating and cooling don't kick in when not needed.
Ask for references and be sure to call them as well. You are dealing with a high ticket item here, so you'll want to do your due diligence to make sure you are getting the best for your money. Ask for references, but don't stop there. Call each reference to check. A lot of people don't take that important last step.
Whenever possible, try to shade the compressor unit outside. The air that's in a place that is shaded is usually five to six degrees cooler than the surrounding air. Your air conditioning unit will be up to ten percent more efficient if it is properly shaded during the summer months.
Be sure to check your Filter Check light frequently on any stand-alone units. If it is on, turn the unit off as you can't operate it without a filter in place. Clean the filter carefully and return it to its proper location, but don't operate the unit if the filter is still wet.
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.
To improve the efficiency of your HVAC unit, put a radiant barrier up inside the attic of your home. It can help keep heat out during the hot summer months, which means you will lower your power bills. If this is installed correctly, it will give you the ability to actually use your attic as extra space to live in.
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.
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.
Check for debris if you hear clicking in the HVAC unit. Sometimes, debris will be the cause of the disturbance. All you have to do is get this debris out of there to fix the problem. Check this out before calling a repairman.
If you 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.
If your HVAC system is clicking, look for blockages right away. It could be that debris has made its way into the system. Just pull it out and clean the blade off. See if you can do it yourself before getting a professional.
When comparing quotes from multiple contractors, think carefully about those on the bottom of the price list. It's likely they didn't really look into your home deeply, or they're making promises they can't keep. Do they offer you a guarantee? Are they insured? Do they have a current licence in your state?
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.
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.
Be HVAC Technician Near Me sure to choose a contractor who designs your HVAC system themselves. A salesperson is not equipped to get such a job done right. If a project is designed incorrectly, gases from the system can be blown into the house and your family can be made sick or even worse.
A heating and cooling system helps your house remain comfortable year round. If you ever do need to look into a new HVAC system, remember the tips that you read here. You are more likely to select the best unit for your home.
