Experts And Novices Alike Need This HVAC Information

 

 

If your furnace stops working on a cold winter's day, you need to have it repaired right away. The same is true if your air conditioner gives out during a heat wave. In some cases, you may need a whole new HVAC system. This article has some useful information for dealing with these issues.

 

 

When seeking a new contractor, ask loved ones for referrals. They'll often have already had someone in for similar work and will know who to trust and who to avoid. If your family hasn't used anyone, ask co-workers or other people you trust in your community for some references.

 

Get any agreement with an HVAC contractor in writing. Some contractors try to skip over this step and charge customers a fortune. If you have a certain price and warranty in writing, they cannot go back and change this information. If they do, they could have a lawsuit on their hands.

 

Be sure to get every quote or estimate in written form. You have no recourse on a verbal agreement, so a written contract is a must. This will allow you to follow up if something goes wrong or you don't get what you were promised, protecting you from shady contractors.

 

Every spring you need to make sure your condenser fan's coils and blades on the fan part are clean. Start by turning off the power to avoid having anything move when you work on it. Next, pop off the grill, pull out the blades and start cleaning them and the unit itself off gently.

 

When you have an outdoor unit, be sure to keep all plants, flowers, shrubs and trees at least two feet from it. Anything that grows inside it, either above the ground or even roots beneath the soil, can block it up and cause it to break. Give it some breathing room.

 

One of the most important things to consider when purchasing a new heating and cooling system is the manufacturer's warranty. Units come with a variety of warranties. Choose one with a long warranty for maximum long term savings. Generally, it is advised that homeowners should purchase the extended warranty if one is offered.

 

In order to boost efficiency, place new outdoor units or move your current unit to a place which resides in the shade. This will help you save on your energy bill.

 

As the temperature outside drops, remember to turn off your outdoor condenser unit. If the temperature outside is less than 60ºF, be sure to turn off the unit so that you don't damage it. You'll pay less for repairs which you follow this tip.

 

If you have a window air conditioner without a timer, use a regular outlet timer to control when it is on or off. These are the same ones you use for holiday lights, so all you have to do is plug your air conditioner into the timer and set it to cool you during the day.

 

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.

 

Manage the heat flow into your home with window coverings to help out your HVAC system. In the warmer months, use drapes, curtains and blinds to block out sunward facing windows to keep heat from building up through the greenhouse effect. Alternatively, make sure that sunlit windows are letting light and warmth in during the colder months.

 

Use plants to increase your air conditioner's effectiveness. An AC unit fully shaded by trees and shrubbery can operate up to 10 percent more efficiently. However, do keep spacing in mind. Air flow must not be constricted, and technicians need room to work when they come out to service your unit.

 

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 don't want to install ductwork in your home, consider a mini-split system instead. They work form the outside in, allowing your whole home to cool without a central air conditioner. This allows you to enjoy all of your indoor space in a cool, comfortable way all summer long.

 

Keeping your home's HVAC system working properly is a must if you want to avoid extremes of heat and cold. However, sorting through all of the different options that are available to you can be tricky. Let the information that you have read here guide your next purchase of an HVAC system.