The HVAC in your home plays a major role in how comfortable you feel. For this reason, it is of the utmost importance to have the best HVAC system possible. This is why you need to know as much about this subject as you can. Here are some helpful tips.
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.
Clean the fan blades and coils on the condenser fan every spring. Start by turning off the power to avoid having anything move when you work on it. Remove the grill and carefully clean the blades and surrounding areas.
Clean the coils and blades in your condenser at the beginning of summer. Except when cleaning the outside, turn the unit off when performing any type of maintenance. Take away all of the debris as well.
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.
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.
Be sure to check your evaporator coil drains frequently when your air conditioner is running. If this tube backs up, you can find water damage to your walls, ceilings and floors. If you end up with mold just use a solution of bleach and water to clean out the tube.
If your HVAC system is producing any type of clicking sounds, there may be something obstructing it. It could be that debris has made its way into the system. You just have to take out the obstruction and the problem is solved. Check it out before spending on a contractor.
If you are uncertain about which HVAC contractor to call when you experience an equipment failure, take the time to ask friends and family for personal recommendations. By doing this, you will be able to feel more confident about the choice you make, because you will have gotten the opinions of people you already know to be trustworthy.
If you plan on having a service on your HVAC unit, ask the technician what he will be doing. Any thorough service should consist of several things. The technician should check temperature levels, pressures, amperage draw, and coolant levels. They should adjust any belts that need it and clean the coils.
Use your HVAC system to heat your water for free! In the summer, residual heat pulled out of your house is used to heat water through a geothermal system. This will cool your home while allowing you to save a ton on hot water costs, plus it's environmentally friendly to boot!
If you have a window air conditioner, be sure to check and see if it has an Energy Saver button. If so, use it! This turns off the fan when the unit isn't actually cooling the air, which can save you as much as 30 kwh over the period of a month!
Never hire anyone to work on your HVAC system unless they are licensed and bonded. This industry is one where mistakes happen often and you want to make sure that you are protected. You do not want to be stuck paying for medical bills that are more expensive than the work you were having done.
Determine the direction that your home faces. Consider where to place trees to reduce the morning sunlight on your home. When you do what you can to less how much heat comes into your home, your AC unit can work less, which will save money.
A great way to ensure that the HVAC professionals you hire are up to the task is to take steps to verify that they possess proper licensing and certification. Failing to check these very important credentials can cause you to hire someone who is more likely to do more harm than good and charge you a great deal of money along the way.
If you are going to use the Internet as a source for good HVAC contractors, you need to be very careful. You never know who is behind the glowing reviews that are posted all over the Web. There is a chance that the contractor is posting their own reviews or paying others to do so.
Make sure to be specific about everything that is written in your contracts. It should detail the work that is being done, the materials being used and the amount of time it will take to complete the job. Leaving anything out can give the contractor an exit if something goes wrong.
Have your HVAC inspected every year to ensure that it is working properly. The technician will check your filters, drain lines, air flow and Freon levels. This will have your HVAC working at peak performance saving you money all season long. It will also alert you to any repairs that need to be address before they become big problems.
The best HVAC contractors will also provide a number for emergency services that is available to call 24 hours of the day. You want a company that will be there when you need them.
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 Heating & Cooling Companies you want a system with a good warranty.
Purchasing an HVAC is typically confusing, but you are now armed with the information you need. Use it when discussing your choices with a professional to make the buying process easier and the end result one you are happy with. This will help to make your home a comfortable one all year round.
