The HVAC system in any home is a very important feature, and if it is not running right it can lead to a very uncomfortable place to be. That is the last thing you want, and knowing how to take good care of it is key. Below there are many helpful HVAC tips that are important to understand if you want your system to last a very long time.
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.
If the condenser fan has oil parts, then you need to lubricate it at least once per year. These ports have a metal covering. Sometimes it is rubber. Put 10 drops of lightweight, non-detergent SAE oil in each port. Be careful not to use too much.
Outdoor condenser units need to be cleaned regularly. Falling leaves and wind or rain may cause debris to reduce the efficiency of your unit. It may begin to overheat, causing massive damage.
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.
Fall is a hard time on HVAC units. When you see nearby trees shedding their leaves, clean the fan grill on your unit constantly. Your fan needs an unobstructed way to get air inside, and the more blocked up it becomes, the more headaches will develop for you with the system.
To save money and be more comfortable in your home, install double-paned windows instead of single pane. Having a double pane window helps limit your need for air conditioning during the summer months. This will also help you keep in heat when it gets cold.
If you want to cool your home in the summer without using your air conditioning on full, consider installing fans in your home. An attic fan can blow hot air out while sucking in cool air into your basement, and ceiling fans help distribute the air in your rooms evenly.
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.
Consider all of your alternatives before installing a central air conditioner. You can only cool certain rooms, use whole-house fans, or even make use of a geothermal system. The more efficient the system you set up, the less you'll spend on utility bills over time as you use it.
An investment in a smart thermostat is truly going to save you money. You can program it to turn on and off at certain temperatures or times, allowing you to ensure that your air conditioner or heater isn't running when it doesn't need to be, saving you a ton.
Make certain that you get written estimates before you hire a contractor. You can save a lot of cash simply by doing your homework. You should try to contact 5 to 6 contractors to find out what price you can reasonably expect to pay.
When you want a HVAC contractor who is reliable, you need to spend some time in researching the background and reputation of several potential companies. Check with different references to determine the best one for your situation. You will make a more informed choice if you use these resources.
Always ask for references before you allow anyone to start doing work on your HVAC system. Call several of them to make sure that they are Air Conditioning Repair Companies legitimate. Many people take the word of the contractor when it comes to customer satisfaction and that can prove to be a mistake in the end.
If your home gets hot in the summer and you'd like to use your air conditioner less often, consider a metal roof. It reflects the heat right back up into the sky, allowing your home to gain less heat on sunny days. Since metal roofs are permanent, you'll save on repair and replacement costs also.
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!
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?
The biggest step to preventing problems in your air conditioner is getting a professional tune-up once a year. This is especially important before the summer. This is when your air conditioning system will be working its hardest. Getting regular tune-ups reduces the risk of malfunctions and will keep you cool all summer 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.
When you have a short list of contractors to consider, ask the people on their reference list about not only the service they received, but also how well the system is still running. Did they need more work down the road? Has the company come back to make things right?
Proper maintenance is key to having a good working HVAC system. Don't let your system go bad, use the tips here to inspect it for problems to ensure that you don't have costly repairs down the road. Keep checking it and remember the tips here to use as guide so you know what to look for.
