Article by-Bengtson Gilmore
One important thing about a home is how well it gets cooled or heated. A well-maintained HVAC system is a must. Without
http://penni537winston.xtgem.com/__xt_blog/__xtblog_entry/__xtblog_entry/25726075-get-handy-tips-about-a-c-that-are-simple-to-recognize?__xtblog_block_id=1#xt_blog , you won't be comfortable in your home and you may spend a fortune. Below, you will find some great tips that range from finding a good contractor to ensuring your unit is working properly.
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.
Let your friends and family know about the discounts that are possible via ENERGY STAR. There's a lot of savings that can be had here, so why hold this good news all to yourself! You can save those closest to you hundreds of dollars over the course of a year.
Clean your permanent air filters or replace disposable ones every single month. If you have the choice, an electrostatic is the best option on the market today. Be sure to turn off your unit before you change the filter as it should never be run without a filter in place.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Be careful of sounds in your HVAC. If the condenser fan begins to make a grating or clicking sound, the blades could be hitting an obstruction. If blades get bent, don't try straightening them. You could unbalance them and cause them to hit the condenser coil. This could loosen the motor in the fan. Try replacing the bent blades with new ones. Make sure the new blades can freely rotate without wobbling.
Every month clean out the leaves and debris that may have settled into your outdoor HVAC unit. You'll be surprised at how much gets caught in your unit. Over time these leaves can build up and create issues for your system. Just this little clean up can save you a lot of money in maintenance bills.
Always get some references before hiring any contractor. Be sure previous customers got the service and value they expected. This will help you stay away from scam artists, but only if you call those references!
If you live in a hot climate, don't use duct tape on your HVAC.
Read More At this website 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.
Learn the rules and regulations regarding licenses and insurance before hiring an HVAC professional. This way you can check to make sure that any contractor you consider hiring meets any requirements.
Visit Webpage can prevent a costly legal process, especially in case of an accident on site. Without insurance, you could be held liable for damages.
Consider how long a contractor has been in business before you hire them. The longer they've been in your community, the more likely they are to do a good job. Fly by night operations pop up wherever people haven't heard of them before, and they're just the firms you want to avoid.
You should focus on finding an HVAC contractor that can offer you a warranty on the work they are doing. This is a sign that they are confident in their ability to get the job done well. This will protect you in the event that is not done right and needs to be fixed.
If you hear a clicking in the HVAC unit at home, see if there are any obstructions right away. This may be because debris is restricting the movement of the fan blades. Get rid of the debris and this will no longer be an issue. Always check for yourself before getting someone out to repair the unit.
Keep your evaporator coil clean. A dirty coil will cause the unit to strain when cooling air. You can clean the coil yourself easily. Simply remove the front panel to expose the coil and use a soft brush attached to a vacuum to remove any dust and debris that has accumulated on the coil.
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.
Now you should be able to see what must be done to keep your HVAC system in working order. If you ignore the system and the required maintenance, then it will fail when you need it the most. Use the information above to make sure it's doing well, so that you don't get home and find your home is too cold or too hot.