A good running HVAC system is a key feature to any home, so it is vital that this piece of equipment is properly maintained. Fixing the system costs a lot, that is why it is best to keep it running right. The tips found here will help you to make the most of your HVAC system.
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.
Make sure you ask for an estimate in writing before choosing a specific HVAC vendor. There are a lot of moving pieces when it comes to purchasing these big items. You'll want to compare not only the cost of the equipment, but also the set up and the overall energy costs.
If you have a fan condenser with oil ports, it needs to be lubricated every year. Such ports tend to have coverings made of rubber or metal. Chose SAE 20 oil, which has been proven to be the most effective.
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.
To choose an HVAC contractor that's trustworthy, take time to research some companies you're interested in, along with their reputations. Checking with the BBB is a good idea, and so is checking online reviews to see the experiences that other customers have had with a company. Doing this makes it more likely that you choose wisely..
If you want your energy costs to go down, have the heating an cooling system you own serviced every year at least. During your service visit, the serviceman will inspect the unit's motor, oil the unit's moving parts and ensure the unit has proper freon levels. These simple tasks will help keep your HVAC system running smoothly.
A radiant barrier improves the efficiency of your HVAC. This mechanism will prevent outside heat from coming in, reducing your energy consumption when cooling. If this is installed correctly, it will give you the ability to actually use your attic as extra space to live in.
As you compare new HVAC system, be sure to look at the energy ratings for each unit. The higher they are, the better they will be. Efficiency will not only get your home comfortable faster, but it will save you on your energy bills when you are running your new 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 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.
If you want to ensure your air conditioner offers you great performance, keep it dry. If it is located in a dry, cool area, you'll find that the efficiency goes up and the unit lasts a long time. You can even buy a water vapor cooler to cool it as it is running.
For your outdoor HVAC unit, make sure that your foliage is cleared around it. Two feet distance between the HVAC unit and shrubs is a good amount to remember. If you let the foliage creep up on the unit, it can cause all sorts of issues with debris and growth into the system.
Change your filter on a regular basis. This is one of the easiest HVAC tips that you can do yourself. HVAC And Service Water Heating Equipment It is also one of the least expensive things that you can do to ensure that your system is running efficiently. Clogged and dirty filters can make your unit work 5-10% harder.
Find out how much experience a given contractor has before you hire him or her. They should have a good history of working with HVAC units. While someone with less experience might be able to do a great job too, you do not want to take that chance.
Ask for references from any contractor you're considering. You want to make sure that the contractor has satisfied previous customers. That is why it is vital that you check references, so you don't run into those shady contractors!
Do you need a new HVAC system? There are a number of things to think about first. Systems are given ratings by how effectively they can cool and heat an area. You are better off purchasing a unit that is slightly too large for your needs than purchasing one that is a bit too small.
Consider a digital window air conditioner with a remote to make use easy as pie. These often come with a thermostat in the remote, turning off the unit when the air near the remote is cool enough. Place the remote on the other side of the room so that the whole area cools down.
Choose a contractor who installs items from more than one manufacturer. They should be able to compare multiple brands to ensure you are getting the right unit for your needs, not just what they have on hand. This will save you time and money when you have a great system in place.
If you need a new HVAC unit, do not simply choose one based on size. You want the unit to work efficiently. Have your contractor do heat-load calculations before deciding on the air conditioner that you need for your home. This will account for the shape, size, orientation, window area and other factors that will ensure that the unit matches your living space.
That wasn't too hard to learn about was it? If you just spend some time putting the things you learned here into practice, you should be able to easily see that this all can work for you. It just takes the right attitude and a willingness to put things into practice that you learned above.
