The air quality and temperature of the air in you home is very important. It affects your and your loved one's comfort and health. That is why it is important to know about HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning)to keep the air in your home clean and the right temperature.
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.
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.
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.
When choosing the area for placing an outdoor compressor device, place it in a shady area. When your unit takes in cool air, it takes less energy to tool the air, thus boosting efficiency.
To help lower cooling costs when not at home, make sure the air conditioner is turned off. Turning it off does allow the temperature to rise, but only so far. Leaving it on all the time only makes it work harder and results in a larger utility bill.
Clean your outdoor condensers often. After a wind or rain storm things may pile up, causing problems with your system. Debris like this can cause it to overheat, which could be detrimental to your system.
If the condenser fan has oil parts, then you need to lubricate it at least once per year. These ports are often covered by a rubber or metal cap. Your oil should be an SAE 20. This particular oil is very lightweight and it only requires about 10 drops per port.
If you have condenser units outside your home, be sure to clean out the debris from them often. The dirt could pile up and harm your system. It may begin to overheat, causing massive damage.
Before you go out there and hire an HVAC contractor, find out the length of time they've been in the industry. Obviously, a company with a longer history and a positive reputation is the better choice. Hiring a contractor who is just starting out can be risky.
There is a lot to think about when you install an air conditioner unit. For example, a big unit won't remove humidity while a small unit won't cool enough. Placing it in the wrong place can make it less efficient, and not insulating your home adequately could render it almost useless.
To run an efficient HVAC, you must ensure your house is fully insulated. First, check into your attic to find out if you have the right kind of insulation and enough of it. If not, investing in getting that up to grade is better than installing a strong HVAC system!
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.
Consider an annual service agreement for technicians to regularly inspect your AC unit. Schedule brief inspections for the winter to make sure nothing is obviously wrong. The most important time for an inspection and service is just before it starts getting warm. You don't want to discover an AC breakdown when you need it working most.
Never accept the first offer you get when you are looking to hire an HVAC contractor. There are many people out there that charge more than others for doing the same services. Getting price quotes from several companies can help ensure that you are getting a rate that is acceptable.
Any HVAC contractor you hire should have a 24-hour emergency hotline. Particularly if you have a family, you may need service at odd hours or on weekends.
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.
To block out the sun on hot summer days, allowing your air conditioner to run less frequently, invest in heat blocking drapes. These textiles come in beautiful patterns and colors today, looking just like their designer counterparts. They will keep the heat out so that your home stays cooler without costing you an arm and a leg on utility bills.
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.
When buying an air conditioner, you want to find out with a SEER rating of 13 or higher. 13 is the minimum standard set by the government, so higher ratings, while not mandatory, are going to offer you better AC HVAC Companies efficiency. SEER ratings can go as high as 19, so keep this in mind as you shop.
Nobody like dealing with HVAC issues. However, if they become well-informed on the topic, the process can be smoother. Keep these tips handy so that you can refer to them as needed.
