Article by-Black Sheridan
One of the most important things in a home can be its HVAC system, and it is vital that any homeowner understand how it works. If you would like good tips on how to maintain your HVAC system, then the following article is for you. Read on and learn and get beneficial information that can help you better understand your HVAC system.
If your HVAC doesn't seem to be working properly, check things out yourself prior to calling in a technician. Pay attention to which areas of the house are warm and which ones are cool. The contractor can probably figure out and fix the problem easier.
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.
When seeking a new contractor, ask loved ones for referrals.
repair air conditioner '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.
An HVAC system is a really expensive investment. This is why you should do some browsing before purchasing your system. Try to find a good sale so you can get your system at a discount. Check out a couple of sites before making a decision. A great site to begin is www.energystar.gov.
If you want to seriously extend the life of your HVAC system, as well as cut down your overall power bill, install ceiling fans in commonly used warm season rooms. Energy-star certified ceiling fans can sometimes cut your HVAC use in half. However, you won't physically notice a difference in temperature.
If you have fans in place to help make your HVAC more efficient, be sure that they're turning in the right direction. They should be pushing air downwards over the people in the room to help cool their skin. If it's blowing upwards, all it does is push hot air into the room.
Make sure that your AC is turned off when you are not using it. You don't need to keep the house cool if you aren't there. If it is on all day, it is trying to maintain a cool temperature constantly, using a great deal of electricity to fight the heat.
Service your HVAC yearly. An HVAC specialist will inspect the entire system, including the oil, the motor, and the ducts. Your unit will last longer this way.
Looking for an efficient way to cool your home? Consider installing a whole-house evaporative cooler. They use water to cool air instead of traditional chemical coolants, using a ton less energy to cool your home than those other units.
https://storage.googleapis.com/burfordheatingandairconditioning/brantfordontario.html said, they do work best in dry climates and not at all in humid ones.
If you don't want to install ductwork in your home, consider a mini-split system instead. They work form the outside in, allowing your whole home to cool without a central air conditioner. This allows you to enjoy all of your indoor space in a cool, comfortable way all summer long.
Keep your condensers free of nearby obstructions. Keep plants, fencing, even bushes back and away from the unit. Two feet is a good minimum distance it should have from anything, including walls, but the more space you give it to breathe, the better it will work and the less likely it will be to fail.
Try to stay away from HVAC contractors that ask for upfront payments before they are willing to get started on the work they were hired to do. In many cases, this means that they are more concerned about getting paid than they are about making sure the job is done well.
Get bids from several companies before deciding who you are going to hire to install or repair your HVAC system. Most people know to avoid the company that has the highest quote, but you should also stay away from the one with the lowest. The price may be lower due to shoddy workmanship an/or using low-quality equipment.
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.
Replace the air filter monthly. This will maximize the production of your HVAC. Filters cost only a few dollars, so it's a small monthly price to pay.
A great way to reduce the stress on your HVAC unit is to install ceiling fans in your home. During the summer, you can have them blow downward to cool the air and make your home feel more comfortable. In the winter you can reverse the direction and circulate warm air trapped at the ceiling.
When you hire a contractor to do a job, be sure to listen to what they tell you. For example, they can give you advice on how to keep your HVAC in working order. Ask about maintenance tips and how often you should be cleaning or servicing the unit.
If you want to buy a new HVAC unit or system, ask a contractor to come up to size up your home and tell you what options you have. They'll have the best advice as they know what sort of systems work in your area or in a home like yours.
Place a cover around your condenser in the winter months. This will allow it to last longer when you're not using it. If the temperature outside is lower than sixty, do not use the compressor. Turn on the fan and avoid straining the unit.
HVAC isn't too difficult to teach yourself about once you have some great advice in mind about it. Generally this is something you should take some time with so you know that you're going to get great results. Good luck with this and hopefully you come out on top with it all!