HVAC is something to look into if you’re a homeowner or if you know someone that is. This is important so that you can be sure the air and heating systems are always working properly. Here are some pieces of advice about all of this to get you started with this subject.
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. If something goes wrong or you don’t get what you were promised, protecting you from shady contractors, this will allow you to follow up.
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. Also the set up and the overall energy costs, even though you’ll want to compare not only the cost of the equipment.
When you cut the grass, don’t cover the outdoor units with their clippings. Aim the grass clippings in the other direction. Make sure you move around the blow and unit the leaves away from it while blowing your leaves.
Leaves and debris can damage your system. Once nearby trees start shedding their leaves make sure you clean out your fan grill often. An obstruction, such as a leaf, prevents the maximum amount of cool air from entering the system.
Keep your condensers free of nearby obstructions. Keepfencing and plants, even bushes back and away from the unit. The more space you give it to breathe, the better it will work and the less likely it will be to fail, even though two feet is a good minimum distance it should have from anything, including walls.
In order to cheaply cool your home, turn the temperature up. If you take a few showers a day or just drink a cold ice water, you’ll find that you’re saving a lot of money on your utility bills by keeping the thermostat a little higher than usual in your home.
A programmable thermostat is a simple way to help save money on air conditioning costs. Such thermostats help you save around ten percent when it comes to energy costs. Take advantage of the convenience of the ability to control many programable thermostats from your favorite electronic device.
When you are away from home, adjust your thermostat to a money saving temperature. Sure, the temp will rise, but no one is home anyway. If the A/C is on when you’re gone, it’ll be working hard constantly.
Air conditioners occasionally freeze up, literally. This can also happen on the drain line. Put your thermostat over to fan if this happens. You should call a pro to fix this problem, even if switching it to its fan setting starts making the ice melt.
The energy efficiency of a unit should be taken into consideration when purchasing a new heating and cooling system. Although you should be concerned about the price of a unit, the efficiency of the unit will save you thousands over the lifetime of the heating and cooling system and should weigh heavily on your buying decision.
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!
Determine the direction your home is facing to help get your HVAC system functioning efficiently. Strategically placing trees around your home can block some of the heat coming from the sun, preventing your home from overheating. That will take some of the pressure off your HVAC unit.
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.
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. Opt for a compressor-style unit as it’s the only one which will work if you live in a humid area.
To boost your home HVAC’s efficiency, install solar screening. It reflects sunlight back outside, stopping it from heating up your home. Your air conditioner will be able to run less in the daytime, and your energy bill will plummet as a result. You can install this on any glass you have, doors or windows.
Upon completing this article, you should have learned a great deal about what to look for in an HVAC system. Keeping the inside of your home at a pleasant temperature, no matter what it is like outside, should be your goal. Use what you have read here to choose a great new system.