One key feature of any home is the HVAC system and how it all works. One that is poorly designed and not functioning properly can end up costing you a lot of extra money. So it is important that you know what to look for in HVAC systems. Keep reading for an education on this subject.
To make sure your condenser fan works properly, keep the fan blades and the coils clean. Before you clean the unit, be sure to turn off the power. The outside condenser unit should be kept free of leaves and other debris.
If you must hire someone to help you out with your HVAC system, be sure to learn about all of the requirements your state has legislated regarding licencing and insurance. You need to be able to ask anyone you plan to hire if they meet these requirements before you hire them.
When the spring comes and the days begin to warm up, call in a pro to give your HVAC a once over. This will ensure that your air conditioner works as expected all summer long, stopping you from sweating it out when you least expect the system to fail.
Many homeowners forget to oil their condenser at least once per year, but it is required. You can find these ports covered with rubber or metal caps. Use SAE 20 oil that is non-detergent and lightweight, and put 10 drops or fewer in each port, but make sure to avoid overfilling them.
Look for calculators online to help you determine the size of unit you need for your home. If you purchase something that is too big, it won't be cost effective to run. Check your manual to figure out what the rating is from the manufacturer to be sure you're getting the right information.
Use plants to increase your air conditioner's effectiveness. An AC unit fully shaded by trees and shrubbery can operate up to 10 percent more efficiently. However, do keep spacing in mind. Air flow must not be constricted, and technicians need room to work when they come out to service your unit.
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.
When you buy a new air conditioning unit, don't let the salesperson talk you into too large of a unit. This will be a waste of money and won't efficiently cool your home. The longer a system runs, the more efficient it will be when it's running, so look for one which runs 15 to 30 minutes.
The energy efficiency of Cost Of Adding AC To A Home 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.
Always ask for references before you allow anyone to start doing work on your HVAC system. Call several of them to make sure that they are legitimate. Many people take the word of the contractor when it comes to customer satisfaction and that can prove to be a mistake in the end.
There are sizing calculators available to determine the proper sized system for your home. If you purchase a unit that's too large, it will not be efficient since it'll cool the same. Check the manual to see what the manufacturer rates the unit to cool for accurate information.
If you don't know who to call to maintenance, repair, or install your HVAC, search for reviews online. There are a lot of sites these days that let customers talk about their experiences with contractors. This will make it easier for you to find the right contractor.
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.
If you do only one thing for HVAC maintenance, it ought to be replacing the air filter. This is an easy thing to do and it will keep your HVAC system running well. These filters are only a couple dollars.
If you are purchasing an AC unit, take measurements. You need to know how big the area is that you want to have cooled off. The area's calculation can help you figure out what the size is and there are 20 BTUs for every foot squared in this area. Just measure your rooms and tally up the total square footage.
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.
Hire an HVAC contractor that is efficient and quick. Reliable companies insist that their technicians are prompt. They should be able to diagnose issues quickly. When they know what the problem is, they should know how to fix it quickly so that it works properly.
Whatever you buy should be energy efficient. That means you need to purchase something with an Energy Star label. In particular, you should take a look at the SEER rating. The larger the number, the less you should have to pay in energy costs each month. Even if the unit is a little more expensive initially, you should get that investment back over time.
Ask a contractor about their experience prior to hiring them. You need to be sure that they're able to do the work and have done it before. You want a top professional on the job.
As stated in the introduction, it is your home's HVAC system that lets you enjoy a consistent indoor temperature range all year long. Regardless of the season, your properly maintained home heating, ventilation and air conditioning means you rest comfortably inside. Use the advice from this article to make sure that your home stays the temperature you want.
