What You Need To Learn Before Calling An HVAC Tech For Help
Many people want to learn more about their HVAC unit, but they aren't sure where to begin because they think it is simply too complicated. This need not be the case. Use the information and advice offered in the tips below so that you can take your HVAC maintenance into your own hands.
When spring rolls around, give the condenser fan blades and coils a good clean. Start by turning off the power to avoid having anything move when you work on it. Next, pop off the grill, pull out the blades and start cleaning them and the unit itself off gently.
Sometimes, it can be hard to figure out if your HVAC system needs to be fixed or needs to be replaced. If your system frequently breaks down, is always turning on or off on its own, or if your bills are too high, it may pay to have it replaced. Otherwise, little things can just be fixed.
Keep energy costs from rising by having your system serviced annually. This visit will include a motor inspection and checking the freon. These repairs will keep your HVAC system running smoothly.
Change your air conditioner filter quarterly, or four times a year. This not only keeps the air coming into your home easier and cleaner to breathe, it takes a lot of stress off of your AC unit itself. You get to enjoy health, money savings and reduced energy use altogether at once.
When you are looking for a service provider to perform service on your HVAC system, look for a company that stands behind their work. This is especially important if your compressor or condenser is being repaired. Repairs to these two things are extremely expensive, so you want to ensure that the service provider warranties their work.
How long has the contractor been in business? Someone that has been in the business for a while probably isn't going to scam you. Hiring a contractor who is just starting out can be risky.
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.
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. That said, they do work best in dry climates and not at all in humid ones.
A radiant barrier is something that you may want to consider. This blocks heat from entering your home, which lowers how much energy is needed to keep it cool in the warm months. If you do things right your attic can be used as a living space too.
Your HVAC can work more efficiently if you take into consideration which way your home faces. Consider where to place trees to reduce the morning sunlight on your home. A cooler home means less work for your air conditioner.
In order to save money overnight, buy an air conditioner with a switch that sets it to be fan-only. This will push hot air outside and bring in cool air from near the ground. Turn this on just before bed so that you can cool the house as you sleep.
Make sure you wipe up any water that is close to the air intake of the vents of your HVAC system. Clean up any water that is standing around because water can cause mold to easily expand. Some water buildup is normal but if you're picking up water more than once every six months you might have a problem, so contact a HVAC technician.
Hire contractors who offer guarantees of at least 5 year on all labor and parts. This will ensure that you can go back to them to fix anything that goes wrong shortly after your system is installed or repaired. Anyone who doesn't offer a guarantee won't come back unless you pay them again.
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.
Get your work order in writing. You should always have a written proposal before the HVAC contractor begins work. This will help prevent overspending, or any extra fees or expenses that you may be unaware of. Make sure you go over it with your contractor so that you understand every charge.
Working on HVAC won't be too difficult if you can implement the advice that you were given in the above article. Without these tips, the subject is much more difficult. Start today and in the end you'll succeed!