Understand how HVAC works is key to having a good system at home. In order to maintain it properly the homeowner should know important information about it. If you would like good tips about an HVAC system you plan to purchase, or one that is already at your home, then continue ahead to the following article.
Get any agreement with an HVAC contractor in writing. Some contractors try to skip over this step and charge customers a fortune. If you have a certain price and warranty in writing, they cannot go back and change this information. If consultant do, they could have a lawsuit on their hands.
Before the summer you should clean out your condenser fan's blades and coils. Always shut the power off before doing any work or cleaning on the unit. The outside condenser unit should be kept free of leaves and other debris.
Try to choose a shady place to locate the outdoor compressor device. If it sucks in cool air, it will need to work less to coll the air inside, which can make it last longer.
Make sure that the HVAC contractor you plan to hire does not use subcontractors to do their work. Many people use this as an excuse to shirk their responsibility in the event that something goes wrong when your system is being worked on. Only allow this if there is a note in the contract about what will happen if there is an issue.
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.
If you are looking to save money with your HVAC system, consider turning down the air conditioner in the summer and turning the heat down in the winter. Putting on a sweater on a cold day can save you a ton of money on your utility bill, as can enjoying a cold drink instead of heavy air conditioning use.
Every year hire someone to give your HVAC unit routine maintenance. This will ensure that it works properly throughout the entire year. It will also allow you to have lower heating and cooling bills. When your HVAC is running properly, it will use the least amount of energy and save you money.
Before having someone install a new HVAC system or maintain or repair yours, make sure they are insured. Having someone who is insured work on your system will assure that if anything happens while they are working at your home, they are financially covered and you will not be responsible.
Do you need a new HVAC unit? There are things you must consider first. Systems are rated by the amount of area the system can heat and cool effectively. It is best to get a bigger unit than you need, instead of a smaller one.
Whether you have an air conditioner in a window or outside your home, be sure to keep it in the shade. The cooler the air around it, and the cooler the condenser itself, the easier a time it will have of keeping the air inside your home cool as well.
Ask your friends and relations for their HVAC contractor recommendations. Those who have had this work done will know the best options. This can also help you to figure out some names of businesses that you should avoid at all costs.
When toilet ventilation fan condenses on your air conditioner, it drips into a pan and drains out. This drain should be inspected on a regular basis. If algae forms in the drain line or if the drain line freezes, you could be in for some expensive repairs. The drip pan could overflow causing extensive damage to your ceilings.
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.
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.
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 efficiency. SEER ratings can go as high as 19, so keep this in mind as you shop.
In order to determine the size of the air conditioner to purchase, you must measure the area that you want to cool. In general, you need 20 BTU for each square foot. Calculate the total square footage of all rooms if you will use the air conditioner to cool more than one room.
Any contractor that gives you a quote over the phone shouldn't be trusted. To truly evaluate your needs, they must come into your home and check it out basement to attic. If they make promises without even seeing your house, there is no way they'll be able to keep them.
It is very important for anyone in search of a new HVAC system understand what to look for. Thankfully, the above article gave you excellent tips on this topic. Now the next time you need information about your HVAC system, you can refer back to this article for helpful ideas.