Content by-Reimer Skaaning
Not everyone knows a lot about HVAC service and contractors. This fact can become a problem if it is time to work on a heating or cooling problem in a home. Fortunately, the information that follows can help any homeowner find the information they need.
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. This will allow you to follow up if something goes wrong or you don't get what you were promised, protecting you from shady contractors.
If there are condenser units as part of your HVAC system, clean them often as they tend to have lots of debris. Falling leaves and wind or rain may cause debris to reduce the efficiency of your unit. It could overheat and cause a disaster with your unit.
Clean the fan blades and coils in your condenser each spring. Turn the power off so nothing moves. Then take off the grill, take the blades out, and gently clean them.
When your contractor comes to fix your unit or install a new one, he should walk around your home and investigate what's going on with your current set-up. They should be looking for how much insulation you have, where your windows are and what quality they are and more.
Lubricate the oil ports on your condenser once each year.
air conditioning companies 'll see that the ports here are closed with a rubber or metal cap. Chose SAE 20 oil, which has been proven to be the most effective.
Manage the heat flow into your home with window coverings to help out your HVAC system. In the warmer months, use drapes, curtains and blinds to block out sunward facing windows to keep heat from building up through the greenhouse effect. Alternatively, make sure that sunlit windows are letting light and warmth in during the colder months.
If your evaporator coil, found inside your home, becomes dirty, your unit will lose efficiency. Just pop off the front panel of the furnace and check to see that the coil is dry. Using a brush attachment on a vacuum, gently clean the coil of any dust or other debris.
Find out how many years an HVAC company has been in business before you hire them. Established companies that are doing well will usually be the best ones to go with. If you hire someone that's new that this then you'll be risking your 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.
Consider painting the outside of your home in a light color to reflect heat if you live in a hot climate. If your summers are cool, use a dark color to instead heat up your home in the winter. This simple change can end up saving you a lot on your utility bills.
If you have a window air conditioner, be sure to check and see if it has an Energy Saver button. If so, use it! This turns off the fan when the unit isn't actually cooling the air, which can save you as much as 30 kwh over the period of a month!
Having a radiant barrier in your attic helps you HVAC system run better. It blocks outside heat from coming in which will make sure you won't have to use more energy to keep your home cool when it's hot outside. If this is done properly, it will help extend your living space.
Choose a good HVAC company. You need to find one that has a solid reputation. It's important that it has been around for several years and is backed by a good reputation in customer service. Find one that has trained professionals and qualified technicians to help with all kinds of customer needs. They should be able to handle any HVAC job no matter how simple or complex.
Check the licensing of any HVAC company that you plan to hire. Start by making sure they are fully licensed. They should be in compliance with your state's business laws. Good HVAC companies should be fully insured. This is to protect their company, their employees, and their customers should anything happen when they are performing a service at the home of a customer.
Consider a digital window air conditioner with a remote to make use easy as pie. These often come with a thermostat in the remote, turning off the unit when the air near the remote is cool enough. Place the remote on the other side of the room so that the whole area cools down.
If you plan on having a service on your HVAC unit, ask the technician what he will be doing. Any thorough service should consist of several things. The technician should check temperature levels, pressures, amperage draw, and coolant levels. They should adjust any belts that need it and clean the coils.
Be sure to replace your HVAC air filters every month. This is an easy and essential thing to do. It is a small cost to do this.
When comparing quotes from multiple contractors, think carefully about those on the bottom of the price list. It's likely they didn't really look into your home deeply, or they're making promises they can't keep. Do they offer you a guarantee? Are they insured? Do they have a current licence in your state?
When you hire a contractor to do a job, be sure to listen to what they tell you. For
visit the up coming article , 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.
Dealing with an HVAC system that's not working right can be a nightmare for most people. However, if they become well-informed on the topic, the process can be smoother. Use the information in this article to assist you with your HVAC maintenance.