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. You'll want to compare not only the cost of the equipment, but also the set up and the overall energy costs.
Clean the coils of your condenser fan each month. Always shut off all power to your unit for any work beyond superficial cleaning. If you see debris, get rid of it.
Make sure that your contractor provides a home assessment. Not every HVAC solution is for everyone. Your home could have special needs for heating and cooling. Your contractor should do a walk around of your space to judge what is best. If they aren't be sure to request one.
Once it gets cold outside, you should turn off the outdoor condenser unit. If it's less than 60 degrees outside, turn the unit off. This can ensure your unit is working well throughout the years without the cost of repairs.
If you can, install double-paned windows throughout your home. To keep your home cool, investing in double pane windows is a must. This same effect also keeps warm air in during the winter months.
If the house is yours or you're permitted to, replace the windows that are single pane with windows that are double pane. In warmer months, these windows will help to maintain the cooler inside temperature. Likewise, heat is better retained during the winter.
An investment in a smart thermostat is truly going to save you money. You can program it to turn on and off at certain temperatures or times, allowing you to ensure that your air conditioner or heater isn't running when it doesn't need to be, saving you a ton.
Keep your condensers free of nearby obstructions. Keep plants, fencing, even bushes back and away from the unit. Two feet is a good minimum distance it should have from anything, including walls, but the more space you give it to breathe, the better it will work and the less likely it will be to fail.
Don't allow your home to become dangerously hot. An AC unit will reduce the internal temperature of your home approximately twenty degrees in a fair time. If your home become 100F or more, it will only cool off to about 80F. Taking into consideration the humidity level, this may not even be adequate for the human body to recover from excessive heat while sleeping.
Get an estimate before agreeing to have any work done on your HVAC unit. This will help keep you from being surprised by a bill at the end. Any reputable technician should be able to look at your unit, determine the problem and click here give you an estimate as to how much it will cost to fix it.
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.
For your outdoor HVAC unit, make sure that your foliage is cleared around it. Two feet distance between the HVAC unit and shrubs is a good amount to remember. If you let the foliage creep up on the unit, it can cause all sorts of issues with debris and growth into the system.
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.
Look for leaves or other debris if you notice a thumping sound in your unit. Often it is being caused by debris hitting fans in your cooling system. Removing the debris solves the issue. See if you can do it yourself before getting a professional.
If you have known the frustration of an HVAC failure, you know that one of the best things you can do as a homeowner is acquaint yourself with a skilled contractor. However, knowing what to look for in an HVAC professional takes a bit of research and study. Use the advice found above, and you will always be prepared for anything.
