If you are having issues with your HVAC, do a tour of your house before you call in help. Figure out which rooms are hot and cold. If you do this, it will be a great help to the future contractor, who will now be able to quickly locate the problem 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.
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.
Lubricate the oil ports on your condenser once each year. You'll find these ports are covered with a metal or rubber cap. Pick out a SAE 20 type of oil because it has no detergent, is lightweight, and you should put around 10 drops in the ports but make it to where they don't get too full.
If you want to know more about efficiently heating or cooling your home, go online and download the ENERGY STAR Guide. It provides information for homeowners to learn more about how they can save money while still keeping their home comfortable all year round, so it is a worthy ready.
You must keep your HVAC systems oil ports lubricated annually. You'll find these ports are covered with a metal or rubber cap. 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.
Turn off your outdoor condenser when it's getting cold. When the temperature goes below 60 degrees, shut off the unit in order to prevent damage. You will save in repair bills and increase the efficiency of your system.
Ask your friends and relations for their HVAC contractor recommendations. People who have been happy with work they have had done in the past are normally more than happy to recommend their contractors. This will also help you avoid scammers.
If you want to pay for less power use, consider installing an HVAC-specific solar panel system. Such an installation harnesses the power of the sun directly for your heating and air conditioning. Don't worry though; you can have a switch put in that automatically connects to the power here grid the days there isn't enough sun.
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.
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.
Make sure things don't get too hot or cold where your thermostat is. Any electronics or heat sources like lamps or televisions nearby can trick the thermostat into thinking the home is warmer than it actually is. This just means it runs your air conditioning longer than necessary, wasting energy and money.
The energy efficiency of 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.
Contractors determine their own fee levels, so make sure to get multiple quotes. By calling around and asking a few different contractors, you can save a ton of money. Ideally, you should call five to six contractors to get a good idea of what a reasonable rate is.
If your home gets hot in the summer and you'd like to use your air conditioner less often, consider a metal roof. It reflects the heat right back up into the sky, allowing your home to gain less heat on sunny days. Since metal roofs are permanent, you'll save on repair and replacement costs also.
Nobody wants to face issues with their home HVAC system. Suffering through a cold night or a sweltering afternoon because repairs to or replacement of existing equipment is necessary is something nobody wants to deal with. Fortunately, the information presented above can help demystify the process and help readers get the assistance they need.
