HVAC: What You Should Know Before You Begin

TIP! Before you call someone to help you fix your system, be sure to know what sort of system you have in place. Write down what brand your system is along with the model number and, if they’re available, maintenance records.

The way your home is heated or cooled properly. That means your HVAC system healthy. If you’re not able to take care of it, it can lead to expensive repairs and an uncomfortable way of living. Here are some tips to help you started.

Clean your condenser’s fan blades and coils each spring to ensure that your condenser fan operates at it’s best. Clean the outside of your external condenser unit.

TIP! Before the summer you should clean out your condenser fan’s blades and coils. Always shut off all power to your unit for any work beyond superficial cleaning.

Turn it off so you don’t get hurt or break something. Next, pop the grill off, pull out the blades and start cleaning them and the unit itself off gently.

Have your HVAC serviced twice per year. This should be done in the fall and malfunctions.

TIP! Be sure to clean the fan blades and coils of the condenser fan. Before you get started, cut the power.

Turn off any outdoor condenser units when the weather turns cold. This should turn it off to prevent damage if the weather falls under 60 degrees Farenheit. This simple tip will help keep the system working for years to come.

It is a good idea to replace single-paned windows with ones that have double pane ones. This will help you keep in heat when it gets cold.

A programmable thermostat can help you save money on air conditioning bill. Some programmable thermostats can even be controlled from a computer.

TIP! To save money and be more comfortable in your home, install double-paned windows instead of single pane. Double-pane windows keep inside air cooler, allowing you to reduce AC usage in the summertime.

During your service visit, the serviceman will inspect the unit’s motor, the moving parts will be oiled and the freon levels will be checked These simple things will help your HVAC system running smoothly.

TIP! You can keep energy costs in your home lower by choosing to have professional maintenance done on your HVAC unit. An HVAC specialist will inspect the entire system, including the oil, the motor, and the ducts.

Never allow your home to rise to a dangerously hot inside. Air conditioners can only really cool your home down 20 degrees or so within a reasonable time limit. If your home happens to get near 100 degrees Fahrenheit, you would only be able to cool it down just above 80 degrees. This is not a healthy environment to live in.

TIP! If you’re away from home during the day, raise the temperature setting on your air conditioner to save money. The house will only heat up to a certain point.

Research the reputation of companies before hiring them.Check with different references to determine the BBB and look for your situation. Doing these things beforehand will allow you to make a better decision.

Companies that are well established have a better record than those that haven’t been. It is riskier to hire someone who does not have a contractor with little experience.

TIP! Sometimes, air conditioners collect ice. There are sometimes also freezes that happen in a drain line, and this can be confused for a plumbing leak.

There are plenty of websites online that let customers talk about how they were treated by services. This is an excellent method of finding people that you are interested in dealing with and those that you don’t.

TIP! Use an HVAC company that has been in business for a while. This gives you some history so that you can be sure the company is reliable.

Think about having a radiant barrier in your attic so your HVAC system can run better. It blocks outside heat from coming in which will serve as a barrier between your home and the outside. You may even find that you can use the attic space if it is done right.

Check for duct leaks if you you feel your existing system is not up to snuff. When these leaks are fixed, you’ll see that the tests paid for themselves.

TIP! Do you need a new HVAC unit? There are several things you should consider. HVAC systems have a rating to determine how much space you should use it on.

Figure out which direction your home is facing so your HVAC system can work better. The cooler your home already is, the less time that the AC has to work.

Make certain they are tightly sealed so air inside. You can hire a professional.

TIP! To run your HVAC at full efficiency, you must have efficient doors and windows in place as well. Make certain they have tight seals to keep air inside.

Pick an HVAC companies that understands the unit and can work quickly. The most reliable companies make sure their technicians stay on schedule. A knowledgeable technician should also easily diagnose any problems with your HVAC unit quickly. Once they know what’s wrong, fixing it should be quick and easy.

Ask any potential contractor about their experience prior to hiring them. Make sure they are experienced doing the kind of work that is needed.

Always request references prior to hiring any contractor.

TIP! Choose an HVAC contractor who know what he is doing and works quickly. A reliable company will ensure their technicians keep appointments and stay on their schedule.

Any HVAC contractor or installer should have a 24-hour emergency number available to customers around the clock. They should be able to get to your home whenever you need them there, in any weather.

Always follow up on any references provided to you receive for an HVAC contractor.

TIP! Check in on the references for your contractor. It’s important to know if the contractor does as he says.

Consider a programmable thermostat installed.This can save you a great deal on your energy bills because when you adjust the temperature to sync with your settings to ensure optimal performance.

TIP! Make certain that a new HVAC has the Energy Star on it. These products are held to a high standard of efficiency.

You might be surprised to discover that as much as 66% of households have ducts that are leaky. These leaky ducts can account for up to one fourth of your home’s utility costs. Sealing the ducts is easy and cheap to do yourself, and it can significantly decrease your electrical bill yearly thereafter.

TIP! Almost 2/3 of homes have ducts that are leaking. This can result in as much as one fourth of your utility bills.

Look for an HVAC contractors that uses Energy Star products and equipment. This rating means that the EPA standards for efficiency. This will help you save a bit of money on the bills when it comes to your cooling and heating costs.

TIP! Seek out HVAC contractors who only use products that carry the Energy Star label. Unite that are Energy Star rated meet United States efficiency guidelines established by the Environmential Protection Agengy or EPA.

Clean your ducts on a regular basis. Look often at the ducts regularly so you can make sure they are in good shape. Damaged ducts increase the energy bill and waste warm air.

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Be sure to ask for written HVAC company are in writing. You need these estimates written down for you. There are many jobs that require you to get written estimates of the cost. This procedure helps to ensure you receive good service. Compare various elements of the estimates you are offered.

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You now see what you need to do in order to maintain your HVAC system. Avoid letting it fail by regularly maintaining the system. These tips will help you keep your unit maintained and should help you if you ever need it replaced as well.