Learning about HVAC may seem daunting, but if you have the right information, it doesn’t have to be a difficult task. If you like this type of thing, this article can offer extra knowledge. Just continue reading and by the time you’re through, you’ll know something about HVAC systems that you didn’t know when you began!
Know the name and type of your HVAC system before looking for a repair person. Learn the brand and the model. This helps make sure the contractor has the information they will need.
If your HVAC system is acting up, take a tour of the house prior to calling a professional. Determine which rooms are hotter or colder than they should be. The contractor can probably figure out and fix the problem easier.
Look for shade when placing a compressor outdoors. When the unit sucks in cooler air, then less work is required to cool it further which in turn boosts the units efficiency.
To increase the efficiency of your HVAC unit, be sure to keep it in the shade. It will help you save on your energy bill when you do this.
If you can, use double-paned windows instead of single-paned ones. Double pane windows will allow you to use less air during the summer because cooler air will stay in your house. Likewise, heat is better retained during the winter.
To help lower cooling costs when not at home, make sure the air conditioner is turned off. You may want to turn your unit off if your house will not become extremely hot or cold. If will be constantly fighting the heat and using lots of electricity if it is left on all day.
Occasionally, ice will form on your AC. Freezes also occur in your drain line. These freezes are easily confused as leaks to the untrained eye. When you see ice, turn the unit to fan. You can call a HVAC professional, but switching to the fan will make the ice melt.
There are plenty of online tools, such as sizing calculators, which can help you find the best unit to cool your home. While you might think that a larger HVAC system is always better, in fact, larger systems sometimes are not the best choice for a particular space. Look at the manual for more information.
Before you hire any HVAC company, ask them how long they’ve been open for business. Established companies that are doing well will usually be the best ones to go with. Hiring a contractor who is just starting out can be risky.
Speak with family and friends to get a recommendation for a reputable HVAC contractor. People who’ve had great service are usually willing to tell of it. This will also help you to avoid undesirable companies.
If you don’t know who you should contact to do your HVAC maintenance or any installations, look online to see if you can find reviews. There are different sites that let customers share experiences of different services. This method provides you with all the information you need to make the best hiring decisions.
Do you need a new cooling system? You probably have many options available to you. Systems are rated by the amount of area the system can heat and cool effectively. You want a unit which offers a little more than you need.
If your existing system is malfunctioning, look for leaks in the ducts. You can call a utility company in your area to help you with testing, and that doesn’t cost much or nothing at all usually. You’ll see the test pays for itself once all leaks are fixed.
If you would like your HVAC unit to be more efficient, simply look at where the front of your home faces. Strategically placed trees outside your home can block out the morning sun which can cause your home to overheat. The less heat in your home, the less time your air conditioner will have to work.
Take measurements of the space you are trying to cool. You will need about 20 BTU per square footage of the room. If more than one room needs AC service, combine all the square footage.
It is important to think about the direction air flows from your unit. Make sure you have plenty of air flow control options if you are forced to install the unit in a corner.
Never hire a contractor before asking about the work experience they have when it comes to dealing with HVAC units. You need to be sure that they’re able to do the work and have done it before. Less experienced workers could work out just fine, but you really shouldn’t take any chances.
Protect your condenser unit from winter weather by placing a cover around it. This will increase the life of your condenser. Additionally, it’s important to remember not to utilize the compressor if your outside temperatures drop below 69 degrees. Use the fan instead to avoid putting strain on the condenser unit.
Always check any references that you receive for an HVAC contractor. Sometimes, they just got good reviews because their price is low. It doesn’t take long to check out someone’s references, so do it.
Any contractor that is giving you a quote should do a calculation on heat-loss. This determines the number of BTUs needed to maintain comfort in your home. This number will depend on the number of doors and windows in your home.
When your install or repair an HVAC system, find out about installing a thermostat that you can program. This sort of device will save you a lot of money in terms of energy because it allows your system some downtime while you are warm in your bed.
Look for an HVAC system that is rated as Energy Star compliant, as that will save you the most amount of money. Products with this logo save money on electricity and are much more environmentally friendly. The EPA regulates the guidelines for the star. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Investing in a search for the most energy efficient unit will pay off in considerable long-term savings on utility bills.
Now you can see that an HVAC is not a difficult subject when you have the right information. Be sure you pay close attention to everything as you learn. Use these guidelines to make it work.