Top HVAC Secrets For Saving Money And Time

Many people don’t even think about their HVAC until there is an issue. Once you reach this point, maintenance is forgotten and expensive repairs become mandatory. Selecting the best contractor to fix or install an HVAC need not be intimidating. The article helps you work your way through this process.

Know what work you want done before you select an HVAC contractor. It’s hard for these contractors to give phone estimates without seeing the current system you have. You need to know how to describe any issues. Know the right information ahead of time.

Clean the fan blades and coils on the condenser fan every spring. First, the power should be turned off so things don’t move as you work. Then, take the grill off, pull the blades out, and gently clean them as well as the unit itself.

When you are cutting the grass, be sure not to cover your outdoor units with clippings. Try shooting the clippings away from it. Make sure you move around the unit and blow the leaves away from it while blowing your leaves.

The HVAC unit in your home can become damaged from falling leaves. When the leaves fall from nearby trees, clean the grill of your fan often. The fan needs to be able to get proper air inside without any blockages, and extra blockage can later develop into more serious problems.

Programmable Thermostat

One way to save some money with A/C is by having a programmable thermostat installed. A programmable thermostat can save you up to ten percent on your cooling and heating costs by simply turning the thermostat back ten to fifteen percent for eight hours a day. Also, you can find a thermostat that is controllable from a computer or smart phone.

Regular maintenance of your unit should be performed annually. During a maintenance visit, professionals can help by inspecting the system’s motor, oil the different moving parts as well as check the system’s freon levels. This maintenance means that your system will operate optimally.

If there isn’t anyone at home, then there’s no need for the AC unit to be running and wasting electricity. Your home will become somewhat warmer during this time. The unit will use a large amount of electricity to combat the heat during the day when the house is empty.

Never allow the temperature in your home to rise to a dangerously high level. AC units will only cool a house down 20 degrees. So, if you house heats up to about 95, you won’t see the temperature go below 75 for a while. With high humidity, this is an unsafe temperature even for sleeping.

Research multiple contractors before choosing one. It is a good idea to check with the BBB and look for reviews from prior clients. Doing these things beforehand will allow you to make a smart decision.

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. If you choose to hire a new contractor, you may be risking things.

Ask your friends, relatives, and coworkers about their experiences with HVAC contractors in your area. People who have been happy with work they have had done in the past are normally more than happy to recommend their contractors. You are likely to also hear about negative experiences.

If you aren’t sure who to call for HVAC maintenance, repairs, or installation, look online for reviews. There are plenty of websites online that offer reviews and referrals for HVAC repair and other important service. This will tell you who is great and who isn’t.

Which way does your home face? Consider where to place trees to reduce the morning sunlight on your home. Anything that provides shade from direct sunlight can reduce the temperature inside your home and help reduce your energy bill for air conditioning during warm months.

To keep your HVAC unit running at full capacity, you should have quality doors and windows installed that are efficient. Make sure that their seals are tight and that they do not allow air to seep in or out. Ask a contractor to test them for you.

Measure the area that needs cooling before buying a unit. You can usually substitute 20 BTU for each square foot in the area to be cooled. If multiple rooms need cooling, add together their square footage to reach this calculation.

Each month, you need to get a new air filter and install it in your unit. It is an easy thing to do yourself in order to have your system running well. Also, this will not cost a lot of money.

Choose an HVAC contractor who know what he is doing and works quickly. The best companies keep the technicians working honestly and on time. The best workers can take a look at your system rather quickly and diagnose the trouble. Once they know what’s wrong, they should also know how to get them resolved efficiently and quickly.

Understand where the air flows in your home and use that information to determine where to put your AC unit. If you can only put the unit in the corner, get a unit that lets you direct air flow away from any walls.

Always get some references prior to hiring any contractor. You want to be able to ask if what was expected is what the homeowner got, such as being on time and on budget. Checking references helps you avoid scammers.

Make sure that your contractor can be reached at all times. A good company will have repairman available in any weather situation.

Did your contractor calculate your heat-loss ratio before giving you their quote? This helps ensure that you get a unit with the right BTUs to ensure your home is always comfortable, regardless of the outside weather. They need to consider all doors and windows, insulation and room sizes.

Now that you know a thing or two about HVAC systems, you should feel comfortable dealing with them. You will have the information you need if you have to get your system fixed. Use what you’ve just learned to make it a simple process.