If you want to keep your air conditioning unit running efficiently, make sure you replace or clean the air filter once a month. Check the owner's manual on the a/c for instructions on how to clean the filter. Never run the unit when the filter is removed and let the filter dry before reinstallling it.
Know the name and type of your HVAC system before looking for a repair person. Know what the manufacturer's name is, which particular model you have and what's gone on with the unit in the past. This information will be helpful to any contractor you hire to repair it.
If you want to save money once a new HVAC system is put in place, be sure to pick ENERGY STAR rated products to use. They are very energy efficient so your new system won't cost you a ton when it comes to your utility bills every month, recouping some of your installation costs.
The coils and blades on the fans should be cleaned once a year. Before you begin cleaning the unit, make sure that it is unplugged. Pull out each of the blades and clean them one by one.
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 have a window air conditioner without a timer, use a regular outlet timer to control when it is on or off. These are the same ones you use for holiday lights, so all you have to do is plug your air conditioner into the timer and set it to cool you during the day.
Consider installing a radiant barrier to your attic to help your HVAC system run more efficiently. It blocks outside heat from coming in which will make sure you won't have to use more energy to keep your home cool when it's hot outside. If this is installed correctly, it will give you the ability to actually use your attic as extra space to live in.
Ask for references and be sure to call them as well. You are dealing with a high ticket item here, so you'll want to do your due diligence to make sure you are getting the best for your money. Ask for references, but don't stop there. Call each reference to check. A lot of people don't take that important last step.
Make sure that the HVAC contractor you plan to hire does not use subcontractors to do their work. Many people use this as an excuse to shirk their responsibility in the event that something goes wrong when your system is being worked on. Only allow this if there is a note in the contract about what will happen if there is an issue.
If you live in a hot climate, don't use duct tape on your HVAC. It just dries out and falls off, leaving you with leaks all over the place. Instead, use mastic sealant to cover any holes or gaps in duct work and you'll keep your home comfortable all year long.
Outer coils can be cleaned with a regular outdoor hose before you turn the unit on for the season. That said, interior coils should be taken care of by a professional so that you don't do any damage as you attempt to clean them. Bring someone in to complete a check up.
To boost your home HVAC's efficiency, install solar screening. It reflects sunlight back outside, stopping it from heating up your home. Your air conditioner will be able to run less in the daytime, and your energy bill Emergency HVAC Repair Service will plummet as a result. You can install this on any glass you have, doors or windows.
Make an HVAC system run more efficiently by determining what direction your house faces. Trees placed in the right places can keep the sun from heating your home too much. If there is less heat coming into your home, then your air conditioning unit won't have to work as hard.
A great way to ensure that the HVAC professionals you hire are up to the task is to take steps to verify that they possess proper licensing and certification. Failing to check these very important credentials can cause you to hire someone who is more likely to do more harm than good and charge you a great deal of money along the way.
Use your HVAC system to heat your water for free! In the summer, residual heat pulled out of your house is used to heat water through a geothermal system. This will cool your home while allowing you to save a ton on hot water costs, plus it's environmentally friendly to boot!
A failed HVAC system can be a problem that every homeowner fears. Understanding them before you have a problem is ideal. It is possible for any homeowner to solve any issues quickly and at a reasonable cost by remembering the advice found here.
