Created by-Vinson Bidstrup
Your HVAC system at home is probably the most vital piece of equipment that you have. Unfortunately, many people fail to realize this, and they end up having major problems with it. Don't let your HVAC system go bad on you, read the tips below for solid information that will help you out.
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.
heating and air conditioning contractors near me 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.
heating and cooling contractors need to be cleaned regularly. Your HVAC system may run into problems after storms if it is surrounded by debris. The whole thing can overheat, causing major problems and possibly an enormous expense for you.
Be sure to place your outdoor unit in a shady spot to maximize efficiency. It will reduce the temperature of the air going into the unit, meaning that it will not have to work as hard to cool it.
Clean the condenser on your debris regularly. Excess debris can really affect your system's quality. It may even overheat, which can ruin your system.
Be sure to get every quote or estimate in written form. You have no recourse on a verbal agreement, so a written contract is a must. This will allow you to follow up if something goes wrong or you don't get what you were promised, protecting you from shady contractors.
If nobody is home, turn off the air conditioner to save money. The house will only heat up to a certain point. If you leave it on all day, it's fighting the heat constantly, meaning it's using a lot of electricity to do its job.
If you are uncertain about which HVAC contractor to call when you experience an equipment failure, take the time to ask friends and family for personal recommendations. By doing this, you will be able to feel more confident about the choice you make, because you will have gotten the opinions of people you already know to be trustworthy.
Keep your condensers free of nearby obstructions. Keep plants, fencing, even bushes back and away from the unit. Two feet is a good minimum distance it should have from anything, including walls, but the more space you give it to breathe, the better it will work and the less likely it will be to fail.
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.
Before having someone install a new HVAC system or maintain or repair yours, make sure they are insured. Having someone who is insured work on your system will assure that if anything happens while they are working at your home, they are financially covered and you will not be responsible.
If you are thinking of installing a new roof and want it to also boost the efficiency of your HVAC, choose white materials. They reflect the sun's heat so that your attic doesn't get hot, and that means your air conditioner doesn't have to labor as hard to cool your home.
Contractors charge different rates, so make sure that you acquire multiple estimates. You should save some money this way. Contact a minimum of five contractors so you can determine realistically what the price will be.
The biggest step to preventing problems in your air conditioner is getting a professional tune-up once a year. This is especially important before the summer. This is when your air conditioning system will be working its hardest. Getting regular tune-ups reduces the risk of malfunctions and will keep you cool all summer long.
Make sure to be specific about everything that is written in your contracts. It should detail the work that is being done, the materials being used and the amount of time it will take to complete the job. Leaving anything out can give the contractor an exit if something goes wrong.
Any contractor that gives you a quote over the phone shouldn't be trusted. To truly evaluate your needs, they must come into your home and check it out basement to attic. If they make promises without even seeing your house, there is no way they'll be able to keep them.
Is your home's electrical set-up ready to handle a new air conditioning unit? Most homes have 115-volt circuits in place, but larger air conditioners need 230-volts to be used. Some smaller units may need their own dedicated circuit as well to ensure your home doesn't go dark when you turn them on.
Check the licensing of any HVAC company that you plan to hire. Start by making sure they are fully licensed. They should be in compliance with your state's business laws. Good HVAC companies should be fully insured. This is to protect their company, their employees, and their customers should anything happen when they are performing a service at the home of a customer.
Don't purchase an HVAC system unless you know exactly what all is included in your system. Some contractors overcharge for add-ons like travel expense or fees for additional materials. Solid written contracts can help you avoid these issues.
Choose a contractor who knows how to work with your current system. If they work with that set-up frequently, they'll quickly diagnose any problems and know exactly how to maintain it. Choosing such a firm will save you time and money, and will also save you from unnecessary headaches.
Staying comfortable in your home, no matter what the weather outside is like, is important. Nobody wants to swelter or shiver because their HVAC system is not working properly. If you need help finding the right heating and cooling system for your home, just remember the advice that you have read here.