Know the name and type of your HVAC system before looking for a repair person. Get information on the make and model, plus if you have information on the history of maintenance, that will help, too. If you have to have someone come out to repair the unit, you will be able to help the contractor understand more about what is going on.
When your contractor comes to fix your unit or install a new one, he should walk around your home and investigate what's going on with your current set-up. They should be looking for how much insulation you have, where your windows are and what quality they are and more.
If you want to know more about efficiently heating or cooling your home, go online and download the ENERGY STAR Guide. It provides information for homeowners to learn more about how they can save money while still keeping their home comfortable all year round, so it is a worthy ready.
Clean your permanent air filters or replace disposable ones every single month. If you have the choice, an electrostatic is the best option on the market today. Be sure to turn off your unit before you change the filter as it should never be run without a filter in place.
If you are looking to save money with your HVAC system, consider turning down the air conditioner in the summer and turning the heat down in the winter. Putting on a sweater on a cold day can save you a ton of money on your utility bill, as can enjoying a cold drink instead of heavy air conditioning use.
In order to avoid having any problems with your air conditioning unit, keep all vegetation at least two feet away from the outdoor unit. The unit should be clear of any vegetation on all sides and above. When you mow the lawn, aim the grass clippings away from the a/c unit. This will prevent grass getting inside the a/c and making it malfunction.
Save some cash by shutting down the air-conditioning system when there is no one in the house. The house will only heat to certain level and a decent HVAC system can quickly cool this down once you are home. If will be constantly fighting the heat and using lots of electricity if it is left on all day.
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 read more in mind. Air flow must not be constricted, and technicians need room to work when they come out to service your unit.
Sometimes, it can be hard to figure out if your HVAC system needs to be fixed or needs to be replaced. If your system frequently breaks down, is always turning on or off on its own, or if your bills are too high, it may pay to have it replaced. Otherwise, little things can just be fixed.
When dealing with HVAC contractors, make sure that you get everything in writing. While verbal contracts are legal in many places, it is usually very difficult to prove them. Having everything on paper is a great way to make sure that no ons is confused about any aspect of the process.
Know which direction the house faces so that your HVAC system operates more efficiently. If you have trees placed in strategic areas, you can block the sunlight in the morning. The less heat inside the house, the less time that the AC has to work.
Think about getting a radiant barrier in your attic so your HVAC system can run better. It blocks the heat from inside out, reducing the energy that's needed for your home to get cooled during the summer. You may suddenly find that the attic even looks like a great option for another bedroom!
Check the ducts to find any leaks if you you feel your existing system is not up to snuff. You can call in your local utility company to do the testing for you, often for free or at a lower cost than a contractor. If a leak is found, the money spent on finding and repairing the leak will pay for itself.
Don't let the idea of hunting down an HVAC contractor intimidate you. Still, a little research goes a long way. Hopefully you now feel prepared to hit the ground running the next time you have an issue with your systems.
