Solid HVAC systems give homeowners peace of mind, while shaky ones provide headaches. A bad HVAC system is costly in terms of energy use and repair, and it can make your home uncomfortable to live in. To learn all you can about your HVAC system, check out the tips below.
Before you hire anyone to do any work on your HVAC, be sure to get a written estimate which has itemized costs listed on it. This will ensure that comparing one contractor to another will be simple as you can see what one offers that another doesn't, or what price they're charging for the same items.
The operation of your HVAC system can be in danger when the tree leaves begin to fall. Cleaning your unit is very important for its effectiveness. The fan needs to be able to get proper air inside without any blockages, and extra blockage can later develop into more serious problems.
Keep your outdoor units free of debris when you are mowing the lawn. Turn your lawnmower in the opposite direction. This also applies to blowing leaves or moving debris. Just be careful with that exterior HVAC unit.
Equipping your home with a programmable thermostat can be an excellent way to cut utility costs. It will help save on your heating and cooling costs by turning itself down at certain times. This will save you a lot of money during the year.
Make sure the equipment you are buying is ENERGY STAR compliant. It may seem a small thing, but it isn't. Products that are ENERGY STAR compliant can save you a lot of money in energy costs over the year. It can be over $100 easily, sometimes a lot more.
You can get ice in your air conditioner. Drain lines can also suffer an occasional freeze, and these are sometimes mistaken for plumbing leak issues. If this is something you notice, switch the thermostat in your home to fan only so the compressor is disabled. If the issue persists, call in help.
If you have a window air conditioner, be sure to check and see if it has an Energy Saver button. If so, use it! This turns off the fan when the unit isn't actually cooling the air, which can save you as much as 30 kwh over the period of a month!
Consider painting the outside of your home in a light color to reflect heat if you live in a hot climate. If your summers are cool, use a dark color to instead heat up your home in the winter. This simple change can end up saving you a lot on your utility bills.
Make sure things don't get too hot or cold where your thermostat is. Any electronics or heat sources like lamps or televisions nearby can trick the thermostat into thinking the home is warmer than it actually is. This just means it runs your air conditioning longer than necessary, wasting energy and money.
To reduce the air conditioning's energy cost, close drapes, blinds and shades that cover windows which face the sun. Also, white shades will reflect the heat away from the house, keeping it cooler and saving you money. It is also recommended that you close the vents in rooms that are not used often. This will ensure that you are not spending money cooling less-used rooms.
To block out the sun on hot summer days, allowing your air conditioner to run less frequently, invest in heat blocking drapes. These textiles come in beautiful patterns and colors today, looking just like their designer counterparts. They will keep Cost To ReplACe A FurnACe And AC Unit the heat out so that your home stays cooler without costing you an arm and a leg on utility bills.
To choose an HVAC contractor that's trustworthy, take time to research some companies you're interested in, along with their reputations. Inquire with the BBB and look elsewhere for other reviews from customers. In this way, you can be more sure of getting a good HVAC company.
If you can, find a way to create shade over your outdoor HVAC unit. This can actually save you money as shaded air being pulled in by the HVAC unit is typically 5 to 6 degrees cooler than air that's heated by direct sunlight. It's a smart solution to lowering those energy bills.
To run an efficient HVAC, you must ensure your house is fully insulated. First, check into your attic to find out if you have the right kind of insulation and enough of it. If not, investing in getting that up to grade is better than installing a strong HVAC system!
Have you been thinking about buying a new HVAC system? There are some things to consider. System ratings are based on the area that can be cooled and heated effectively by the system. It is best to get a bigger unit than you need, instead of a smaller one.
Keep your evaporator coil clean. A dirty coil will cause the unit to strain when cooling air. You can clean the coil yourself easily. Simply remove the front panel to expose the coil and use a soft brush attached to a vacuum to remove any dust and debris that has accumulated on the coil.
When your HVAC system is older than 15 years, the time has come to get yearly check-ups. These systems aren't expected to make it past two decades, so you have to monitor them for any issues which may crop up. In fact, new systems will be more efficient, so it might be time for an upgrade.
If you feel like you are spending too much money on your heating and cooling, there is a simple way to reduce this cost. Raise or lower the temperature depending on the season. A single degree in temperature change can equate to almost a nine percent savings in cooling and heating costs.
While it is common practice to negotiate a rate quoted by a contractor, you should not offer an amount that the contractor will find offensive. They have to pay for things like insurance and overhead costs. Keep this in mind when you are trying to haggle with them for a better rate.
You do not want your living environment too hot or too cold, and having a good HVAC system that is running how it is supposed to is key. Thankfully, you just learned some helpful tips that showed you how to spot problems, along with how to properly maintain your HVAC system. Keep these tips in mind as you perform regular maintenance on your HVAC system.
