Make sure you ask for an estimate in writing before choosing a specific HVAC vendor. There are a lot of moving pieces when it comes to purchasing these big items. You'll want to compare not only the cost of the equipment, but also the set up and the overall energy costs.
Look for discounts wherever possible. HVAC systems can be rather costly, so you'll want to seek out whatever discounts and deals that may be out there. When shopping around, ask about any current specials running, and look for discounts that are related to ENERGY STAR compliance. Both can save you a lot of cash.
When a contractor gives you a list of references, be sure to make use of it. Call the people on the list and ask about the quality of the work, how closely they came to their quote and whether or not the work was completed according to the promised timeline.
To help lower cooling costs when not at home, make sure the air conditioner is turned off. Even though the house will get hotter, it won't get too bad if the unit is off. If it is on all day, it is trying to maintain a cool temperature constantly, using a great deal of electricity to fight the heat.
Make sure that you regularly clean debris that might build up on external condenser units. Falling leaves and wind or rain may cause debris to reduce the efficiency of your unit. This can lead to overheating.
To help lower cooling costs when not at home, make sure the air conditioner is turned off. When you turn it off, the house heats up, but only to a certain threshold. 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 want to pay for less power use, consider installing an HVAC-specific solar panel system. Such an installation harnesses the power of the sun directly for your heating and air conditioning. Don't worry though; you can have a switch put in that automatically connects to the power grid the days there isn't enough sun.
Having a radiant barrier installed in your attic is an excellent way to make sure that your HVAC runs better. It can help keep heat out during the hot summer months, which means you will lower your power bills. If you do it right, you may be able to expand your living space into your attic.
Each contractor establishes his own fees, so before you hire one, obtain a few estimates. This can help you to save money by knowing what people are charging. Call around to find out what the rates are.
Sometimes, air conditioning units ice up. In addition, the drain line sometimes freezes, and people often think that there is a plumbing leak. If you notice this, switch your thermostat to fan only to disable the compressor. If the problem persists be sure to call in a professional.
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.
Never hire anyone to work on your HVAC system unless they are licensed and bonded. This industry is one where mistakes happen often and you want to make sure that you are protected. You do not want to be stuck paying for medical bills that are more expensive than the work you were having done.
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 click here do any damage as you attempt to clean them. Bring someone in to complete a check up.
These tips will help you to keep your HVAC system in great shape for the whole time you live in your home. Print this off and revisit it once a year so that you know what you need to do. The more effort you put into your home, the more benefit you will gain from it.
