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.
A shady spot is always a good choice for the placement of your outdoor compressor. If you have a unit taking in air that's cooler, it won't have to work so hard to cool air that it sends to your home.
Let your friends and family know about the discounts that are possible via ENERGY STAR. There's a lot of savings that can be had here, so why hold this good news all to yourself! You can save those closest to you hundreds of dollars over the course of a year.
Each spring it's time to clean the inside of your condenser unit, including the fan and the sensitive coil. Shut the power off before you do anything. Next, pop off the grill, pull out the blades and start cleaning them and the unit itself off gently.
A programmable thermostat is a simple way to help save money on air conditioning costs. You have greater control over the temperature settings with these. Take advantage of the convenience of the ability to control many programable thermostats from your favorite electronic device.
If your fan condenser has oil ports, you must lubricate it once per year. These are usually covered with rubber or metal caps. Look for an oil that is lightweight and then put about 10 drops inside the port. You don't want to put in too much.
One of the most important things to consider when purchasing a new heating and cooling system is the manufacturer's warranty. Units come with a variety of warranties. Choose one with a long warranty for maximum long term savings. Generally, it is advised that homeowners should purchase the extended warranty if one is offered.
Get an estimate before agreeing to have any work done on your HVAC unit. This will help keep you from being surprised by a bill at the end. Any reputable technician should be able to look at your unit, determine the problem and give you an estimate as to how much it will cost to fix it.
If your home gets hot in the summer and you'd like to use your air conditioner less often, consider a metal roof. It reflects the heat right back up into the sky, allowing your home to gain less heat on sunny days. Since metal roofs are permanent, you'll save on repair and replacement costs also.
Icing up is common in air conditioners. There are also occasional freezes in the drain line, Average Wage For HVAC Installer which are often confused for plumbing leaks. Change your thermostat in situations like this. Get a professional to deal with this, even if you see the ice start melting because you turned the compressor off.
Consider an annual service agreement for technicians to regularly inspect your AC unit. Schedule brief inspections for the winter to make sure nothing is obviously wrong. The most important time for an inspection and service is just before it starts getting warm. You don't want to discover an AC breakdown when you need it working most.
There is a lot to think about when you install an air conditioner unit. For example, a big unit won't remove humidity while a small unit won't cool enough. Placing it in the wrong place can make it less efficient, and not insulating your home adequately could render it almost useless.
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.
Contractors determine their own fee levels, so make sure to get multiple quotes. By calling around and asking a few different contractors, you can save a ton of money. Ideally, you should call five to six contractors to get a good idea of what a reasonable rate is.
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.
Keeping your home in tip-top shape means taking great care of your HVAC system. It is important to keep the system maintained and clean to keep your family comfortable and healthy. Follow the useful tips above to know how to hire the right people and use the right equipment to keep your HVAC system in good shape.
