Content written by-Paul Mohamed
Have you ever found yourself shivering during the winter, no matter how hard your furnace works? Does your air conditioner seem incapable of cooling you off in the summer? It may be time to have your old HVAC system replaced with a new one. For tips on finding the right system, keep reading.
If you want to keep your air conditioning unit running efficiently, make sure you replace or clean the air filter once a month. Check the owner's manual on the a/c for instructions on how to clean the filter. Never run the unit when the filter is removed and let the filter dry before reinstallling it.
An HVAC system is a really expensive investment. This is why you should do some browsing before purchasing your system. Try to find a good sale so you can get your system at a discount. Check out a couple of sites before making a decision. A great site to begin is www.energystar.gov.
Think about what improvements you want made before picking an HVAC contractor. You might not be able to get a price quote unless you let the contractor see your current system first. If you can't explain anything to them, this will be even more difficult. You need to know this before you begin.
To choose a reliable HVAC contractor, the best thing to do is to do your homework on a number of possible firms and check out their reputations. Inquire with the BBB and look elsewhere for other reviews from customers. Doing these things beforehand will allow you to make a smart decision.
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.
Make sure that the HVAC contractor you plan to hire does not use subcontractors to do their work. Many people use this as an excuse to shirk their responsibility in the event that something goes wrong when your system is being worked on. Only allow this if there is a note in the contract about what will happen if there is an issue.
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.
Always ask for references before you allow anyone to start doing work on your HVAC system. Call several of them to make sure that they are legitimate. Many people take the word of the contractor when it comes to customer satisfaction and that can prove to be a mistake in the end.
Do your homework on a number of HVAC companies before selecting the one that has the best reputation and service record. Checking with the BBB is a good idea, and so is checking online reviews to see the experiences that other customers have had with a company. These steps are going to help to ensure your decision is a wise one.
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 in mind. Air flow must not be constricted, and technicians need room to work when they come out to service your unit.
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.
Online reviews are a great source of information about HVAC contractors. There are a number of great sites out there that let customers talk about how they were treated by services. This is a good way to locate contractors that do good work and ones that are poor.
Every season inspect the outdoor condenser unit of your HVAC system. Remove any weeds and leaves that may be obstructing air flow to the unit. Hose off the inside and outside of the unit to remove any dirt build up. Cover the motor with plastic bags prior to rinsing the unit so that you do not get it wet.
Never hire an HVAC contractor that does not hold a valid license from your state. There are
hvac service out there that will offer to do less expensive work since they have no license. While it may seem like a bargain, you will have lots of issues in the event that something goes wrong.
If your HVAC unit is not operating as efficiently as it once was, check the evaporator coil in it? There may be some debris blocking it which is causing the issue. You can use a soft brush to clean it - like the one you find as an attachment for handheld vacuum cleaners.
When you have a short list of contractors to consider, ask the people on their reference list about not only the service they received, but also how well the system is still running. Did they need more work down the road? Has the company come back to make things right?
Make certain the contractor you hire has the appropriate experience. You need to ensure that they are experienced with the work that you need done. While someone with less experience might be able to do a great job too, you do not want to take that chance.
You should do your research before hiring anyone to come to your home to complete any HVAC projects. Watching
ac repair shows can be deceiving since things rarely go as smoothly as they do on television. It is very important that you know what to expect before things get started.
Try looking at some reviews online for local HVAC companies. There are many websites and directories online that should include these services that are in your area. This can help you comparison shop. You need to look at many aspects. Pay special attention to licensing, how many years they've been around, any issues, and how they were resolved.
Nobody wants to face issues with their home HVAC system. Suffering through a cold night or a sweltering afternoon because repairs to or replacement of existing equipment is necessary is something nobody wants to deal with. Fortunately, the information presented above can help demystify the process and help readers get the assistance they need.