Don't hire a contractor until you know a little about what you are facing. It will be difficult for an HVAC contractor to provide you with an estimate on the phone without knowing what your current setup is. It will be more difficult for him to assist you over the phone without the information readily available. Be sure to find this out ahead of time.
Help the outside condenser fan run efficiently by cleaning the coils and fan blades before the summer starts. Before you do clean the coils and fan blades, always take the precaution of turning off all power to the unit. Also, be sure to clear leaves and debris from your condenser unit.
Cover your unit when you are mowing the lawn. Make sure the grass does not get in your unit. This also applies to leaf blowing and any other yard work that results in debris.
Find a place that is shaded for your compressor. The cooler the air which goes in, the less work the unit will have to do.
To increase the efficiency of your HVAC unit, be sure to keep it in the shade. When your unit sucks in cooler air, then much less is required to cool it further, which saves you money on energy bills.
You should have your HVAC system inspected at least once, but preferably twice, per year. During service the technician will check the motor and refill the system fluids. This will keep you energy efficient and comfortable.
Make certain you properly investigate any company prior to hiring them. Check with different references to determine the best one for your situation. It would be wise of you to take these steps.
Occasionally, ice will form on your AC. There are sometimes also freezes that happen in a drain line, and this can be confused for a plumbing leak. If you see this happen, disable the compressor by turning your thermostat to the fan only setting. It is best atc heating to call a professional in to fix this particular issue, even though the switch to fan setting should cause the ice to start melting.
There are sizing calculators available to determine the proper sized system for your home. If you purchase something that is too big, it won't be cost effective to run. Look in the manual or on the manufacturer website for this information.
Ask your friends, relatives, and coworkers about their experiences with HVAC contractors in your area. Those who have had this work done will know the best options. This can also help you to figure out some names of businesses that you should avoid at all costs.
Each contractor establishes his own fees, so before you hire one, obtain a few estimates. Getting several quotes will ultimately help you save lots of money. To get the best picture and get an idea of what rates are reasonable, call five or six different contractors.
Check for duct leaks if your unit seems to not be working efficiently. Often your utility company is willing to test this for you, and it may be free or lower in cost than you would get with a contractor. When the leaks are repaired, you'll find that the testing paid for itself.
Which way does your home face? Strategically placed trees can block sunlight and help keep the home cooler without the use of an AC unit. If there's less heat inside your home, your AC will work less.
To gain maximum HVAC efficiency, you need efficient windows and doors too. Make sure that their seals are tight and that they do not allow air to seep in or out. A good professional can test this for you, and they might even do it for free.
A heating and air conditioning system is a crucial part of many homes. Make sure to use these tips when you need to replace one. They will help you to make an educated buying decision and end up with a system you are happy with.
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