HVAC systems are excellent at maintaining a comfortable temperature in your home no matter what season it is. A lot of homes have these systems already in place, but you have to maintain and repair it overtime. Understanding what to look for in an HVAC system can really help you to buy a great product when the time is right. The tips that follow should help you begin to establish criteria for making the right choice of an HVAC system for your home.
Prior to putting in a service call on your HVAC, be able to identify it. Learn the brand, model, and if you have it, the maintenance history. This will let you know that you’re able to give the contractor the information that can help them.
If your HVAC system is acting up, take a tour of the house prior to calling a professional. Figure out which rooms are too cool or warm. This gives the repairer a starting point to work from.
If the condenser for your HVAC system is located outside, make sure you clear away any debris that might settle in or around it. Wind can pile up all sorts of debris against its grill. This can lead to overheating.
As the trees around your home lose leaves, it can cause your HVAC unit trouble. Make sure the fan’s grill is cleaned often during the fall. The fan should have a clear path for air to come in. If it is blocked, your system will suffer.
If possible, put your HVAC in a shaded area if it is outside. If your air conditioner is able to constantly suck in cool air, it won’t have to work overtime to cool your space, which can in turn save you money on your electricity bills.
Having a programmable thermostat installed is a money saving idea. Such thermostats help you save around ten percent when it comes to energy costs. Furthermore, there are a few programmable thermostats that you can control from your computer or any other web-connected device.
Turn off your air conditioner when no one is home to help save money. Turning it off does allow the temperature to rise, but only so far. If will be constantly fighting the heat and using lots of electricity if it is left on all day.
Don’t let your home get way too hot to where it’s dangerous. Expect an air conditioning unit to drop the temperature down 20 degrees within a short amount of time. If the temperature in your home rises to 100 degrees F or higher, cooling it will only drop the temperature to 80 degrees F. With high humidity, this is an unsafe temperature even for sleeping.
Research and check the reputation of companies before hiring them. It is a good idea to check with the BBB and look for reviews from prior clients. This can help you make the right choice.
Air conditioners occasionally freeze up, literally. This can also happen on the drain line. If this happens, turn the thermostat so it is on fan only mode, which will disable the compressor. This problem will need to be handled by a professional, even though the fan will probably help with the ice situation.
There are sizing calculators available to determine the proper sized system for your home. If you make the mistake of purchasing a unit that is too large, it will not cool efficiently. Check your manual to learn what it is rated by the manufacturer if you want accurate information.
Before you go out there and hire an HVAC contractor, find out the length of time they’ve been in the industry. It is more likely that a contractor who has been in business for a longer time will give you better value for your money. Otherwise, you are taking a huge risk with the person you hire.
Consider an HVAC unit an investment. Investing in the right unit will save money, while the wrong one can wind up costing a lot. When your system needs to be replaced or repaired, remember these helpful tips. You are more likely to select the best unit for your home.