Want Great Ideas About Hvac? Look Here!
If you've been wondering if you can learn a little bit about HVAC, then this article is something you should try reading over. It's going to teach you the basics when it comes to this type of thing. This will allow you to get to know what needs to be known about this under your belt.
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.
Make sure the equipment you are buying is ENERGY STAR compliant. It may seem a small thing, but it isn't. Products that are ENERGY STAR compliant can save you a lot of money in energy costs over the year. It can be over $100 easily, sometimes a lot more.
If the outside of your home has condenser units, ensure they are constantly cleaned. The dirt could pile up and harm your system. It can cause your system to malfunction by overheating.
When you are choosing a location for the outdoor compressor unit, it's preferable to use a shaded area. If it sucks in cool air, it will need to work less to coll the air inside, which can make it last longer.
Make sure you have your HVAC system checked at least twice a year. Ideally, you should have it looked at in the spring and fall so you know everything is set for the hot and cold months. Even if you do not detect a problem, you can identify and fix any potential problems when you have it checked.
If you currently have a manual thermostat, consider installing a programmable one. You can set your system for different temperatures depending on time of day and if anyone is home. Also, you can set upper and lower temperature settings to allow for a comfortable range of temperatures so that heating and cooling don't kick in when not needed.
Don't ever let your home temperature get dangerously high. An AC unit will reduce the internal temperature of your home approximately twenty degrees in a fair time. If you have your home at above 100 degrees then you can only get it to about 80 or above. This isn't a very safe condition for a homeowner to sleep in, especially when the humidity levels are considered.
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. It is a good idea to check with the BBB and look for reviews from prior clients. This is what you have to do in order to make a smart decision.
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.
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.
If you are a having trouble with your existing system, check for leaks in the ducts. Call the utility company to test for you, it will usually be cheaper than a contractor. You'll see the test pays for itself once all leaks are fixed.
Improve the efficiency of your air conditioning by installing ceiling fans. Change the airflow direction of the ceiling fans. During the summer, the blades should move in a counter-clockwise direction. During the winter, the blades should move clockwise to help move the hot air in the ceiling down into the room.
Never accept the first offer you get when you are looking to hire an HVAC contractor. There are many people out there that charge more than others for doing the same services. Getting price quotes from several companies can help ensure that you are getting a rate that is acceptable.
When buying an air conditioner, you want to find out with a SEER rating of 13 or higher. 13 is the minimum standard set by the government, so higher ratings, while not mandatory, are going to offer you better efficiency. SEER ratings can go as high as 19, so keep this in mind as you shop.
HVAC isn't too difficult to teach yourself about once you have some great advice in mind about it. Generally this is something you should take some time with so you know that you're going to get great results. Good luck with this and hopefully you come out on top with it all!