Article writer-Yildiz Spencer
When a heating system breaks down, homeowners are not always sure what to do next. To stop such a situation from becoming a real disaster, it pays to spend some time getting familiar with the topic. This article is intended to help conscientious homeowners learn how to hire the help they need.
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.
As the trees around your home lose leaves, it can cause your HVAC unit trouble. Clean outdoor units often to remove leaves. Otherwise, the unit will have to work unnecessarily hard.
For maximum efficiency, place outdoor units in a shady spot. This will help ensure that the AC is pulling in cooler air, reducing the amount of work it has to do and saving you money.
If you want to save money once a new HVAC system is put in place, be sure to pick ENERGY STAR rated products to use. They are very energy efficient so your new system won't cost you a ton when it comes to your utility bills every month, recouping some of your installation costs.
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.
It is a good idea to replace single-paned windows with ones that have double panes. Double pane windows help minimize your air conditioning use in the summer by keeping the cooler air inside your home. This same effect also keeps warm air in during the winter months.
An investment in a smart thermostat is truly going to save you money. You can program it to turn on and off at certain temperatures or times, allowing you to ensure that your air conditioner or heater isn't running when it doesn't need to be, saving you a ton.
The energy efficiency of a unit should be taken into consideration when purchasing a new heating and cooling system. Although you should be concerned about the price of a unit, the efficiency of the unit will save you thousands over the lifetime of the heating and cooling system and should weigh heavily on your buying 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.
If you are thinking of installing a new roof and want it to also boost the efficiency of your HVAC, choose white materials. They reflect the sun's heat so that your attic doesn't get hot, and that means your air conditioner doesn't have to labor as hard to cool your home.
Consider painting the outside of your home in a light color to reflect heat if you live in a hot climate. If your summers are cool, use a dark color to instead heat up your home in the winter. This simple change can end up saving you a lot on your utility bills.
For your outdoor HVAC unit, make sure that your foliage is cleared around it. Two feet distance between the HVAC unit and shrubs is a good amount to remember. If you let the foliage creep up on the unit, it can cause all sorts of issues with debris and growth into the system.
A radiant barrier is something that you may want to consider. This helps block the heat from outside, and will reduce the energy needed for cooling your home during the summer. If done right, you can even start using the attic as living space.
In order to save money overnight, buy an air conditioner with a switch that sets it to be fan-only. This will push hot air outside and bring in cool air from near the ground. Turn this on just before bed so that you can cool the house as you sleep.
If you are going to use the Internet as a source for good HVAC contractors, you need to be very careful. You never know who is behind the glowing reviews that are posted all over the Web. There is a chance that the contractor is posting their own reviews or paying others to do so.
Don't just hire the first contractor you meet or call. Be
simply click for source to compare multiple options before going ahead with one. They should meet all of your requirements, be it offering a great guarantee to being able to come and do the work on your budget and within your timeline.
When you need to find a contractor to handle your HVAC work for you, make sure that the one you choose has a phone number they will answer 24-hours per day. They should be able to get to your home whenever you need them there, be it in the middle of a heatwave or in the worst snowstorm of the year.
Choose
https://www.prunderground.com/air-conditioning-installation-services-quality-on-the-rise-with-air-repair-pros/00195811/ who installs items from more than one manufacturer. They should be able to compare multiple brands to ensure you are getting the right unit for your needs, not just what they have on hand. This will save you time and money when you have a great system in place.
Consider using dark materials on a west-facing floor or wall to warm your home. As the sun warms the material, it will then radiate that heat back into your home all day long. Concrete is one of the best choices for such a set-up since it releases its heat slowly.
Any contractor that gives you a quote over the phone shouldn't be trusted. To truly evaluate your needs, they must come into your home and check it out basement to attic. If they make promises without even seeing your house, there is no way they'll be able to keep them.
Working with HVAC isn't too hard if you're able to work with it and get into it by using the advice you were given above. These ideas are a great place to begin. Start today and in the end you'll succeed!