HVAC is what a lot of people would like to learn about, but they don't know where to get started. This is why things like this guide were put together to help people like you out. Once you're ready to tackle the subject, all you have to do is read along.
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.
When purchasing a new HVAC system for your home, be sure it is energy efficient. These days, most new HVAC systems are energy efficient; there is a energy star label on the equipment. However, to be sure your utility costs do not go through the roof, choose equipment that is energy efficient.
Try to prevent debris from getting in your HVAC unit. When you notice your trees shedding, frequently clean your unit's fan grill. The fan needs to have an unobstructed path for air to enter the unit, and if it becomes blocked, you will end up with many headaches with the unit.
If trees are losing leaves around your home, this can impact your HVAC unit. Cleaning your unit is very important for its effectiveness. The air needs to be unobstructed into the fan, and any blockages create performance issues for the whole system.
Be sure to check your evaporator coil drains frequently when your air conditioner is running. If this tube backs up, you can find water damage to your walls, ceilings and floors. If you end up with mold just use a solution of bleach and water to clean out the tube.
Manage the heat flow into your home with window coverings to help out your HVAC system. In the warmer months, use drapes, curtains and blinds to block out sunward facing windows to keep heat from building up through the greenhouse effect. Alternatively, make sure that sunlit windows are letting light and warmth in during the colder months.
Ask for references and be sure to call them as well. You are dealing with a high ticket item here, so you'll want to do your due diligence to make sure you are getting the best for your money. Ask for references, but don't stop there. Call each reference to check. A lot of people don't take that important last step.
If you have a window air conditioner without a timer, use a regular outlet timer to control when it is on or off. These are the same ones you use for holiday lights, so all you have to do is plug your air conditioner into the timer and set it to cool you during the day.
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.
Do not allow your house to get extremely hot. Even the best air conditioners can only realistically cool your home approximately 20 degrees Farenheit. If your home gets above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, you'll only cool down to still above 80. Depending on humidity levels, this isn't even a safe temperature for a human body to sleep at to recover from summer heat.
Do not close your vents. Keep air vents open and unblocked at all times. Many people believe that closing off a vent will save them money on cooling costs. This is not HVAC Service Manager true. It can actually damage your HVAC system. Closing vents can cause your cooling coil to freeze and damage the compressor.
If you would like your HVAC unit to be more efficient, simply look at where the front of your home faces. Strategically placed trees can block sunlight and help keep the home cooler without the use of an AC unit. The less your home is heated, the less you'll have to use your air conditioner to cool things off.
Before you get into the hot summer months, make sure to schedule a tune up for your current HVAC system. This is very important to keep issues from popping up with your system. It's a small cost to pay compared to the large bills to fix issues that could arise.
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.
Look for leaves or other debris if you notice a thumping sound in your unit. This may be because debris is restricting the movement of the fan blades. Removal of the debris should solve the issue. Do this before calling for assistance.
Never hire anyone to work on your HVAC system unless they are licensed and bonded. This industry is one where mistakes happen often and you want to make sure that you are protected. You do not want to be stuck paying for medical bills that are more expensive than the work you were having done.
Check the licensing of any HVAC company that you plan to hire. Start by making sure they are fully licensed. They should be in compliance with your state's business laws. Good HVAC companies should be fully insured. This is to protect their company, their employees, and their customers should anything happen when they are performing a service at the home of a customer.
Think about which way the air flows when installing a air conditioner. If you're stuck with putting it in a corner, buy one that lets the air flow to be redirected so that it is not flowing towards the wall.
Make sure to be specific about everything that is written in your contracts. It should detail the work that is being done, the materials being used and the amount of time it will take to complete the job. Leaving anything out can give the contractor an exit if something goes wrong.
Now you're probably a lot more familiar with HVAC than you were before. It's something that will take you time, but after you learn what to do with it all you'll do fine. Now the only thing left to do would be to get yourself out there to put these tips to good use!
