When the spring comes and the days begin to warm up, call in a pro to give your HVAC a once over. This will ensure that your air conditioner works as expected all summer long, stopping you from sweating it out when you least expect the system to fail.
Be sure to get every quote or estimate in written form. You have no recourse on a verbal agreement, so a written contract is a must. This will allow you to follow up if something goes wrong or you don't get what you were promised, protecting you from shady contractors.
Do you hear a clicking sound when your fan is turning? This may mean that there is something in the way of the blades of the fan. If it gets so bad that the blade bends, you must replace it, just unbending it will leave the fan unbalanced and can cause further issues.
You should be sure to change the air filter of your HVAC system once every six months. Neglecting to do so can cause dust particles to clog the air ducts. In turn, your system will not work properly and you will find your bills going up. It's worth spending the time to clean the filters.
Be sure to have twice annual HVAC system checks. Your system should be inspected in Spring and Fall. Even if you can't see anything wrong, checking it may help you locate and repair some possible issues.
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.
When you buy a new air conditioning unit, don't let the salesperson talk you into too large of a unit. This will be a waste of money and won't efficiently cool your home. The longer a system runs, the more efficient it will be when it's running, so look for one which runs 15 to 30 minutes.
Air conditioners tend to ice up at times. The drain line might also freeze over. When you see ice, turn the unit to fan. You should leave the repair to a professional, but switching to the fan setting should start to melt the ice.
Ask people that you know and trust for contractor recommendations. People usually love to boast about the wonderful work they have had done, so you should be given great leads to follow. This can also be used to see who you should avoid.
Are you thinking about buying a new HVAC system? You should first think about several things. An HVAC system gets its rating by how effective it will heat and cool an area. It's a good idea to buy something that's larger than you'd need instead of getting something that's not big enough.
Look online for a/c sizing calculators so you can really understand the unit size needed for your home or room. If the unit is too large, it won't cool more than a smaller unit, just less efficiently. Check the manual it comes with for the information you need.
If you live in a hot climate, don't use duct tape on your HVAC. It just dries out and falls off, leaving you with leaks all over the place. Instead, use mastic sealant to cover any holes or gaps in duct work and you'll keep your home comfortable all year long.
Outer coils can be cleaned with a regular outdoor hose before you turn the unit on click here for the season. That said, interior coils should be taken care of by a professional so that you don't do any damage as you attempt to clean them. Bring someone in to complete a check up.
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 your HVAC system is producing any type of clicking sounds, there may be something obstructing it. A small amount of debris is often the cause of this problem. Simply clear away the debris or remove any foreign objects and your problem is solved. Always check for yourself before getting someone out to repair the unit.
Nobody wants to face issues with their home HVAC system. Suffering through a cold night or a sweltering afternoon because repairs to or replacement of existing equipment is necessary is something nobody wants to deal with. Fortunately, the information presented above can help demystify the process and help readers get the assistance they need.
