Knowledge Is Power, And These HVAC Tips Are Priceless


Understand the HVAC can pose a tough task from the onset. If you are interested in the topic, this article can be helpful. Just continue reading and by the time you're through, you'll know something about HVAC systems that you didn't know when you began!

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 you ask for an estimate in writing before choosing a specific HVAC vendor. There are a lot of moving pieces when it comes to purchasing these big items. You'll want to compare not only the cost of the equipment, but also the set up and the overall energy costs.

Your outside condenser fan can be helped to run better by you cleaning the fan blades and coils prior to summer starting up. Except when you do superficial cleaning, you need to always make sure the power is off on the unit. In addition, be sure to get rid of any leaves or other debris that may have accumulated on the outside condenser.

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.

If you need to decide the best place to put your outdoor compressor unit, consider putting it in a location that is in the shade. This will limit the work that it has to do.

If you are looking to save money with your HVAC system, consider turning down the air conditioner in the summer and turning the heat down in the winter. Putting on a sweater on a cold day can save you a ton of money on your utility bill, as can enjoying a cold drink instead of heavy air conditioning use.

Clean your filters! If you have a window unit air conditioner, there will be a filter right under the grill you can vacuum. If you have a furnace or outdoor units, they will also have filters to be cleaned or replace. A dirty filter can make your unit inefficient or even let it overheat.

If possible, your single pane windows should be replaced with double-paned ones. During the summer, the use of double-pane windows will help keep the cool air locked inside of the home. Your home will also stay warmer in the winter.

To help lower cooling costs when not at home, make sure the air conditioner is turned off. This will save you money on your energy bills. When the AC is left running, your power bill will go up quite a bit.

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.

Whether you have an air conditioner in a window or outside your home, be sure to keep it in the shade. The cooler the air around it, and the cooler the condenser itself, the easier a time it will have of keeping the air inside your home cool as well.

Every month clean out the leaves and debris that may have settled into your outdoor HVAC unit. You'll be surprised at how much gets caught in your unit. Over time these leaves can build up and create issues for your system. Just this little clean up can save you a lot of money in maintenance bills.

To know how large of an air conditioner you need, look for a calculator online. If you purchase something too large, you will be throwing away money. Check your manual to learn what it is rated by the manufacturer if you want accurate information.

Think about installing a digital programmable thermostat to keep your heating and cooling bills AC Repair Estimate low. These digital thermostats have timers that allow you to completely control your HVAC use. You can set the heat and cooling to only turn on when you are home and to turn off when you are at work.

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.

Want to save the most you can with your HVAC unit? Consider increasing your room temperature by a single degree or two. Each degree means money that stays in your pocket. In fact some estimate that each degree you move up can work out to be around 9% in overall energy savings.

Be sure to check your Filter Check light frequently on any stand-alone units. If it is on, turn the unit off as you can't operate it without a filter in place. Clean the filter carefully and return it to its proper location, but don't operate the unit if the filter is still wet.

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.

Pick a contractor who gets back to you quickly and understands the job. The best companies keep the technicians working honestly and on time. These techs should be able to figure out what is up with an HVAC rather quickly. After diagnosis, they should then know how to deal with the problem.

Proper maintenance is key to having a good working HVAC system. Don't let your system go bad, use the tips here to inspect it for problems to ensure that you don't have costly repairs down the road. Keep checking it and remember the tips here to use as guide so you know what to look for.