The Basics Of Conditioning For The Home Base Conditioning Family Unit... Information Number 20 Of 132
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If you plan on having a service on your HVAC unit, ask the technician what he will be doing. Any thorough service should consist of several things. The technician should check temperature levels, pressures, amperage draw, and coolant levels. They should adjust any belts that need it and clean the coils.
Your cooling and heating is vital to your home. Because of this, you should make sure that your home's HVAC system is working properly. If you don't take good care of it, you can expect costly repairs and miserable living conditions. Below you'll get a lot of great advice to help you keep the HVAC system you own working great for a long time.
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 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.
Do not be surprised if the HVAC contractor you choose does an evaluation on your home. Any good contractor will spend time looking at the system you currently have and what the needs are for your home. They will also take a look at your duct system and look for air leaks.
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.
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.
You don't want to have a faulty HVAC system because that will make any homeowner miserable. Having a home that is too hot or cold is enough to drive anyone crazy. Then having to pay the costs to fix this problem makes it even worse. Don't let this happen, remember the tips here to ensure your HVAC system stays working right.
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.
Think about getting a radiant barrier in your attic so your HVAC system can run better. This helps block the heat from outside, and will reduce the energy needed for cooling your home during the summer. It it's installed properly, you might even be able to use your attic as an extra room.
Every year hire someone to give your HVAC unit routine maintenance. This will ensure that it works properly throughout the entire year. It will also allow you to have lower heating and cooling bills. When your HVAC is running properly, it will use the least amount of energy and save you money.
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.
One of the most important things to consider when purchasing a new heating and cooling system is the manufacturer's warranty. Units come with a variety of warranties. Choose one with a long warranty for maximum long term savings. Generally, it is advised that homeowners should purchase the extended warranty if one is offered.
To help keep your energy costs down, have your heating and air repair services and cooling system serviced at least once a year. During service the technician will check the motor and refill the system fluids. This will help your system run better.
If your HVAC system is acting up, take a tour of the house prior to calling a professional. Note which of your rooms are hot and which are cold. That will help your repairman figure out where the problem is, and how he can fix it easily and quickly.
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.
As the temperature outside drops, remember to turn off your outdoor condenser unit. This should be done when the temperature drops below 60ºF to avoid damage. This helps your system remain in good working order.
When you are choosing a location for the outdoor compressor unit, it's preferable to use a shaded area. The cooler air that the unit can suck in, the less work it will need to do to further cool the air.
