Helping You Better Understand Hvac With These Simple To Follow Tips
Working with HVAC can be daunting when you first get started because there is so much that goes into it. This article was put together to help people with this that want to learn about all of this. Follow these steps and you'll be a pro at HVAC in no time!
Make sure you check the filters in your air conditioning unit. This is important because checking your filters could make the difference between inexpensive repairs and more expensive ones down the line. Try to put it into your monthly schedule so that you don't forget to check the filters regularly.
An HVAC system is a really expensive investment. This is why you should do some browsing before purchasing your system. Try to find a good sale so you can get your system at a discount. Check out a couple of sites before making a decision. A great site to begin is www.energystar.gov.
Clean your permanent air filters or replace disposable ones every single month. If you have the choice, an electrostatic is the best option on the market today. Be sure to turn off your unit before you change the filter as it should never be run without a filter in place.
If your evaporator coil, found inside your home, becomes dirty, your unit will lose efficiency. Just pop off the front panel of the furnace and check to see that the coil is dry. Using a brush attachment on a vacuum, gently clean the coil of any dust or other debris.
If you are uncertain about which HVAC contractor to call when you experience an equipment failure, take the time to ask friends and family for personal recommendations. By doing this, you will be able to feel more confident about the choice you make, because you will have gotten the opinions of people you already know to be trustworthy.
If your system isn't working as it should, test its ducts for leaks. Often your utility company is willing to test this for you, and it may be free or lower in cost than you would get with a contractor. This testing can have large financial benefits.
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.
Before you hire any HVAC company, ask them how long they've been open for business. Companies that are well established have track records that can help you decide if they're worth your money and time. Hiring a new contractor means taking a bigger risk.
To block out the sun on hot summer days, allowing your air conditioner to run less frequently, invest in heat blocking drapes. These textiles come in beautiful patterns and colors today, looking just like their designer counterparts. They will keep the heat out so that your home stays cooler without costing you an arm and a leg on utility bills.
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.
Keep your condensers free of nearby obstructions. Keep plants, fencing, even bushes back and away from the unit. Two feet is a good minimum distance it should have from anything, including walls, but the more space you give it to breathe, the better it will work and the less likely it will be to fail.
Your friends or family likely have recommendations for a local HVAC specialist. Someone who has used a contractor in the past is generally willing to let you know what they thought about it. This will also help you avoid bad companies.
When water condenses on your air conditioner, it drips into a pan and drains out. This drain should be inspected on a regular basis. If algae forms in the drain line or if the drain line freezes, you could be in for some expensive repairs. The drip pan could overflow causing extensive damage to your ceilings.
Choose a contractor who knows how to work with your current system. If they work with that set-up frequently, they'll quickly diagnose any problems and know exactly how to maintain it. Choosing such a firm will save you time and money, and will also save you from unnecessary headaches.
Don't just hire the first contractor you meet or call. Be sure 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.
If you feel like you are spending too much money on your heating and cooling, there is a simple way to reduce this cost. Raise or lower the temperature depending on the season. A single degree in temperature change can equate to almost a nine percent savings in cooling and here heating costs.
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.
Every season inspect the outdoor condenser unit of your HVAC system. Remove any weeds and leaves that may be obstructing air flow to the unit. Hose off the inside and outside of the unit to remove any dirt build up. Cover the motor with plastic bags prior to rinsing the unit so that you do not get it wet.
If you already have someone servicing your HVAC unit every year, consider talking to them about installing a new system. Even if you need something custom built, they may have staff on hand who can do what you need. If you already trust them, you know they'll be right for the job.
Unless you are fortunate enough to live in a place where the weather is always lovely, you are going to need an HVAC system in your home. Without one, you will sweat all summer and shiver all winter. What you have just read will help you choose a system that meets your needs.
'Over 150 calls just from freezing pipes': Plumbers scramble to help homeowners on Vancouver Island
TOP PLUMBER TIPS:
Heat exterior walls where waterlines enter your home or business
Keep water movement in your pipes. A last resort can be allowing a bathtub to run overnight at a low drizzle
Insulate exterior hose taps. Hardware stores supply insulation product, or even wrap a dry cloth around the hose bib
Know where your water shutoff valves are. If you start to see flooding shut them off immediately
Even the City of Victoria was caught in a soggy position Thursday morning.
An exterior pipe burst on the Pandora Street side of City Hall early Thursday causing water to spill onto the street below, according to city officials.
Crews quickly located the broken pipe and repaired it. The city says no interior damage has been found due to the leak.
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