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.
If you must hire someone to help you out with your HVAC system, be sure to learn about all of the requirements your state has legislated regarding licencing and insurance. You need to be able to ask anyone you plan to hire if they meet these requirements before you hire them.
When seeking a new contractor, ask loved ones for referrals. They'll often have already had someone in for similar work and will know who to trust and who to avoid. If your family hasn't used anyone, ask co-workers or other people you trust in your community for some references.
If you want to cool your home in the summer without using your air conditioning on full, consider installing fans in your home. An attic fan can blow hot air out while sucking in cool air into your basement, and ceiling fans help distribute the air in your rooms evenly.
Outdoor condenser units need to be turned off when the weather turns cold. When the temperature goes below 60 degrees, shut off the unit in order to prevent damage. This can ensure your unit is working well throughout the years without the cost of repairs.
Sometimes, it can be hard to figure out if your HVAC system needs to be fixed or needs to be replaced. If your system frequently breaks down, is always turning on or off on its own, or if your bills are too high, it may pay to have it replaced. Otherwise, little things can just be fixed.
Save energy use and money by turning off the air conditioner if there is nobody home. You may want to turn your unit off if your house will not become extremely hot or cold. When the AC is left running, your power bill will go up quite a bit.
Some air conditioners can ice up. Freezes also occur in your drain line. These freezes are easily confused as leaks to the untrained eye. If you see this, try switching your thermostat to just the fan so that it disables the compressor. This problem will need to be handled by a professional, even though the fan will probably help with the ice situation.
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.
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.
Make sure things don't get too hot or cold where your thermostat is. Any electronics or heat sources like lamps or televisions nearby can trick the thermostat into thinking the home is warmer website than it actually is. This just means it runs your air conditioning longer than necessary, wasting energy and money.
If your home gets hot in the summer and you'd like to use your air conditioner less often, consider a metal roof. It reflects the heat right back up into the sky, allowing your home to gain less heat on sunny days. Since metal roofs are permanent, you'll save on repair and replacement costs also.
If you can, find a way to create shade over your outdoor HVAC unit. This can actually save you money as shaded air being pulled in by the HVAC unit is typically 5 to 6 degrees cooler than air that's heated by direct sunlight. It's a smart solution to lowering those energy bills.
Your doors and windows need to be as efficient as the HVAC system you use. They should have tight seals so outside air cannot get in and inside air can not get out. You can get a professional out to help you test things and a lot of the time the testing costs nothing.
Are you looking at purchasing a HVAC system? Many things must be taken into account before you purchase one. Those systems get rated by the area amount they are able to cool and heat effectively. It may be wise to get a unit that is a bit larger than needed. Just don't get one that is smaller than you need.
Proper HVAC maintenance is key to having it last a very long time. Don't fall victim to a faulty HVAC system, use the tips here to keep it running smooth for a long time. With good tips such as these, there is no reason why your HVAC can give you many years of living in a comfortable environment.
