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.
Clean the fan blades and coils prior to summertime. Always shut off all power to your unit for any work beyond superficial cleaning. Also, it is important to clear the outside condenser unit from any debris that maybe trapped inside.
If you want to know more about efficiently heating or cooling your home, go online and download the ENERGY STAR Guide. It provides information for homeowners to learn more about how they can save money while still keeping their home comfortable all year round, so it is a worthy ready.
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 you want to pay for less power use, consider installing an HVAC-specific solar panel system. Such an installation harnesses the power of the sun directly for your heating and air conditioning. Don't worry though; you can have a switch put in that automatically connects to the power grid the days there isn't enough sun.
Turn off your outdoor condenser when it's getting cold. If the temperature drops to under 60 degrees, you risk damage to the unit if you leave it on. This will keep your system in working order year after year, saving you a ton on repairs.
Do not allow your home to reach excessive levels of heat during the summer. Air conditioners can cool a home by just twenty degrees in a short time. If the temperature website in your home reaches 100 degree Fahrenheit, it will only reduce it to 80 or more. Depending on how humid the environment is, that is not a healthy temperature for the human body when it rests during sleep.
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.
Do not close your vents. Keep air vents open and unblocked at all times. Many people believe that closing off a vent will save them money on cooling costs. This is not true. It can actually damage your HVAC system. Closing vents can cause your cooling coil to freeze and damage the compressor.
If you want to turn off your air conditioning at night to save money, consider putting a standing fan next to your bed. You can set it to oscillate from your toes to your head, blowing cool air over your body and letting you sleep comfortably all night long.
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.
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 ducts to find any leaks if you you feel your existing system is not up to snuff. You can call in your local utility company to do the testing for you, often for free or at a lower cost than a contractor. If a leak is found, the money spent on finding and repairing the leak will pay for itself.
Now you're able to see that the HVAC unit can be something anyone can get into with the right kind of information. It is vital though to learn everything about it. Use the suggestions outlined here as part of your process for approaching your HVAC system purchase.
