Authored by-Tobin Shields
An HVAC system failure is one of the most frustrating occurrences a homeowner can face, largely because they may not know the right person to call. However, by simply spending
http://www.shoplocalsavelocal.com/canada/scotland/local-business-categories/burford-heating-and-air-conditioning of time learning about what to look for in a contractor, things can actually go rather smoothly. Continue reading to gain some helpful insights.
Be sure to get every quote or estimate in written form. You have no recourse on a verbal agreement, so a written contract is a must. This will allow you to follow up if something goes wrong or you don't get what you were promised, protecting you from shady contractors.
You should be sure to change the air filter of your HVAC system once every six months. Neglecting to do so can cause dust particles to clog the air ducts. In turn, your system will not work properly and you will find your bills going up. It's worth spending the time to clean the filters.
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.
Have your heating and cooling system inspected twice a year. This should be done in Fall and Spring to prepare it for the extreme months. Even if everything seems fine, check things out to find potential problems.
Keep energy costs from rising by having your system serviced annually. During your service visit, the serviceman will inspect the unit's motor, oil the unit's moving parts and ensure the unit has proper freon levels. This will help your system run better.
Cover your unit when you are mowing the lawn. Have the grass shoot in the opposite direction. This also applies to leaf blowing and any other yard work that results in debris.
Make sure that the HVAC contractor you plan to hire does not use subcontractors to do their work. Many people use this as an excuse to shirk their responsibility in the event that something goes wrong when your system is being worked on. Only allow this if there is a note in the contract about what will happen if there is an issue.
Be sure to check your evaporator coil drains frequently when your air conditioner is running. If this tube backs up, you can find water damage to your walls, ceilings and floors. If you end up with mold just use a solution of bleach and water to clean out the tube.
It can be confusing to figure out what the correct HVAC system size is for your home, but you can solve this with the help of a sizing calculator. If you make the mistake of purchasing a unit that is too large, it will not cool efficiently. Check your manual to figure out what the rating is from the manufacturer to be sure you're getting the right information.
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.
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.
Keep
https://azbigmedia.com/lifestyle/consumer-news/why-is-your-air-conditioner-making-noise/ 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.
Choose a good HVAC company. You need to find one that has a solid reputation. It's important that it has been around for several years and is backed by a good reputation in customer service. Find one that has trained professionals and qualified technicians to help with all kinds of customer needs. They should be able to handle any HVAC job no matter how simple or complex.
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.
Does your contractor provide you with an all-day emergency hotline? Particularly if you have a family, you may need service at odd hours or on weekends.
Before you hire a contractor for your HVAC system, ask how much experience they have and with what types of systems. They should have a good history of working with HVAC units. It's best to find someone who knows what they're doing.
It is important that any contractor you hire is familiar with your make and model of HVAC unit. Ask them what brands they work with most frequently and compare it to what you have. If you can't find a contractor that knows your brand well, instead consider who has the best reputation.
If the HVAC contractor assumes a "one size fits all" approach to installing your unit, look elsewhere. In order for the system to be right for your home, the contractor needs to come out, find your air ducts, and generally get a feeling for how your home is laid out. If he or she does not do that, move on.
It is important that any contractor you hire is familiar with your make and model of HVAC unit. Ask them what brands they work with most frequently and compare it to what you have. If you can't find a contractor that knows your brand well, instead consider who has the best reputation.
Keeping your home comfortable relies on having a great HVAC system. If you do not maintain it properly, you may find that it breaks down. Avoid this by following the tips presented here for proper HVAC functioning.