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.
In order to cheaply cool your home, turn the temperature up. If you take a few showers a day or just drink a cold ice water, you'll find that you're saving a lot of money on your utility bills by keeping the thermostat a little higher than usual in your home.
If your condenser units are outisde, make sure any debris is cleaned from them regularly. Debris can pile up after a storm, bringing potential damage with it. It can cause your system to malfunction by overheating.
Shop around before hiring an HVAC contractor. Checking with the BBB is a good idea, and so is checking online reviews to see the experiences that other customers have had with a company. This can help you make the right choice.
Once it grows cold outside, turn off your outside condenser unit. If the temperature drops to under 60 degrees, you risk damage to the unit if you leave it on. This can keep your HVAC running and can save you money on repairs.
Keep energy costs from rising by having your system serviced annually. During service the technician will check the motor and refill the system fluids. Small problems can occur in any of these areas and lead to serious issues if ignored for too long.
Consider an annual service agreement for technicians to regularly inspect your AC unit. Schedule brief inspections for the winter to make sure nothing is obviously wrong. The most important time for an inspection and service is just before it starts getting warm. You don't want to discover an AC breakdown when you need it working most.
While price should be one of the considerations you make when you are hiring an HVAC contractor, do not allow it to cloud your judgement. There are other factors that need to be considered in order to make a sound decision. Experience level, work ethic and positive reviews are a few things that should be considered as well.
Speak with family and friends to get a recommendation for a reputable HVAC contractor. You should be able to find someone that has had a good experience. This can also help you to figure out some names of businesses that you should avoid at all costs.
Installing a whole-house fan can either cool your home without the use of air conditioning or make your air conditioner more efficient. It blows out all of the hot air which collects in your attic, and this air flow draws in more info cool air from your basement and up into your home.
If your system doesn't seem to be working efficiently, check your ducts for leaks. The local utility may be able to test for you, and their services are frequently free or low cost. Once you fix the leaks, the savings will be more than worth the hassle.
Have your HVAC inspected every year to ensure that it is working properly. The technician will check your filters, drain lines, air flow and Freon levels. This will have your HVAC working at peak performance saving you money all season long. It will also alert you to any repairs that need to be address before they become big problems.
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.
Never hire an HVAC contractor that does not hold a valid license from your state. There are people out there that will offer to do less expensive work since they have no license. While it may seem like a bargain, you will have lots of issues in the event that something goes wrong.
If your HVAC unit is not operating as efficiently as it once was, check the evaporator coil in it? There may be some debris blocking it which is causing the issue. You can use a soft brush to clean it - like the one you find as an attachment for handheld vacuum cleaners.
When it comes to HVAC units, unless you have been trained in them, you usually need to call someone for help. The tips shared here can help you make the best decisions when it comes to using someone to help you with your unit. Be sure to use these tips for your HVAC needs.
