Always make sure you are up-to-date about your HVAC unit. Take a look at the system or the owner's manual to find the name and model number. The contractor will likely need all of this information.
Make sure the equipment you are buying is ENERGY STAR compliant. It may seem a small thing, but it isn't. Products that are ENERGY STAR compliant can save you a lot of money in energy costs over the year. It can be over $100 easily, sometimes a lot more.
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 have fans in place to help make your HVAC more efficient, be sure that they're turning in the right direction. They should be pushing air downwards over the people in the room to help cool their skin. If it's blowing upwards, all it does is push hot air into the room.
You need to have a contractor review your unit twice a year. Check into it twice a year before you head into the hot and cold months. A quick check is worth it to avoid problems down the road.
Before you invest in any HVAC contractor, make sure you spend a good deal of time researching their reputations and credentials. Check out the online reviews, and run a quick search on the BBB website to make sure they have been good to past customers. You will make a more informed choice if you use these resources.
If everyone is out, turn the air conditioner off. The house will heat up when it is turned off, but only a certain amount. If the A/C is on when you're gone, it'll be working hard constantly.
When you are looking for a service provider to perform service on your HVAC system, look for a company that stands behind their work. This is especially important if your compressor or condenser is being repaired. Repairs to these two things are extremely expensive, so you want to ensure that the service provider warranties their work.
To reduce the air conditioning's energy cost, close drapes, blinds and shades that cover windows which face the sun. Also, white shades will reflect the heat away from the house, keeping it cooler and saving you money. It is also recommended that you close the vents in rooms that are not used often. This will ensure that you are not spending money cooling less-used rooms.
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.
Contractors charge different rates, so make sure that you acquire multiple estimates. If you call people before you work on hiring one person, you can save some money overall. It is best to speak to several contractors so that you know which rates are reasonable.
Every year hire someone to give your HVAC unit routine maintenance. This will ensure that it works properly throughout the entire year. It will also allow you to have lower heating and cooling bills. When your HVAC is running properly, it will use the least amount of energy and save you money.
Improve the efficiency of your air conditioning by installing ceiling fans. Change the airflow direction of the ceiling fans. During the summer, the blades should move in a counter-clockwise direction. During the winter, the blades should move clockwise to help move the hot air in the ceiling down into the room.
Get an estimate before agreeing to have any work done on your HVAC unit. This will help keep you from being surprised by a bill at the end. Any reputable technician should be able to look at your unit, determine the problem and give you an estimate as to how much it will cost to fix it.
Installing a whole-house fan can either cool your home without the use of air conditioning or website 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 cool air from your basement and up into your home.
Anyone can install and properly use an HVAC system. Be sure to make use of these tips one by one. Use these tips to help you going forward.
