Although most people are thinking of their heating systems during the winter months, air conditioning is also important. When installing a new furnace or heating system, make sure the air ducts are also set up to work with your air condition system. Using the ducts for both heating and cooling is the most economical choice.
When a contractor gives you a list of references, be sure to make use of it. Call the people on the list and ask about the quality of the work, how closely they came to their quote and whether or not the work was completed according to the promised timeline.
Clean the coils on the condenser fan from time to time. Be sure to turn the power off first; you don't want anything to move. Pull out each of the blades and clean them one by one.
When the weather starts to cool down, make sure you turn off outdoor condenser units. Avoid damaging the unit by turning it off when the outdoor temperature drops below 60 degrees. This helps the system last much longer and will have to be repaired less often.
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.
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.
An investment in a smart thermostat is truly going to save you money. You can program it to turn on and off at certain temperatures or times, allowing you to ensure that your air conditioner or heater isn't running when it doesn't need to be, saving you a ton.
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 the system you're using now isn't working great, then check the ducts for some leakage. 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. When you have leaks repaired, the testing has paid for itself.
It is always a wise move to obtain a few quotes from different contractors because prices can vary. You will be likely to save some cash if you take the time to call around before you decide. Ideally, five or six contractors should be called so you can get a good ball park figure of a reasonable rate.
Do you want to make sure your HVAC unit works for you like it should? It is important to have your unit maintained on a regular basis. Any reputable technician will know exactly what you mean if you call them and ask for a maintenance service on your system.
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.
Try to get as many quotes from contractors that you can. If you make a few calls before you decide, it can result in great savings. Never settle for a price until you've called at least five contractors to gain a realistic idea of a fair price.
A radiant barrier is something that you may want to consider. It ensures that your unit stays hot or cold as it should be. If it's done right, the attic can become another useful living space.
You don't want to have a faulty HVAC system because that will make any homeowner miserable. Having a home that is too hot or cold is enough to drive anyone crazy. Then website having to pay the costs to fix this problem makes it even worse. Don't let this happen, remember the tips here to ensure your HVAC system stays working right.
