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 a bit of time learning about what to look for in a contractor, things can actually go rather smoothly. Continue reading to gain some helpful insights.
Before you contact people to assist you in getting your system fixed, know what kind of system you're working with in the first place. Write down what brand your system is along with the model number and, if they're available, maintenance records. The contractor will likely need all of this information.
Let your friends and family know about the discounts that are possible via ENERGY STAR. There's a lot of savings that can be had here, so why hold this good news all to yourself! You can save those closest to you hundreds of dollars over the course of a year.
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.
Your HVAC unit requires regular maintenance at least two times per each year. This should be checked often for debris and malfunctions. Check it out just to be safe even if there is nothing broken.
Get any agreement with an HVAC contractor in writing. Some contractors try to skip over this step and charge customers a fortune. If you have a certain price and warranty in writing, they cannot go back and change this information. If they do, they could have a lawsuit on their hands.
If you want to seriously extend the life of your HVAC system, as well as cut down your overall power bill, install ceiling fans in commonly used warm season rooms. Energy-star certified ceiling fans can sometimes cut your HVAC use in half. However, you won't physically notice a difference in temperature.
Don't let your home get too hot. It is only possible for an air conditioner to lower the temperature in a home by 20 degrees F in a short time. This means that if the weather is above 100 degrees, then you'll still be baking in 80 degree weather at first! Depending on what the humidity is, this may not be cool enough to be a safe temperature to sleep at when recovering from the harsh summer heat.
Always ask for references before you allow anyone to start doing work on your HVAC system. Call several of them to make sure that they are legitimate. Many people take the word of the contractor when it comes to customer satisfaction and that can prove to be a mistake in the end.
Use recommendations when you are looking for a contractor. Someone who has used a contractor in the past is generally willing to let you know what they thought about it. This will also help you avoid bad companies.
Use an HVAC company that has been in business for a while. A company that has been in business for a long time will have a solid track record, and you can use this to figure out if you should spend your money with them. If you hire someone that's new that this then you'll be risking your money.
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.
Never hire a contractor before asking about the work experience they have when it comes to dealing with HVAC units. It's important that a contractor is experienced in the area of the kind of work you require. While a worker with less experience may be capable of doing a good job, you will be taking a risk.
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.
For your outdoor HVAC unit, make sure here that your foliage is cleared around it. Two feet distance between the HVAC unit and shrubs is a good amount to remember. If you let the foliage creep up on the unit, it can cause all sorts of issues with debris and growth into the system.
Make sure you wipe up any water that is close to the air intake of the vents of your HVAC system. Clean up any water that is standing around because water can cause mold to easily expand. Some water buildup is normal but if you're picking up water more than once every six months you might have a problem, so contact a HVAC technician.
As you can see, finding the perfect HVAC system for your home can be tricky. There is a lot of information that you need to absorb before you can make the right decision. By keeping this advice in mind, you can find a great new system that will keep you comfortable all year long.
Lynn's HVAC Winnipeg: Plumbing Heating & Cooling
837 Dugald Rd, Winnipeg, MB R2J 0G7
+12048171595