Your HVAC unit could be considered the heart and soul of your home. As the furnace or air conditioner pump out comfortable air, the ducts carry it to where you are living in the home. To ensure that it works for you as you wish it to, check out the tips below.
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.
If you must hire someone to help you out with your HVAC system, be sure to learn about all of the requirements your state has legislated regarding licencing and insurance. You need to be able to ask anyone you plan to hire if they meet these requirements before you hire them.
Leaves and debris can damage your system. Make sure the fan’s grill is cleaned often during the fall. The air needs to be unobstructed into the fan, and any blockages create performance issues for the whole system.
Whenever possible, try to shade the compressor unit outside. The air that’s in a place that is shaded is usually five to six degrees cooler than the surrounding air. Your air conditioning unit will be up to ten percent more efficient if it is properly shaded during the summer months.
Ask for references and be sure to call them as well. You are dealing with a high ticket item here, so you’ll want to do your due diligence to make sure you are getting the best for your money. Ask for references, but don’t stop there. Call each reference to check. A lot of people don’t take that important last step.
Sometimes, it can be hard to figure out if your HVAC system needs to be fixed or needs to be replaced. If your system frequently breaks down, is always turning on or off on its own, or if your bills are too high, it may pay to have it replaced. Otherwise, little things can just be fixed.
Putting in a programmable thermostat is a smart way to cut back on air-conditioning costs. Programmable thermostats can reduce your power HVAC energy costs by as much as ten percent, just by dialing back your thermostat ten or fifteen percent up to eight daily hours. Additionally, some models of programmable thermostats actually allow you to control them remotely from your office computer or cell phone.
Problems with an air conditioning unit happen when it ices up. Many times people think there is a plumbing leak, but instead the drain line has water that is frozen. If you see this, try switching your thermostat to just the fan so that it disables the compressor. You should leave the repair to a professional, but switching to the fan setting should start to melt the ice.
These tips will help you to keep your HVAC system in great shape for the whole time you live in your home. Print this off and revisit it once a year so that you know what you need to do. The more effort you put into your home, the more benefit you will gain from it.
PLEASE CALL US NOW: 818-294-7214
