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.
When you call an HVAC system for help, you need to be aware of what you need them to do before calling. It's hard to get an estimate since they haven't look at your system. If you can't explain changes you've made, the process will be even more difficult. Know this stuff ahead of time.
Make sure that your contractor provides a home assessment. Not every HVAC solution is for everyone. Your home could have special needs for heating and cooling. Your contractor should do a walk around of your space to judge what is best. If they aren't be sure to request one.
Be sure to regularly clean debris from external condenser units. Particularly after bad weather, you should inspect your unit. Overheating could occur, which will be problematic.
Check to determine if the fan condenser on your HVAC system is equipped with oil ports, and if it is, be sure to lubricate every year. You will notice these ports have a rubber or metal cap covering them. Choose an oil graded SAE 20, it is non-detergent and lightweight. Place about 10 drops into each of the ports, taking care that it does not overfill.
Clean your filters! If you have a window unit air conditioner, there will be a filter right under the grill you can vacuum. If you have a furnace or outdoor units, they will also have filters to be cleaned or replace. A dirty filter can make your unit inefficient or even let it overheat.
Sometimes air conditioners get iced up. Freezes also occur in your drain line. These freezes are easily confused as leaks to the untrained eye. Use the fan-only setting to allow the system time to thaw. If this doesn't work, call a professional.
It can be confusing to figure out what the correct HVAC system size is for your home, but you can solve this with the help of a sizing calculator. Buying a unit which is too big reduces efficiency. Always look through the manual as well.
If everyone is out, turn the air conditioner off. You don't need to keep the house cool if you aren't there. Leaving it on all the time only makes it work harder and results in a larger utility bill.
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 cool air from your basement and up into your home.
If you want to ensure your air conditioner offers you great performance, keep it dry. If it is located in a dry, cool area, you'll find that the efficiency goes up and the unit lasts a long time. You can even buy a water vapor cooler to cool it as it is running.
If you can, find a way to create shade over your outdoor HVAC unit. This can actually save you money as shaded air being pulled in by the HVAC unit is typically 5 to 6 degrees cooler than air that's heated by direct sunlight. It's a smart solution to lowering those energy bills.
Think about installing a digital programmable thermostat to keep your heating and cooling bills low. These digital thermostats have timers that allow you to completely control your HVAC use. You can set the heat and cooling to only turn on when you are home and to turn off when you are at work.
Make sure to be specific about everything that is written in your contracts. It should detail the work that is being done, the materials being used and the amount of time it will take to complete the job. Leaving anything out can give the contractor an exit if something goes wrong.
If your HVAC system is producing any type of clicking sounds, get more info there may be something obstructing it. A small amount of debris is often the cause of this problem. Simply clear away the debris or remove any foreign objects and your problem is solved. Always check for yourself before getting someone out to repair the unit.
If you have known the frustration of an HVAC failure, you know that one of the best things you can do as a homeowner is acquaint yourself with a skilled contractor. However, knowing what to look for in an HVAC professional takes a bit of research and study. Use the advice found above, and you will always be prepared for anything.
