If the thought of an HVAC failure leaves you scratching your head wondering what you would do during such an event, you are not alone. The key to knowing how to handle such events is spending some time learning how to hire the best possible professionals. The information found below can serve as just the resource you need.
Ask for referrals when hiring someone to install your HVAC system. Someone may seem like they know what they are doing, but you cannot simply take their word for it. You should be able to call past customers to get an idea of what to expect from this particular installer.
Before you start calling to find someone to fix your unit, make sure you know the type of system that is installed. Know the model and brand and find it’s maintenance history, if possible. This will help make sure that the contractor you hire has all the necessary information.
If problems arise with the HVAC system, check the entire house before contacting someone to come for repairs. Notice the temperature in each room. Are some cooler or hotter than others? This can help the contractor determine the problem areas quickly and fix the problem easily.
Before you hire anyone to do any work on your HVAC, be sure to get a written estimate which has itemized costs listed on it. This will ensure that comparing one contractor to another will be simple as you can see what one offers that another doesn’t, or what price they’re charging for the same items.
Make sure you have your HVAC system checked at least twice a year. This should be done in Fall and Spring to prepare it for the extreme months. Even though it may seem as nothing is wrong with the unit, a simple inspection can prove otherwise.
In the winter, wearing layers can save you a ton of money on your utility bill. If you can install a digital thermostat that makes the house cooler when you’re asleep and warmer just before you get up, you can see significant savings on your next bill when it arrives.
If you currently have a manual thermostat, consider installing a programmable one. You can set your system for different temperatures depending on time of day and if anyone is home. Also, you can set upper and lower temperature settings to allow for a comfortable range of temperatures so that heating and cooling don’t kick in when not needed.
Shut off the air conditioning if nobody is home. Turning it off does allow the temperature to rise, but only so far. Leaving your heating or cooling running full blast while you are away is a waste of money and energy.
Before having someone install a new HVAC system or maintain or repair yours, make sure they are insured. Having someone who is insured work on your system will assure that if anything happens while they are working at your home, they are financially covered and you will not be responsible.
Looking for an efficient way to cool your home? Consider installing a whole-house evaporative cooler. They use water to cool air instead of traditional chemical coolants, using a ton less energy to cool your home than those other units. That said, they do work best in dry climates and not at all in humid ones.
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.
Do not close your vents. Keep air vents open and unblocked at all times. Many people believe that closing off a vent will save them money on cooling costs. This is not true. It can actually damage your HVAC system. Closing vents can cause your cooling coil to freeze and damage the compressor.
Would you know what to do if your air conditioner or furnace system were to fail just when you needed it most? As long as you have spent some time learning about what makes for a terrific HVAC service professional, you should answer in the affirmative. Keep the above advice handy, and you will never go wrong.