What You Need To Learn Before Calling An HVAC Tech For Help

 

 

HVAC sounds like a complicated topic. This is probably due to the fact that a lot will go into an HVAC system. However, there is a lot of information out there that you may not be aware of that can make this easier to learn about.

 

 

When your contractor comes to fix your unit or install a new one, he should walk around your home and investigate what's going on with your current set-up. They should be looking for how much insulation you have, where your windows are and what quality they are and more.

 

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.

 

When you have an outdoor unit, be sure to keep all plants, flowers, shrubs and trees at least two feet from it. Anything that grows inside it, either above the ground or even roots beneath the soil, can block it up and cause it to break. Give it some breathing room.

 

If the fan on your condenser includes oil ports, they must be lubricated annually. A rubber or metal cap is typically placed over such ports. Put 10 drops of lightweight, non-detergent SAE oil in each port. Be careful not to use too much.

 

If your evaporator coil, found inside your home, becomes dirty, your unit will lose efficiency. Just pop off the front panel of the furnace and check to see that the coil is dry. Using a brush attachment on a vacuum, gently clean the coil of any dust or other debris.

 

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.

 

If you want to pay for less power use, consider installing an HVAC-specific solar panel system. Such an installation harnesses the power of the sun directly for your heating and air conditioning. Don't worry though; you can have a switch put in that automatically connects to the power grid the days there isn't enough sun.

 

Figure out how long the HVAC company you choose has been in business. It is more likely that a contractor who has been in business for a longer time will give you better value for your money. Hiring a newer contractor may be taking a considerable risk.

 

Keep your condensers free of nearby obstructions. Keep plants, fencing, even bushes back and away from the unit. Two feet is a good minimum distance it should have from anything, including walls, but the more space you give it to breathe, the better it will work and the less likely it will be to fail.

 

Get an estimate before agreeing to have any work done on your HVAC unit. This will help keep you from being surprised by a bill at the end. Any reputable technician should be able to look at your unit, determine the problem and give you an estimate as to how much it will cost to fix it.

 

The energy efficiency of a unit should be taken into consideration when purchasing a new heating and cooling system. Although you should be concerned about the price of a unit, the efficiency of the unit will save you thousands over the lifetime of the heating and cooling system and should weigh heavily on your buying decision.

 

Check around and get a number of quotes prior to hiring a contractor. You can save a lot of cash simply by doing your homework. To get the best picture and get an idea of what rates are reasonable, call five or six different contractors.

 

Never hire anyone to work on your HVAC system unless they are licensed and bonded. This industry is one where mistakes happen often and you want to make sure that you are protected. You do not want to be stuck paying for medical bills that are more expensive than the work you were having done.

 

Replace the air filter monthly. This represents an easy way to keep your system working well. They are very inexpensive and well worth the time and money to replace.

 

Never hire a contractor before asking about the work experience they have when it comes to dealing with HVAC units. The contractor should be experienced in handling the kind of work that you require. You minimize the chances of bad service this way.

 

Familiarizing yourself with HVAC technology is hopefully something this article helped you accomplish. Once you are motivated to learn, it's easier to get started, so make sure you take this into consideration before you begin. Once things begin to click inside your mind, you won't regret the decision.