Created by-Briggs Walter

A poor quality HVAC can cause you a lot of issues. Not only do they cost a lot of money to take care of, but they can also make a living area an uncomfortable one. It's generally an all-around good idea to study as much as you can about HVAC maintenance and upkeep. The following tips will provide you some great info to get you started.

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. more resources will also take a look at your duct system and look for air leaks.

When seeking a new contractor, ask loved ones for referrals. They'll often have already had someone in for similar work and will know who to trust and who to avoid. If your family hasn't used anyone, ask co-workers or other people you trust in your community for some references.

Make sure you ask for an estimate in writing before choosing a specific HVAC vendor. There are a lot of moving pieces when it comes to purchasing these big items. You'll want to compare not only the cost of the equipment, but also the set up and the overall energy costs.

Be sure to get every quote or estimate in written form. You have no recourse on a verbal agreement, so a written contract is a must. This will allow you to follow up if something goes wrong or you don't get what you were promised, protecting you from shady contractors.




You should be sure to change the air filter of your HVAC system once every six months. Neglecting to do so can cause dust particles to clog the air ducts. In turn, your system will not work properly and you will find your bills going up. It's worth spending the time to clean the filters.

When you are looking for a service provider to perform service on your HVAC system, look for a company that stands behind their work. This is especially important if your compressor or condenser is being repaired. Repairs to these two things are extremely expensive, so you want to ensure that the service provider warranties their work.

In order to avoid having any problems with your air conditioning unit, keep all vegetation at least two feet away from the outdoor unit. The unit should be clear of any vegetation on all sides and above. When you mow the lawn, aim the grass clippings away from the a/c unit. This will prevent grass getting inside the a/c and making it malfunction.

Your home should not have temperatures that are too hot. Air conditioners can only really cool your home down 20 degrees or so within a reasonable time period. This limits their overall benefit. This won't be a healthy environment to live in.

Do not let your house get dangerously hot. An AC unit will reduce the internal temperature of your home approximately twenty degrees in a fair time. So, if your home temp reaches 100 degrees, your air conditioning will only bring that temp down to about 80 degrees. While it depends on the humidity, this is not safe for a human to sleep in to recover from the heat of the summer.

If you don't want to install ductwork in your home, consider a mini-split system instead. They work form the outside in, allowing your whole home to cool without a central air conditioner. This allows you to enjoy all of your indoor space in a cool, comfortable way all summer long.

Use plants to increase your air conditioner's effectiveness. An AC unit fully shaded by trees and shrubbery can operate up to 10 percent more efficiently. However, do keep spacing in mind. Air flow must not be constricted, and technicians need room to work when they come out to service your unit.

Check the Internet for reviews on those who fix or install HVAC systems. In many cases you will find local review sites where previous customers will share the experience they had with companies they used. This will help you to sort out the good from the bad.

Every month clean out the leaves and debris that may have settled into your outdoor HVAC unit. You'll be surprised at how much gets caught in your unit. Over time these leaves can build up and create issues for your system. Just this little clean up can save you a lot of money in maintenance bills.

To block out the sun on hot summer days, allowing your air conditioner to run less frequently, invest in heat blocking drapes. These textiles come in beautiful patterns and colors today, looking just like their designer counterparts. They will keep the heat out so that your home stays cooler without costing you an arm and a leg on utility bills.

Call in a contractor to find out if you can install an air conditioner on your current forced-air system without having to install new duct work. This can save you a ton of time and money, plus it takes up less space in your walls and rooms to boot.

Never hire an HVAC contractor that does not hold a valid license from your state. There are people out there that will offer to do less expensive work since they have no license. While it may seem like a bargain, you will have lots of issues in the event that something goes wrong.

Never hire a contractor before asking about the work experience they have when it comes to dealing with HVAC units. It is best to match the job you have to a company with that kind of experience. Although see here is certainly possible for an inexperienced contractor to do the job right, it is best not to flirt with danger.

If you feel like you are spending too much money on your heating and cooling, there is a simple way to reduce this cost. Raise or lower the temperature depending on the season. A single degree in temperature change can equate to almost a nine percent savings in cooling and heating costs.

Look into the references an HVAC contractor provides to you. Never assume that just because the contractor gives you references that they will check out well. It doesn't take long to check, so don't hesitate.

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.