Knowledge Is Power, And These HVAC Tips Are Priceless
Working with HVAC may be hard to start with, but in the end it's easy if you have the right kind of information. This article was put together to help people that want to learn about this kind of a thing. If this is interesting to you, then keep reading.
Make sure you check the filters in your air conditioning unit. This is important because checking your filters could make the difference between inexpensive repairs and more expensive ones down the line. Try to put it into your monthly schedule so that you don't forget to check the filters regularly.
An HVAC system is a really expensive investment. This is why you should do some browsing before purchasing your system. Try to find a good sale so you can get your system at a discount. Check out a couple of sites before making a decision. A great site to begin is www.energystar.gov.
Boost energy efficiency by putting your condenser unit in the shade. When your unit sucks in cooler air, then much less is required to cool it further, which saves you money on energy bills.
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.
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.
You should always review the experience and history of an HVAC specialist before hiring them. Established companies that are doing well will usually be the best ones to go with. It is always risky to hire a contractor with little experience.
Be sure to check your evaporator coil drains frequently when your air conditioner is running. If this tube backs up, you can find water damage to your walls, ceilings and floors. If you end up with mold just use a solution of bleach and water to clean out the tube.
Make sure things don't get too hot or cold where your thermostat is. Any electronics or heat sources like lamps or televisions nearby can trick the thermostat into thinking the home is warmer than it actually is. This just means it runs your air conditioning longer than necessary, wasting energy and money.
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.
Do you need a new cooling system? There are several things you should consider. An HVAC system gets its rating by how effective it will heat and cool an area. It's a good idea to buy something that's larger than you'd need instead of getting something that's not big enough.
While price should be one of the considerations you make when you are hiring an HVAC contractor, do not allow it to cloud your judgement. There are other factors that need to be considered in order to make a sound decision. Experience level, work ethic and positive reviews are a few things that should be considered as well.
Put a bit of time into researching various HVAC specialists; you're more likely to choose the right one for the job. Inquire with the BBB and look elsewhere for other reviews from customers. Take these steps to ensure you make wise choices.
Learn the rules and regulations regarding licenses and insurance before hiring an HVAC professional. This way you can check to make sure that any contractor you consider hiring meets any requirements. This can prevent a costly legal process, especially in case of an accident on site. Without insurance, you could be held liable for damages.
Never accept the first offer you get when you are looking to hire an HVAC contractor. There are many people out there that charge more than others for doing the same services. Getting price quotes from several companies can help ensure that you are getting a rate that is acceptable.
If you want to buy a new HVAC unit or system, ask a contractor to come up to size up your home and tell you what options you have. They'll have the best advice as they know what sort of systems work in your area or in a home like yours.
When you are looking to buy a new air conditioner, consider your climate. If you live in a hot, dry area, then an evaporative cooler will be your best bet. If you live in a humid area, opt for a compressor-style unit as it's the only one which will work.
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.
If your HVAC unit is not operating as efficiently as it once was, check the evaporator coil in it? There may be some debris blocking it which is causing the issue. You can use a soft brush to clean it - like the one you find as an attachment for handheld vacuum cleaners.
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 click here of time it will take to complete the job. Leaving anything out can give the contractor an exit if something goes wrong.
As the beginning of this article discussed, you need to have a great HVAC system in order to feel comfortable in your own home. The best way to get this kind of system is when you are educated on the topic. The above article gave you the important information you needed.
Victoria plumbers inundated with calls about frozen pipes
“We had 60 calls over the Christmas weekend. It was crazy,†said Wade Roberts of Wade Roberts Plumbing.
“On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, we had one technician on call and another one helped out the one on call. They did a little bit of work together to help keep things going, but it’s impossible to keep up with that kind of call volume. It’s wild.â€
It’s a bit of a sacrifice to be on call and away from family during the holidays, said Roberts.
“But the reward is great in the reaction you get from clients when you show up and fix their problem on a night like Christmas Eve,†he said.
Advertisement
STORY CONTINUES BELOW
Article content
“One of the technicians who was on all this Christmas was on call last Christmas as well and he wanted to be back out there because of the reaction and the thankfulness.
“One of the hot-water tanks he did last Christmas Eve, he put a big bow on it for the clients and wore a Santa hat and they were just thrilled. It can be rewarding for sure.â€
To keep the plumber from your doorstep, Roberts strongly advises people to disconnect hoses from their outside taps and make sure the outside taps are shut off.
Hoses should also be disconnected from frost-free outdoor faucets, he said.
Isolation valves for backyard piping or irrigation should be shut off inside the house.
The B.C. plumbing code says a water main should be 18 inches underground in our climate, said Roberts, but in some cases in older homes, or if someone ran their own irrigation line underground, it may be shallower and could freeze.
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1aPtc6NECGxbLP-wpZEG0k3o0zCyyXmaz3nqzCM8y_N8/edit?usp=sharing