The most effective way of maintaining the right temperature and clean air in your home is by ensuring you have a working HVAC system. It has become a norm for almost all homes to have an HVAC unit, but not all are in good health. That is why you need to be concerned about your unit and consider the different tips for maintaining its functionality. First off, the earlier the AC heating and cooling unit issues are identified, the better. This can only be possible if you hire professionals for regular checkups and inspections.
As a homeowner, you might be overwhelmed by where and how to get such experts. The good news is that the internet is there to help you. Typing keywords, for instance, ac heating and cooling near me, on Google allows you access to a list of companies and individual contractors who handle ac repair jobs and ac and heating installation. However, you need to make a few considerations before locking anyone in to ensure you land a good deal. Such factors include expertise, reputation, and charges. Additionally, it would be wise to consider a flexible individual who offers extra services, such as heater installation. Being ahead of your HVAC system’s condition guarantees comfort in your home regardless of the time of the year.
Proper maintenance of a home’s heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system makes a huge difference in extending its lifespan but can also cut your energy costs. A well maintained furnace can last between 15 to 18 years. Power to HVAC systems accounts for nearly half of a household’s energy expenditures. A family can cut their energy costs by installing more efficient systems. For example, having an Energy Star approved air conditioning unit can lower your energy usage to cool the home by 20% to 50%. Regular maintenance of your HVAC unit will prevent the need for costly air conditioning or furnace repair.
What you should do:
- Check your heating and cooling unit regularly. Make sure you look over the coils, blower, ducts and filters for obstructions. Clean the filters every month. Change your filters per the instructions. It may seem like a pain but replacing your filters is a lot cheaper than hiring a local HVAC technician to do some furnace repair.
- Check for water everywhere. Even a small amount of water can indicate a larger leak. If you find a small amount of water near the unit, do not think it is not a big deal. Water will find the lowest place it can reach and may have leaked into the floor. Any unexplained water needs to be checked by an expert from a local heating and cooling services company.
- Are there any cracks or sealant issues? These should be addressed as soon as they are discovered. What looks like a small problem today can grow to be a large one tomorrow and the ensuing air conditioning or furnace repair can be very costly.
- Do not forget about the outdoor portion of your system. Out of sight should not be out of mind. Look for any debris that has fallen from trees or grass from your lawn that can clog up your system. This can prevent the system from working properly.
Do not wait until you have a problem to have a good company that handles heating and cooling services. You will save yourself a lot of hassle and stress if you have someone ready when you seen something like a furnace repair. How should you find them?
- Ask around. If you know people in your area who own their homes, you know someone who has had to get a contractor in to maintain or fix their HVAC system. See who they have used and what they thought.
- When you get references from different companies, check them. Do not take their word for references. See if you can talk to them. Check on Facebook and Yelp!, too.
- Make sure the company uses Energy Star appliances and products. These are the most energy efficient on the market and are what you want in your home.
- Get quotes but do not pick your contractor just on their price. The most expensive quote may not be from the best company and the cheapest may end up costing you more. It is often best to select an HVAC contractor whose quote comes in somewhere in the middle.
- Ask about their credentials and insurance. Again ask the company but verify what they tell you. They need to be insured for the work they do and the workers who do it.
