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5 Tips to Get the Best Out of Your Air Conditioning

Want to get the most out of the A/C unit cooling your home? Every homeowner wants their air conditioner to provide them with cool comforts in the home when the temperatures outside soar high. And while the typical A/C unit does just that, wear and tear over time can result in decreased efficiency, higher energy bills, and the need for a replacement unit far sooner. Breakdowns and expensive repairs also come along with the wear and tear the air conditioner unit sustains.

To maximize the AC efficiency, reduce energy costs and usage, and ensure everyone in the home is cool all summer long, take care of the unit. So often we ignore the air conditioner until there is a problem. With proper TLC and a few tips in mind, getting the most out of your air conditioner is simple. The following information that we collected from various air conditioning companies benefits homeowners looking to get the most out of their A/C units.

1- Properly Seal Windows and Doors

Homeowners lose countless dollars every summer by cooling the outside rather than the inside and it’s all with thanks to improperly sealed windows and doors. Even windows and doors that were properly sealed last year may not be this year. A quick inspection of doorways and windows alerts you to problems so you can make corrections.

Homeowners save tremendous money each month on their energy bills after windows and doors have been properly insulated but that’s only one way this benefits the air conditioning system. Properly sealed windows and doorways reduce the workload on the air conditioning system so it doesn’t work as hard to cool the home. This reduces the risk of breakdown and the amount of wear and tear the unit sustains.

2- Use Appliances Wisely

The number of people inside a room causes the temperature to fluctuate, but appliances impact the temperature as well. Although using appliances like the stove and dryer at specific times is not always possible, it’s worth attempting to adhere to the early morning or after sundown schedule when using them. These appliances considerably heat the home and it takes just minutes for this to happen.

When the home gets hotter, the air conditioner goes into overdrive to keep the home at the same cool and comfortable temperatures as usual. Many homeowners know that once the home is hot, cooling it down is sometimes challenging. Use appliances at the right time to prevent the A/C from enduring far more work than necessary.

3- A/C Helpers

A couple of items inside the homework together with the air conditioner unit to cool the home and reduce wear and tear. First up is the ceiling fan. Turn the ceiling fan on and turn down the A/C! By using the ceiling fan, you can turn down the AC by about 4-degrees without losing any of the cool comforts in the home. This keeps energy costs low and reduces air conditioner wear and tear.

Proper landscaping also gives the air conditioner a helping hand that may very well prolong its lifetime. Greenery shades the home, in turn cooling the place down considerably. Greenery like trees and shrubbery also reduces humidity levels as it beautifies your landscaping and adds curb appeal to the neighborhood.

4- Maintain the Air Conditioner

Every A/C unit needs proper care and maintenance during its lifetime. A neglected A/C unit will give out well before its time and likely cause a lot of uncomfortable days. Change or clean the filters in the A/C each month. Dirty filters block airflow, decreasing efficiency and the cool, crisp air that flows through the home. Regular A/C filter replacement can save as much as 15% energy consumption, saving money over the course of the year.

Schedule annual A/C maintenance checks as well. A/C maintenance checks provided by trained professionals reduce breakdown and the need for an expensive repair, ultimately extending the unit’s lifetime and efficiency. The cost of A/C maintenance, or tune-up as they’re often called, is considerably less than the cost of any repair service and gives you peace of mind and confidence in the A/C unit.

5- Check the Vents

Maximize airflow in the home by checking that all air vents are open. Closing a vent may seem appropriate when the room becomes too cool but the truth is, closing even one vent in one room in the house can signal a lot of unnecessary work and trouble for the A/C unit. When all vents in the house are open, it makes the job of the A/C unit much simpler since it does not prevent airflow to any room in the house.

Move anything covering vents as well. This includes furniture and rugs. Even partially covering the vent can cause added strain to the A/C unit. Uncovering vents keep the home at the most comfortable temperatures without causing the to work harder to achieve that goal.

Implement the above tips into your household if ensuring you get the most from the AC unit in your home is important. With little effort necessary, you can prolong the life expectancy of the unit and save money as you enjoy more comfort when it is hot outside!

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Typical HVAC Services Offered by a HVAC Company

A HVAC company has technicians in place who are tasked with maintaining, repairing, and installing the HVAC systems. For a HVAC firm to offer such services, it should be licensed.

You can rely on a professional company if your HVAC system has malfunctioned, and it needs to be replaced or repaired.

What to Expect After Hiring a HVAC Firm?

As you start your search for a HVAC contractor, you should know that not each contractor has a similar skill set, focus, and experience. When you compare two HVAC firms within a specific locality, you will realize they offer different types of services.

It is advisable to carry out in-depth research. Review each firm’s website, reviews on Yelp and BBB (Better Business Bureau). The firm’s history also matters. By learning more about the HVAC service provider, you’ll be in a position to determine whether the company can offer the quality of services that you need.

HVAC contractors are trained in the following areas: heating, air conditioning, and ventilation. Some technicians choose to focus on one or all of these categories. You may also find that in your research, a firm specializes in repairing, replacing, and maintaining residential HVAC systems, whereas others offer their services to commercial entities.

The services of HVAC contractors vary to some extent. A trained, certified, and the professional contractor should assist with repair, installation, and maintenance. In case the furnace needs to be replaced, the HVAC contractor will disconnect the old one and install the new one. If you need routine maintenance, you should contact a HVAC contractor.

Looking into the Types of Services Offered by HVAC Company’s

Some HVAC companies have contractors who can offer HVAC maintenance, installation, and repair services. New technicians are well suited to providing routine maintenance services. They can also offer AC units or furnace repair services; however, to provide such services, you should undergo the necessary training and gain the required experience with time. To install a HVAC system, you need even greater experience.

Besides offering each of these services, HVAC contractors usually consult on how energy consumption can be reduced to save on the energy bills. They can focus on sealing or replacing drafty windows and doors, insulating the air ducts, and improving the home’s insulation.

HVAC contractors can also consult about how to improve the air quality within a client’s home. Some of the devices that can improve the home’s environment include whole-house dehumidifiers or humidifiers, germicidal light system, whole-house electronic air cleaners, and thermostat replacement or repair. Each of these services can be offered by a HVAC contractor.

Besides offering such mechanical services, HVAC firms also provide duct cleaning services to ensure the air quality in your home is superb. Some contractors also specialize in dealing with specific equipment types, such as water-based heating systems and boilers. Such systems require a particular kind of skill set and training. Solar-based heating systems are a specialized niche, too, and you may have to look for a specialist if you need replacement, repair, or maintenance services.

The Work Performed by HVAC Technicians

HVAC contractors usually cover a wide range of electrical, mechanical, water-based, and carbon-fuel systems. Nonetheless, what do these contractors do regularly?

  • Maintenance – Maintenance and inspection services mainly focus on checking tube joints and pipes of leakage, checking and ensuring refrigerant levels have been refilled, testing thermostats, inspecting motors and fans, testing electric circuits, changing the HVAC air filters, and troubleshooting different components for faults.
  • Repairs – after maintenance, repairs should be conducted after discovering why the HVAC system is faulty. Such a job entails repairing, installing, and replacing the defective parts on a HVAC system to ensure it is up and running once again. In some instances, the HVAC contractors usually offer such services on an emergency basis during winter and summer.
  • Installation – the tasks involved when installing a HVAC system include inspecting and surveying the present system and how it has been set up. The contractor will take measurements and make sure the new system will fit in well. The old system should be de-installed carefully to ensure the occupants’ comfort within the home is not tampered with. As the new unit is being connected, some of the activities that will take place include installing ductwork, tubing, wiring, electrical supply lines, pipes, or tubing. The final check entails ensuring the job has been completed, and the system is ready and safe to use at the convenience of the homeowners.

A HVAC technician’s job is somewhat complicated, and it varies from one office or home to the next. Each maintenance and repair job will be different from the other. The contractor is supposed to take different measures and processes when handling each task, depending on the HVAC system’s condition and age.

The installation process also varies depending on the HVAC system’s age and how well it had been installed. In some instances, new ductwork should be installed in a home or office that had none before.

A licensed, experienced, certified, and trained HVAC contractor has all the necessary skills to review each job that has to be done while also performing each step required to complete specific tasks successfully. The main goal is to ensure the system runs smoothly and quickly and ensure a comfortable environment can be restored at the office or home.

When Should You Contact a HVAC Contractor?

If you’re having issues with an AC system since it is not turning ON or need it replaced with a more efficient one, you should contact a HVAC professional.

The signs that your HVAC system needs to be repaired or replaced include inconsistent temperatures in the building. Unfamiliar and strange noises may also come from the AC system or furnace. The utility bills may also be high for both electricity and gas.

How to Find a High-Rated HVAC Contractor

It is essential to know when to contact a HVAC contractor; however, it is more important to know who to call when you need good quality services. Look for a company that works hard to ensure their clients are satisfied with the quality of services being offered. Satisfied clients will always post online reviews on Yelp and BBB (Better Business Bureau). By perusing through such reviews, you can determine whether or not you will work with the specific HVAC company.

Experienced HVAC professionals recommend that a system be checked and maintained at least twice a year, during spring before winter and during the fall, before summer.

The comfort and safety of your office or family matter most; since the HVAC system may be the most important and expensive system within your premises, it should be well maintained to ensure it lasts long while also working efficiently.

How Can A HVAC Contractor Help?

A HVAC company should have a team in place to offer emergency services and routine maintenance for the heating and cooling systems to ensure your family can breathe safe, fresh, and clean air. Also, when the HVAC system is working efficiently, you will be comfortable throughout the year. Some HVAC firms can also offer add-ons that may improve your home’s indoor air quality, and they include whole-house humidifiers, electrostatic air filters, duct cleaning, among others. You can also look for a HVAC contractor that offers free quotes.