Any HVAC issue in your home should be addressed immediately to avoid the problem becoming more complicated. Putting off fixing your HVAC system will only exacerbate the problem and make it more expensive to repair. The AC heating and cooling unit may fail to operate when you need it most, necessitating the need for emergency HVAC services. Hire a HVAC technician after you notice an issue with your AC heating and cooling unit to prevent further damage to the AC ventilation system, which can be quite costly to repair.
Therefore, begin your search for a qualified HVAC technician by requesting referrals from friends and family who have used an HVAC technician in the past. Requesting recommendations from family and friends will assist you in selecting a technician who maintains a high level of professionalism and charges reasonable rates for their services. Your family and friends will provide you with an unbiased opinion about HVAC technician, ensuring that you hire the best person for the job. When hiring an HVAC technician, you should consider the services they provide and their area of specialization. If your AC unit with gas heat no longer heats the air, consult a professional.
Many homes in the US are energy inefficient, and that equates to real dollars lost in wasted energy costs. I often don’t look into HVAC companies near me until disaster has struck, but you don’t have to have an energy audit to identify the energy vampires in your home. Here are three ways to make your home more efficient this season.
Make sure your HVAC system is regularly maintained.
Experts agree that your home’s HVAC system should receive a standard inspection twice a year, and that three quarters of systems break down because they haven’t been regularly maintained. This is generally because contaminants build up in the HVAC system, recirculating pollen and chemicals in the air and forcing your duct to work harder. Yikes! Building a relationship with an HVAC company and regularly changing your air filter will reduce your chances of an HVAC emergency later.
Increase insulation and seal air leaks.
Up to 40% of the energy used to warm or cool a home is wasted annually. To prevent this, reevaluate your attic insulation to keep air in and to seal off any air leaks. Spray foam insulation is one of the most efficient ways to insulate a closed space, but it can be toxic if the area is not ventilated properly during installation. Before googling, “HVAC companies near me,” be sure to look for one that is also certified in open cell spray foam or that has an icynene spray foam rig.
Invest in a programmable thermostat.
The Department of Energy estimates that by decreasing temperature in the winter and increasing temperature in the summer for eight hours a day, you can reduce energy costs by up to 15%. In essence, you can just allow your home to be cold or warm while you’re at work or out of the house and then adjust once you return. However, many homeowners forget to change their thermostats or don’t update them regularly. Using a programmable thermostat will allow you to pre-plan your temperature changes and forget about it until the end of the season.
High utility bills seem to be the norm during the summer months, but you can reduce them by regularly maintaining your HVAC system, keeping your home insulated, and running your heating and cooling system strategically. Making these steps part of your seasonal routine will save you time and money in repairs and energy costs in the long run.