Heating And Air Conditioning: Tips For The Average Homeowner - By: Norman Fleming, Posted on: 2007-08-04

You probably recognize - as most homeowners do - that keeping your heating and air conditioning units running well. Most people think that the primary benefit from doing this is that they will save money on their heating and cooling bills. And While this is correct, there is another benefit: keeping your HVAC equipment in good shape will help them to last longer - and you won't have to shell out big bucks for a total replacement.

First things first: Before you do anything else, make sure that you have properly prepared your home so that it is more energy efficient. There are some simple things that every homeowner should do, such as adding (or upgrading the quality of) your home insulation, adding caulking and weatherstripping, and even the investment in a programmable digital thermostat can make a big difference in your energy consumption.

Perhaps you've done all of that, and are ready for more. In that case, you can install a humidifier for your whole house. The additional moisture in the winter will make you feel much warmer. In addition to installing the humidifier, you can purchase some ceiling fans. You can operate them in both the summer and winter months - just reverse the direction of the fan blades to handle cooler verses hotter air.

Of course, if it has been ages since you have had your furnace or air conditioner inspected, then you need to call your local HVAC repair and service center. The technician will be able to adjust your units for maximum operational efficiency, and they might just spot a problem in the making before it gets out of hand - again, saving you a bundle on repair costs. Regular maintenance of your appliances is key to keeping them running efficiently.

One of your greatest allies is the government. They, as well as several non-profit organizations, maintain resource websites with all sorts of information. And if you are in need of a brand-new unit, make sure that you look for one that has met the qualifications to be listed as an ENERGY STAR appliance. These are appliances that are very efficient - the ones that you want to consider purchasing.

What are some of those online resources? Well you can go to www.consumerguide.com . Or you can go to the EPA (The Environmental Protection Agency) at www.epa.gov, or the American Council for Energy Efficient Economy at www.aceee.org. You can find those ENERGY STAR appliances I mentioned in the previous paragraph at www.energystar.gov.

A word of caution: if you are thinking of replacing your furnace, heat pump unit, or air conditioner, DON"T DO IT! Why not? Because installing (as well as servicing) these appliances requires the use of special tools, as well as know-how, that the average layperson is not privy to. If you attempt to install the unit yourself, and don't do it the right way, everything will have to be taken out and done all over -- by a professional. You might also void your manufacturer warranty, so don't take the chance.

The same thing goes for HVAC repairs. If you lack the specialized tools and know-how, you could actually end up damaging your unit even further, hurt yourself, and void your manufacturer or dealer warranties. If you choose a good HVAC professional for any necessary repairs or installation of a new unit, you can be assured the job will be done the right way, the FIRST time. Doing it any other way is just a waste of time and money.

Article Source: http://www.southerncaliforniarealestateagent.com/submit-real-estate-articles

Author: Norman Fleming is a home heating expert. For tips about home heating and air conditioning and carrier air conditioning visit his site.
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