Achieve Better HVAC Success Thanks To This Article

TIP! Before choosing an HVAC contractor, think of what you wish to have done. A contractor will be hard pressed to provide you with an over-the-phone estimate if unfamiliar with your system.

A quality HVAC system that works is important for your home. But when your system suddenly stops working, it can be a nightmare. Learning how to maintain your unit minimizes the tips will prove very useful.

TIP! To make sure your condenser fan works properly, keep the fan blades and the coils clean. Prior to working on or cleaning the unit, be sure to turn off the power.

If your HVAC doesn’t seem to be working properly, take a look around the house prior to calling a contractor. This will help the contractor determine where the problem is and how to fix it.

TIP! If you have units that are condensers outside of the home, keep them free of debris. Things tend to pile up around these units, especially after storms come through, which could cause problems to your system.

Know what you want done before you select an HVAC contractor. It will be difficult for a contractor to give you with an estimate over the phone without knowing what your current system. It will be more hard if you over the phone without the information readily available.

Clean your fan blades and coils prior to summertime. Clean the outdoor condenser unit regularly.

TIP! If you can choose the place where your outdoor compressor goes, pick a spot with lots of shade. In this way, it will be cooling air that is already somewhat cooled.

Clean the condenser on your debris off your outdoor condenser unit. Debris can pile up after a storm, and this can foul up the inner workings of your system.It can cause a disaster with your unit.

TIP! If you want things to be more efficient, get new units outside or have your current one moved into the shade. When the air conditioner pulls in cooler air, it won’t have to do much more to cool it and that will save you a lot of money on energy bills.

Don’t let grass clippings pile up against your outside unit. Aim the grass in a different direction from the other direction. This applies to leaf blowing and any other yard work that results in debris.

TIP! Once it gets cold outside, you should turn off the outdoor condenser unit. If you get into temperatures that are less than 60 degrees you need the unit to be shut off so it doesn’t get damaged.

Your outdoor HVAC unit may suffer when trees start to lose their leaves. Make sure the unit’s fan grill is cleaned often during the fall. The fan must not have anything in the way so that air can flow into it, and if it gets blocked, you will have to contend with problems.

TIP! If there isn’t anyone at home, then there’s no need for the AC unit to be running and wasting electricity. When you turn the air conditioner off, the house may heat up a little but only a certain amount.

Lubricate the oil ports on your fan condenser once a year.You can find these ports covered with rubber or metal cap. Use a lightweight, and put 10 drops or fewer in each port, but make sure to avoid overfilling them.

TIP! Did you know an AC unit can freeze? The drain line may also freeze up. When you see ice, turn the unit to fan.

Turn off outdoor condenser when it becomes cold out. This means that you should be done when the weather falls under 60 degrees Farenheit. This simple tip will help keep your HVAC running efficiently for many years to come.

It is a good idea to swap out single pane windows with ones that have double panes. This same effect also helps retain heated air during the winter months.

TIP! For greater efficiency, put a radiant barrier in your attic. It ensures that your unit stays hot or cold as it should be.

Don’t allow your home to become dangerously hot. Air conditioners can only really cool a home down about 20 degrees Fahrenheit within a reasonable amount of time. If the temperature in your home rises above 100 degrees, it will only reduce it to 80 or more. This is not a healthy environment to live in.

Research the companies before hiring them. Check with the BBB and look for reviews as well. This will help you to choose a smart decision.

TIP! Figure out which direction your home faces in order to make your HVAC system more efficient. Strategically placing trees around your home can block some of the heat coming from the sun, preventing your home from overheating.

Air conditioners tend to ice up.The drain line might also freeze up.If you see this, disable the compressor by switching the thermostat to run the fan only. You should call a pro to fix this problem, but switching to the fan will make the ice melt.

Companies with proven track record that you can use to decide if they are worth the time and money. It is riskier to hire a contractor with little experience.

TIP! All of your windows and doors must be air-tight, in order for your HVAC system to run at maximum efficiency. Be sure that they seal tightly so that no interior air seeps out or exterior air gets inside.

There are a few sites now that allow customers talk about their experiences with different services. This method of finding contractors that you are interested in dealing with all the information you want to avoid.

TIP! Measuring the space you want to cool is the first step to figure how large of an air conditioner you need. Plan for 20 BTU of power in your air conditioner for each square foot that needs to be cooled.

Contractors charge different rates, so make sure you get quotes from several contractors before you make any hiring decision. You can save quite a lot of cash simply by doing your homework. You may want to call at least five contractors to determine what you should be paying.

TIP! Find a HVAC company that knows its stuff. Reliable companies keep a close eye on their technicians and ensure they honor their appointments.

Check the ducts to find any leaks if you you feel your existing system is not be working efficiently. When you get leaks repaired, the testing will pay for itself in energy savings.

TIP! Understand where the air flows in your home and use that information to determine where to put your AC unit. If you have to place it in a corner of your home, be sure you’re getting a unit that has air flow coming from a direction that’s not facing the wall.

Figure out which direction your home is facing so your HVAC system can work better. The less heat inside the house, the less time your air conditioner will have to work.

TIP! Before you hire someone to do work with an HVAC system they need to tell you about the experience they’ve had in the past. He or she may not have experience working with your type of system or performing the work that you need done.

Replace the air filter to keep your HVAC system every month. This is the easiest step to take to ensure that you can do to keep your unit running in tip top shape.

Always get references prior to hiring any contractor.

You should now know more about your HVAC unit. If you don’t take care of it, it will fail. Fortunately, this article has given you the foundation you need.