Knowledge Is Power, And These HVAC Tips Are Priceless

TIP! The coils and blades on the fans should be cleaned once a year. Start by turning off the power to avoid having anything move when you work on it.

Many people simply ignore their HVAC system until it’s too late. It is sometimes tricky to find the right person to fix a failing system. This article will guide you navigate your way through the process.

If problems arise with the HVAC system, look around your home before calling in people to help. This will help the repairman determine where the problem is.

TIP! You must keep your HVAC systems oil ports lubricated annually. You will see rubber or metal caps covering the ports.

Don’t let grass clippings on your outside unit. Aim your grass cuttings in a different direction from the unit. This also applies when you are taking care of the leaves in debris.

TIP! Make certain that an outdoor unit is in the shade. The cooler air that the unit can suck in, the less work it will need to do to further cool the air.

Your outdoor HVAC unit may suffer when trees start to lose leaves. Make sure the unit’s fan grill is cleaned frequently when the fall. The fan must stay clear in order to function, and if it becomes blocked, then your system could suffer.

TIP! Put outdoor condensers in the shade. As you get your air conditioner to suck in cool air it won’t have to do too much work to cool it which saves you some money.

Lubricate the oil ports on your condenser once a year. These ports are usually covered with rubber or metal caps. Use a lightweight, detergent-free SAE 20 oil, but make sure to avoid overfilling them.

Put your outdoor unit in the shade if you are installing them.

A programmable thermostat can help you out when it comes to your power bills. Some can even be controlled from a PC or other device.

TIP! To help keep your energy costs down, have your heating and cooling system serviced at least once a year. When they visit to service the unit they’re going to inspect the motors, oil the parts that move, and see how much freon is in your system.

During the service check, the system motor will be inspected, oil the different moving parts as well as check the system’s freon levels. These few simple tasks will help your system running smoothly.

TIP! Shop around before hiring an HVAC contractor. A good start would be the BBB to see if there are any complaints, then search online for review sites where you can see what actual customers had to say about their experience.

Don’t let your home get too hot to where it’s dangerous. Air conditioners really can cool a home by just twenty degrees in a short time. If the temperature in your home rises to 100 degrees F or higher, it will only cool off to about 80F. This is not a healthy environment to live in.

Research the companies before hiring them. Check with the BBB and look for your situation. These simple steps can help ensure you make a better decision.

TIP! If you need a HVAC contractor, try and get recommendations from family and friends. Someone who has used a contractor in the past is generally willing to let you know what they thought about it.

Air conditioners sometimes ice up at times. The drain line might also freeze up.If this is something you notice, try switching your thermostat to just the fan so that it disables the compressor. You should call a pro to fix this problem, but switching to the fan setting should start to melt the ice.

TIP! If you don’t know who you should call to repair, install and maintain your HVAC systems, check out reviews online. There are a number of great sites out there that let customers talk about how they were treated by services.

Look for calculators online to help you determine the size of unit is necessary for your room or home. Look in the manual to determine the recommended size for air conditioners.

Companies that have been around for longer have a proven track records typically provide better service. Hiring a contractor comes with an element of risk.

TIP! A radiant barrier is something that you may want to consider. This will block heat from coming in, which means that less energy will be needed to keep your home cool.

Ask friends and relations for their HVAC contractor recommendations. People that have had great service are usually willing to share this information. This is also a great way to get names of those companies that you should avoid.

TIP! Do you need a new cooling system? You will need to take a few things into account. HVAC systems have a rating to determine how much space you should use it on.

Think about getting a radiant barrier in your attic so support the efficient functioning of your HVAC system. It blocks outside heat from coming in which will serve as a barrier between your home cool when it’s hot outside. You could even use the attic as part of your living space more effectively.

TIP! Determining the direction in which your house faces can help make the HVAC system efficient. If trees are placed strategically, you can block morning sunlight that can overheat the house.

Check the ducts to find any leaks if you you feel your unit seems to not be working efficiently. When the leaks are repaired, the testing will pay for itself in energy savings.

Determine which way your home faces.The less your home is heated, the fewer occasions you have to use your air conditioner.

TIP! Never hire a contractor before asking about the work experience they have when it comes to dealing with HVAC units. Make sure they are experienced doing the kind of work that you need.

If you HVAC unit is making a clicking sound, see if there is any debris in it. Often the issue is some sort of debris that’s hitting the fans in your cooling system. Check this out before calling a contractor.

Make sure they have tight seals to keep air can’t seep in. You can hire a professional.

TIP! Hire contractors that can repair or install HVAC systems with 24-hour emergency services. They owe it to you to show up to fix anything, no matter how extreme the weather or what time of day it may be.

Replace the air filter monthly to keep your HVAC system every month. This is the simplest thing that you can do and it will keep your unit running in tip top shape.

TIP! Be sure you know what goes into what you’re about to pay for the HVAC work if you’re paying a contractor. Some contractors overcharge for add-ons like travel expense or fees for additional materials.

Pick an HVAC business that is fast and knows what to do. The most reliable companies will ensure that their technicians will always be on schedule. A knowledgeable technician should also easily diagnose any problems with your HVAC. After they see what the problem is, it should be taken care of right away.

Always get references before hiring any contractor.

Some contractors overcharge you on material fees and other charges. Having a solid written contract can help to avoid any issues like this.

TIP! Keep the owner’s manual close to you while you’re working on any kind of unit. There are a lot of tricks that you will find in this book.

Cover your condenser unit for protection in the weather becomes less than optimal. This simple cover keeps the life of your condenser operating longer when not in use. Use the fan setting only to avoid straining the condenser unit.

TIP! Always get an estimate in writing. Don’t ever make a verbal contract.

Now you should be better educated when it comes to HVAC systems. There are certain things you need to do and certain things you should avoid doing. Use these tips for proper information.