Not everyone is familiar with HVAC systems. This can cause problems when it comes time to handle a household heating or cooling emergency.

Clean the fan blades and coils come spring. Clean the outside of your external condenser unit regularly.

Be aware of the type of system that is installed in your home prior to calling a contractor to fix it. Get the brand, model name, and if you can you should get the maintenance history out. This will enable you to give your chosen contractor any information they might need.

Don’t get grass clippings pile up against your outdoor condenser. Aim your grass cuttings in a different direction away from your unit. This also applies when you are taking care of the leaves in debris.

Your outdoor HVAC system could suffer when your trees lose 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 debris is blocking this air flow, then your system could suffer.

Clean the fan blades and coils in your condenser each spring. Before you get started, cut the power. Then you need to get the grill popped off and get the blades out so you can clean them and your unit gently.

Put outdoor condensers in places with shade.

Have your HVAC system checked twice a year at least yearly. This should be done in the fall and malfunctions.

Keep your outdoor units free of debris when you are mowing the lawn. Aim the grass clippings in the other direction. This same tip applies when you are blowing fallen leaves around the yard. Grass and leaves pose a serious problem for the internal functioning of your unit.

Turn off your outdoor condenser units when it’s getting cold. This means that you should be done when the weather falls under 60 degrees Farenheit. This simple tip will help keep it in good condition for many years.

It is a good idea to replace single-paned windows for double pane ones. This will also helps keep it warm in the winter.

If your condenser comes with oil ports, you should lubricate it yearly. Most of these ports have some sort of protective cap covering them. Use a lightweight oil and do not overfill them.

A programmable thermostat is a simple way to help save money on your air conditioning bill. Some programmable thermostats can even be controlled from your smart phone or other device.

Do not allow your house to get dangerously hot. Air conditioners only cool your home down unreasonably high temps. If the temperature in your home reaches 100 degree Fahrenheit, you’ll only cool down to still above 80. This is not a healthy environment to live in.

Put outdoor units in the shade if you are installing them. This will ensure cool air is sucked in, meaning less cooling must be done by the unit.

Look for air conditioner sizing calculators online to help you determine the size of unit is necessary for your home. Look at the manual or on the manufacturer website for air conditioners.

Companies that are well established have track records that haven’t been. Hiring a new contractor who is just starting out can be risky.

A programmable thermostat can help you save money on your air conditioning bill. A thermostat that’s programmable is going to save you around ten percent on the heating and cooling costs you have to pay when you turn it back about fifteen percent for a part of the day. You can often control it from your mobile phone!

Ask for helpful information when you can find a reputable HVAC contractor. People who they have had a good experience are worth calling. This will also let you with good information on which contractors you should avoid hiring.

Contractors determine their own fee levels, so make sure that you acquire multiple estimates. You can save some money by asking for many quotes. Call around to find out what the best rates.

In order to keep energy costs down, make sure heating and cooling systems are services at least once per year. During service the technician will check the motor and refill the system fluids. These repairs will keep your HVAC system running smoothly.

Think about having a radiant barrier in your attic so your HVAC system can run better. It blocks outside heat from coming in which will serve as a barrier between your home cool when it’s hot outside. You may even use your attic as part of your living space more effectively.

Do you want to buy a new HVAC system? There are several things you need to keep in mind. Systems have a rating based on how well the system is able to cool and heat an area well. You are better off purchasing a bigger unit that is slightly too large for your needs than purchasing one that is a bit too small.

To choose an HVAC contractor that’s trustworthy, take time to research some companies you’re interested in, along with their reputations. Check out the online reviews, and run a quick search on the BBB website to make sure they have been good to past customers. You will make a more informed choice if you use these resources.

If you hear a clicking noise coming from your HVAC unit, check immediately for any debris that may have accumulated in it. Often it is being caused by debris that’s hitting fans in the cooling system. Look at it before you call up a technician.

Ask any potential contractor about their experience prior to hiring them. You need to know that they have the sort of experience needed to work you require.

Some air conditioners can ice up. Sometimes the drain line will freeze, causing leaks. If you notice this, switch your thermostat to fan only to disable the compressor. You should leave the repair to a professional, but switching to the fan setting should start to melt the ice.

Always make sure to get references before hiring any contractor.

Any HVAC contractor you hire should have an emergency hotline. They need to be able to come to you when they are needed, no matter how extreme the weather or what time of day it may be.

Your friends or family likely have recommendations for a local HVAC specialist. People who have been happy with work they have had done in the past are normally more than happy to recommend their contractors. This is also a great way to get names of companies that should be avoided.

Some contractors attempt to charge you later for things such as material fees and fuel charges. Having a good written contract will help you avoid any issues like this.

No one wants to deal with an HVAC unit that isn’t working correctly. However, if proper research is done prior to situations that demand attention, the process becomes much simpler. These tips will help you get the job done right.

Having a radiant barrier installed in your attic is an excellent way to make sure that your HVAC runs better. This will block heat from coming in, which means that less energy will be needed to keep your home cool. You might even be able to start living in your attic.