It can be hard for homeowners to understand where to go when the HVAC system isn’t working properly. To stop such a situation from becoming a real disaster, it is best for any homeowner to get acquainted with this topic. This article was written to help conscientious homeowners learn how to hire the proper help they need for their HVAC unit.

Know the name and type of system you currently have before looking for a repair person. This will enable you to give your new contractor all the information they need.

Prior to putting in a service call on your HVAC, be able to identify it. Know the model and brand and find it’s maintenance history, if possible. This will help make sure that the contractor you hire has all the necessary information.

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

Know what you want done before you hire a contractor. It will be hard for an HVAC contractor to provide you a price estimate on the phone if they have not seen your current system. It will be more hard if you can’t figure out what they need to do.

Tour your home before calling a contractor. Make note of which rooms are cold and which are hot. You can then relay this information to the technician so that they can more easily figure out what the problem is.

Clean the debris off your outdoor condenser units. You don’t know when things are going to pile up, like right after it’s windy or rains, and that can throw a wrench in your system. It can cause it to overheat.

Your HVAC units might suffer when your trees lose their leaves. Make sure you clean out your fan grill is cleaned frequently when the leaves begin to fall. The fan needs unobstructed air flow, and if it becomes blocked, you’ll have a lot of headaches eventually.

Be sure to regularly clean debris from external condenser units. Things tend to pile up around these units, especially after storms come through, which could cause problems to your system. If you do not, the unit may get too hot and cause additional problems.

10 Drops

Lubricate the oil ports on your condenser at least once a year. These ports are usually covered with rubber or metal cap. Use a lightweight, and put 10 drops or fewer in each port, putting 10 drops in each port.

Clean the fan blades and coils on the condenser fan every spring. Shut the power off before you do anything. Remove the grill and the blades, and then you can give them all a gentle clean.

Put outdoor unit in places with shade.

Your HVAC unit requires regular maintenance at least two times a year. This should be done in the fall and malfunctions.

Leaves falling from trees can wreak havoc with your HVAC unit. When you see nearby trees shedding their leaves, clean the fan grill on your unit constantly. An obstruction, such as a leaf, prevents the maximum amount of cool air from entering the system.

Turn off your outdoor condensers you have when it becomes cold out. This should turn it off to prevent damage if the temperature drops below 60ºF to avoid damage. This will maximize the system running efficiently for many years to come.

When it’s checked out, oil the parts that move, moving parts well oiled and the level of freon adjusted if necessary. These few simple things will help your system to run its peak performance.

You must keep your HVAC systems oil ports lubricated annually. You will see rubber or metal caps covering the ports. Chose SAE 20 oil, which has been proven to be the most effective.

Research and check the companies that you consider using. Check with the BBB and online reviews posted by former customers. These simple steps can help make a better decision.

Air conditioners sometimes ice up at times. The drain line may also freeze over. If this is something you notice, switch your thermostat to fan only to disable the compressor. You should leave the repair to a professional, even if switching it to its fan setting starts making the ice melt.

Make certain that an outdoor unit is in the shade. The unit will operate more efficiently to cool your home if the intake air is cooler to begin with.

Companies that have been around for longer have a proven track records typically provide better service. It is riskier to hire a long history.

Ask your friends and family for contractor recommendations. People that have had quality work done are usually more than willing to tell of it. This will also let you with good information on which contractors you should avoid hiring.

You need to have a contractor review your unit twice a year. Generally, you want it done in the fall and the spring. It doesn’t matter if your unit seems to be properly working, it is still advisable that you perform maintenance and resolve any potential problems.

Are you going to buy a new HVAC system installed? You will need to take a few points in mind.Systems get rated according to how large an area they can effectively heat or cool. You are better off purchasing a unit that is slightly too large for your needs than a smaller one.

Replace the air filter to keep your HVAC system every month. This is an easy thing that you can do and it will keep your unit running well.

If you are going to be gone during the day or on vacation, turn the temperature up on your air conditioning unit. Even though the house will get hotter, it won’t get too bad if the unit is off. If it’s left on all day, it will fight the heat all day, which uses quite a bit of electricity.

If you have no choice but to put it in the corner, make certain that the air does not point towards a wall.

Ask any potential contractor about their experience prior to hiring them. You need to verify they have the type of work you require.

To choose an HVAC contractor that’s trustworthy, take time to research some companies you’re interested in, along with their reputations. Check with the BBB and online reviews as well. Investing the time to check out potential contractors can save you money and headaches.

Always make sure to get some references before hiring any contractor.

Any HVAC contractor you hire should have a 24-hour emergency number available to customers around the clock. They must be able to reach your home at any time, even if when the weather gets to be extreme.

Air conditioners tend to ice up at times. There are also occasional freezes in the drain line, which are often confused for plumbing leaks. If this is something that’s happening to you, change the setting on your thermostat to the fan setting and this will disable the compressor. You can call a HVAC professional, but switching to the fan will make the ice melt.

It’s messy for a homeowner when their heating and cooling system goes down. If you perform regular maintenance, you are less likely to experience an untimely break down. These tips are very simple, but they can help you avoid expensive fees by teaching you to handle the maintenance yourself.