Many people don’t think about their HVAC systems until it is too late. It can be hard to get a repairman to fix or install your HVAC system. This article can help you navigate your way through the process easier.

Clean your fan blades and coils prior to summertime. Clean the outside of your condenser unit.

Before calling anyone to repair your system, know what system you have. You need to know who manufactured the product and the item number. Also, get the maintenance records from your files if you have them. This helps make sure the contractor has the information they will need.

Clean any 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 could overheat and cause a disaster with your system to malfunction by overheating.

Turn it off so nothing moves.Next, pop the grill off, pull out the blades and start cleaning them and the unit itself off gently.

Think about what improvements you want made before picking an HVAC contractor. It’s hard for these contractors to give phone estimates without seeing the current system you have. If you can’t explain anything to them, this will be even more difficult. You need to know this before you begin.

Leaves and debris can wreak havoc with your system. Make sure you clean out your fan grill is cleaned frequently when the leaves begin to fall. The fan must not have anything in the way so that air can flow into it, and if it gets blocked, then your system could suffer.

Sae 20 Oil

In order to keep your outside condenser fan running efficiently, make sure the coils and the fan blades are cleaned before the cooling season begins. Always make sure you shut off the power before you do any work on the unit other than superficial cleaning. Clean the outdoor condenser as well.

Lubricate your fan condenser once a year. You will notice these ports as they have a rubber or metal cap covering them. Use SAE 20 oil that is non-detergent and lightweight, detergent-free SAE 20 oil, putting 10 drops in each port.

Have the HVAC system serviced at least yearly. This should be checked often for debris and the spring.

If your condenser units are outisde, make sure any debris is cleaned from them regularly. Debris quickly gathers here, even more so if there is a storm. This can cause major issues with your system. Overheating can occur, which often spells disaster for your system.

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

Air conditioners tend to ice up.The drain line might also freeze up.If this is something that’s happening to you, try switching your thermostat to just the fan so that it disables the compressor. If the issue persists, call a professional.

Leaves falling from trees can wreak havoc with your HVAC unit. Cleaning your unit is very important for its effectiveness. The fan needs unobstructed air flow, and if debris is blocking this air flow, then your system could suffer.

Ask people that you know and family for contractor recommendations. People that have had great service are usually more than willing to share this information. This can also help you avoid scammers.

Contractors are responsible for their own charges and fees, so make sure to get multiple quotes.You can save tons of money if you make several calls prior to reaching a final decision. Call around to find the best rates.

If you have oil ports as part of the fan condenser, annual lubrication is key. A rubber or metal cap is typically placed over such ports. You should select an SAE 20 oil since it is lightweight and does not contain detergent. Be sure to use just 10 drops or so, or your system may overfill.

Think about getting a radiant barrier installed in your attic so support the efficient functioning of your HVAC system can run better. It 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 if it is done right.

Are you considering purchasing a new HVAC system? You could keep a few important things. Systems are given ratings by how effectively they can cool or heat an area. You are wise to err on the side of a bigger unit that is slightly too large for your needs than purchasing one that is a smaller one.

When choosing the area for placing an outdoor compressor device, place it in a shady area. If it sucks in cool air, it will need to work less to coll the air inside, which can make it last longer.

Figure out the direction your home faces in order to make your HVAC system can work better. If there is less heat in the home from sunlight, your AC will work less.

Make certain they are tightly sealed so air can’t seep in. You can hire a professional to test them.

When colder weather arrives, switch off all outdoor condenser units. If it’s lower than 60 degrees, the time has come to turn it off. Your system will work longer for you this way.

Square Footage

Measure the area that requires air conditioner shopping.You generally need about 20 BTU per square footage of the room.If more than one room needs AC service, get their square footage added together.

If you can, install double-paned windows throughout your home. Having a double pane window helps limit your need for air conditioning during the summer months. This also works during the cold months to keep the warm air inside.

Ask a contractor about their experience.You need to know that they have the type of experience needed to work on your particular system.

Any HVAC contractor you hire should have a 24-hour emergency number available to customers around the clock. They should be there when you need them, no matter how extreme the weather or what time of day it may be.

Installing a programmable digital thermostat can help save money. 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. Some newer programmable thermostats have computerized controls you can access from your personal computer, laptop or mobile media device.

Some contractors will attempt to charge you later for items like materials and fuel. Having a signed contract will let you avoid issues like that.

Cover your condenser unit for protection in the weather becomes less than optimal. This helps the condenser last longer when you’re not in use. Use the fan instead to avoid putting strain on the unit.

Don’t let your home get way too hot to where it’s dangerous. Air conditioners really can only cool a home down about 20 degrees Fahrenheit within a reasonable amount of time. So, if your home temp reaches 100 degrees, your air conditioning will only bring that temp down to about 80 degrees. This isn’t a very safe condition for a homeowner to sleep in, especially when the humidity levels are considered.

This tells you the number of BTUs your new system will need to keep your home comfortable.

You may be surprised to discover that as much as 66% of households have ducts that are leaky. These can account for up to a quarter of the utility costs. Sealing the ducts is something you can do easily and cheaply, and it may reduce energy costs greatly in the future.

If you want to ensure you choose a trustworthy HVAC contractor, invest a little time in researching a few different companies, checking out their reputations. Look at review sites and check with the BBB. These steps can help ensure you make the smartest and most informed choice.

Now that you know a thing or two about HVAC systems, you should feel comfortable dealing with them. If your current system needs to be replaced or repaired, you’ll know what things to look out for and what things to avoid. Find the correct system by using this advice.