Anyone that has an HVAC system in their home knows how it important it is to have it properly maintaining it. An improperly or inefficiently functioning HVAC system that doesn’t work right is something that costs quite a bit of homeowner money. This article can help you tips to keep your HVAC unit in tip top shape.

Know what type of your HVAC system before looking for a repair person.This helps make sure the contractor will need.

Always make sure you are up-to-date about your HVAC unit. It is important to understand what model it is and which brand it is. Also, if it has been serviced before, you should have that information handy. Your contractor will appreciate this information.

Clean your fan blades and coils when the weather begins to warm. Clean the outside of your external condenser unit.

Clean the debris on your condenser unit. You never know when things can pile up, like right after it’s windy or rains, and that can ruin your system. It can also cause your system to malfunction by overheating.

Check the whole house before you call for help. Determine which rooms feel cold and which feel hot. You can then relay this information to the technician so that they can more easily figure out what the problem is.

Grass Clippings

Don’t let grass clippings on your outdoor condenser.Aim the grass clippings in a different direction from the other direction. This applies to leaf blowing and any other yard work that results in the yard.

Before you choose someone to do HVAC work, figure out what they need to do for you. A contractor will not be able to give you an accurate price without accurate information about your system. In addition, you need to be able to tell the contractor what you have already tried. So, know this information in advance.

Lubricate your fan condenser yearly if it has oil ports. You will notice these ports have a rubber or metal caps. Use a lightweight, detergent-free SAE 20 oil, but make sure to avoid overfilling them.

Have your heating and cooling system inspected twice per year. This should be checked often for debris and the spring.

If your condenser comes with oil ports, you should lubricate it yearly. 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.

It is always a good idea to replace single-paned windows with ones that have double panes. This same effect also helps keep it warm air in the winter.

Install a programmable thermostat to save money on cooling your home. Some of these thermostats can even be controlled from a PC or computer.

Place your HVAC unit in the shade to boost efficiency. As it brings in cool air to cool, you will save a lot of money.

During a maintenance visit, the system motor will be inspected, inspect the motor and the freon levels. These simple tasks will help keep your system running at peak performance.

Air conditioners sometimes ice up at times. The drain line may also freeze over. If this is something that’s happening to you, put the fan on to shut the compressor off. If this doesn’t work, call in help.

Turn off outdoor condenser units when weather turns cold. If the temperature outside is less than 60ºF, be sure to turn off the unit so that you don’t damage it. This will help keep it in good condition for many years.

Ask your friends and family for contractor recommendations. People who have had a good experience are usually more than willing to share the name of their contractor. This will also help you with good information on which contractors you should avoid hiring.

Contractors are responsible for their own charges and fees, so make sure that you acquire multiple estimates. You should save a great deal of money this way. You should try to contact 5 to 6 contractors to determine what price you can reasonably expect to pay.

Double pane your windows to prevent drafts. To keep your home cool, investing in double pane windows is a must. This also helps keep it warm in the winter.

Do you wish to buy a new cooling system? You will need to take a few points in mind.Systems have a rating based on how effectively they can cool and heat an area well. You are wise to err on the side of a unit rather than a smaller one.

Check the ducts to find any leaks if you you feel your existing system is not be working efficiently. When the leaks are repaired, the tests will pay for themselves.

Service your HVAC yearly. The motor should be checked, the parts oiled and the freon levels inspected. This maintenance means that your system will operate optimally.

If there’s a clicking in your HVAC unit, see if there are any obstructions right away. Often the issue is some sort of debris hitting the fans in your cooling system. Check the fan and coil before spending on a repairman.

Square Footage

Turn your AC off if no one is at home. Turning it off does allow the temperature to rise, but only so far. If the A/C is on when you’re gone, it’ll be working hard constantly.

Measure the area that requires air conditioner shopping.You generally need 20 BTU for each square footage of space. If you are cooling more than one room, combine their square footage in your calculations.

Now that you have read this, you should be better prepared to keep your system running properly. An HVAC system that is not cared for will cost you with large electricity bills and repair costs. Keep these tips for referral so you can get your HVAC system to last a long time.

Your home should not have temperatures that are too hot. A simple AC unit will usually only cool the home around 20 degrees within a short period of time. If you have your home at above 100 degrees then you can only get it to about 80 or above. This can still be way too warm for you.