Not everyone is familiar with HVAC service and contractors. This makes handling the HVAC system or to deal with problems to your existing system.

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

Always make sure you are up-to-date about your HVAC unit. Find out the brand and model and, if possible, dig out the maintenance history. This helps make sure the contractor has the information they will need.

Clean any debris that accumulates on your condenser units. Debris can pile up at rates that increase during rainy or windy weather, bringing potential damage with it. It can cause a disaster with your system to malfunction by overheating.

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

It is important to have some knowledge of your present system and needs before calling a contractor. It is going to be hard to get a price estimate on the phone if the current system isn’t something they’ve seen. They need to come look at the unit. Be sure to find this out ahead of time.

Trees Start

Your HVAC unit may suffer when your trees start to lose their leaves. Make sure you clean out your fan grill is cleaned often once nearby trees start shedding their leaves. The fan needs to have an unobstructed path for air to enter the unit, and if it is clogged, then your system could suffer.

If your unit is outdoors, clean them regularly. After a wind or rain storm things may pile up, causing problems with your system. It can get overheated, which will cause problems with the whole system.

Lubricate your condenser at least once each year. You can find these ports have a 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.

When the trees are losing their leaves, your HVAC unit can suffer. Whenever leaves are falling, consistently clean the fan grill. When the fan becomes obstructed, you will lose out on quality air.

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

Do not let your house get extremely hot. Air conditioners can only reduce the indoor temperature 20 degrees Fahrenheit in a reasonable time limit. If the temperature in your home rises above 100 degrees, you would only be able to cool it down just above 80 degrees. This is not a healthy environment to live in.

Be sure to have twice annual HVAC system checks. It’s best to have it checked before you turn it on for the summer and again for the winter. Even if everything seems fine, check things out to find potential problems.

Research the reputation of companies that you consider using. Check with the BBB and online reviews of potential companies online. This will help you make the right choice.

Look for 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.

Once it gets cold outside, you should turn off the outdoor condenser unit. To prevent damage, turn off your unit if the outside temperature is less than 60 degrees. This helps your system remain in good working order.

Companies that are well established have a better record than those that can help you decide if they’re worth your money and time. Hiring a newer contractor comes with an element of risk.

Contractors determine their own fee levels, so make sure you get quotes from several contractors before you make any hiring decision. You can save a bit of cash simply by doing your homework. You want to call at least five contractors in order to know what reasonable rates are.

Replace single pane windows by installing double pane, if possible. Double pane windows can help minimize how much you use your air conditioner in the summer, because they keep cool air inside the home. They help in the winter, too, keeping the heat in.

Are you thinking of getting a HVAC system? You need to think about several things. Systems have a rating based on how well the system is able to cool and heat an area. You are better off purchasing a bigger unit that is slightly too large for your needs than a bit too small.

Figure out the direction your home is facing so your HVAC system more efficient. The less heat inside the house, the less time your air conditioner will have to work.

One way to save some money with A/C is by having a programmable thermostat installed. Turning down the thermostat around 10 percent for 8 hours per day can give you a 10 percent savings using the programmable thermostat. Some of these thermostats can even be controlled from your smart phone or computer.

Measure the area that requires air conditioner shopping.You will need about 20 BTU per square foot in the room. If more than one room needs AC service, make sure to add the square footage together.

Hvac System

Get your HVAC unit serviced yearly. The contractor should oil the parts that move and check the motor and freon levels. This will keep you energy efficient and comfortable.

Replace the air filter to keep your HVAC system every month. This is an easy way to keep your HVAC system running well.

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

Do not let your house get dangerously hot. An air conditioner can only cool your home by 20ºF quickly. If your home gets above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, you’ll only cool down to still above 80. Depending on how humid it is, this isn’t really that safe for a person to sleep in when it’s really hot.

Any HVAC contractor or installer should have a 24-hour emergency number available to customers around the clock. They need to be able to come to you when they are needed, be it in the middle of a heatwave or in the worst snowstorm of the year.

Cover your condenser in the weather becomes less than optimal. This will allow it to last longer. Use the fan instead to avoid straining the unit.

When you want a HVAC contractor who is reliable, you need to spend some time in researching the background and reputation of several potential companies. Check with the BBB and look for reviews of potential companies online. These simple steps will help make a better decision.

Always check out any references provided to you by a prospective HVAC contractor.

Dealing with broken HVAC systems can be a nightmare that many homeowners do not want to deal with. However, if you just take your time to learn things about this kind of a topic before things go wrong, it won’t be so bad for you. With some knowledge close at hand, problems can be solved efficiently and quickly.

Did you know an AC unit can freeze? Drain lines can also suffer an occasional freeze, and these are sometimes mistaken for plumbing leak issues. If this happens, disable the compressor by switching the thermostat to run the fan only. If the issue persists, call in help.