HVAC service and contracting is something too many people know a lot about. This can make it hard to choose a good HVAC system an issue for most homeowners.

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

If your HVAC system is acting up, take a tour of the house prior to calling a professional. Make note of which rooms are cold and which are hot. Figuring this out will the contractor to diagnose the issues and quickly get to work on fixing it.

Lubricate your condenser once a year. You can easily find the ports covered with rubber or metal caps. Use a lightweight, and put 10 drops or fewer in each port, putting 10 drops in each port.

Put your outdoor units in places with shade.

Help the outside condenser fan run efficiently by cleaning the coils and fan blades before the summer starts. Before you do clean the coils and fan blades, always take the precaution of turning off all power to the unit. In addition, be sure to get rid of any leaves or other debris that may have accumulated on the outside condenser.

Be sure to have twice annual HVAC unit in your home checked about two times every year. This should be checked often for debris and the spring.

Turn off your outdoor condensers you have when it’s getting cold. This means that you should be done when the temperature drops below 60ºF to avoid damage. This can keep your unit is working well throughout the years without the cost of repairs.

Clean the debris off your outdoor condenser unit. You don’t know when things are going to pile up, like right after it’s windy or rains, and that can ruin your system. It can cause your system to malfunction by overheating.

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

When they visit to service the unit they’re going to inspect the motors, the motor will be inspected, and they will oil all the moving parts. These things will keep your system to run at its peak performance.

The coils and blades on the fans should be cleaned once a year. Be sure to turn the power off first; you don’t want anything to move. Take the grill off and pull the blades out to clean them.

Don’t allow your home temperature get dangerously hot. Air conditioners can only reduce the indoor temperature 20 degrees Fahrenheit in a reasonable time period. If the temperature in your home reaches 100 degree Fahrenheit, then you will only be able to reasonably cool to around 80. This won’t be a safe and comfortable temperature for you to sleep in.

Air conditioners tend to ice up.The drain line may also freeze over. If this happens, put the fan on to shut the compressor off. You should leave the repair to a professional, but switching to the fan will make the ice melt.

Be careful when doing yard work that you do not get debris on or in your unit. Make sure the grass does not get in your unit. Make sure you move around the unit and blow the leaves away from it while blowing your leaves.

Ask people that you know and family for their HVAC contractor recommendations. People that have used and if they are worth calling. This can also a great way to get names of companies that you should be avoided.

There are a number of great sites out there that give people the opportunity to leave comments about the service they received. This is a good way to locate contractors to work and ones that are poor.

As you notice the tress begin to lose their leaves, keep an eye on your outdoor condenser unit. At least twice a week, you need to clean the grill of your fan. The fan needs unobstructed air flow, and if debris is blocking this air flow, then your system could suffer.

Contractors determine their own fee levels, so make sure you get quotes from several contractors before you make any hiring decision. You can save quite a lot of money when you call different companies for price quotes. You may want to call at least five contractors in order to know what you should be paying.

Are you looking into getting a cooling and heating system that’s new? You will need to take a few things first. Systems get rated according to the total area they can effectively cool and heat. You are better off purchasing a unit rather than purchasing one that is a smaller one.

If the fan condenser on your unit has ports for oil, make sure you lubricate it once a year. You’ll find these ports are covered with a metal or rubber cap. Choose a SAE 20 oil whch is lightweight and non-detergent and place 10 drops or less into each port, ensuring it doesn’t overfill.

Check the ducts to find any leaks if your existing system is not up to snuff. When you repair the leaks, the testing has paid for itself.

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.

It’s a good idea to put your outdoor compressor in a shady area. Your unit won’t have to work as hard to cool the inside air if the outside air it sucks from is cooler.

If you hear a clicking in the HVAC unit at home, look immediately to see if there is an obstruction. Often the issue is some sort of debris that’s hitting fans in your cooling system. Check the fan and coil before spending on a repairman.

Make sure they have tight seals to keep air inside. You can also hire someone to test them all for you and often this testing is free.

Have your heating and cooling system inspected twice a year. It’s best to have it checked before you turn it on for the summer and again for the winter. Even if nothing seems wrong, checking it out can help you find and fix potential issues.

Replace the air filter to keep your HVAC system every month. This is the production of your unit remains in good operating condition.

If it must be in a corner, make sure your unit permits airflow to be redirected.

When it gets cold outside, it is necessary to turn off outdoor condenser units. The unit will become damaged if you do not take care of it. This will help keep it in good condition for many years.

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

Some contractors overcharge for add-ons like travel expense or fees and other charges. Having a good written contract will help avoid issues like this.

Use an online sizing calculator to help you calculate the proper size of the air conditioning unit you should purchase. If you get a unit that is too large, it will cost a lot in energy costs. Always look through the manual as well.

Always follow up on any references provided to you by an HVAC contractor.

This determines the number of BTUs needed to maintain comfort in your system should be.

Talk to others that you have in your life to see if they can recommend an HVAC contractor to you. Those who have had this work done will know the best options. It’s also a good way to learn the names of contractors you should avoid.

Energy Star units must be met. These are enforced by the federal government. They are called the environment and human health. Taking the time to fully research various units may help you get long-term savings on energy costs.

Make sure you know where the owner’s manual in handy when your unit is being operated. The information contained within this manual is going to give you quite a few things to learn about the unit you have and will help you out if you’re dealing with problems.

Try to get as many quotes from contractors that you can. Save yourself some money by calling around before you make your final decision. Ideally, you should call five to six contractors to get a good idea of what a reasonable rate is.

Nobody like dealing with HVAC issues. But, by studying in advance, things can go much more smoothly. Keep these tips handy so that you can refer to them as needed.