If you’re not familiar with HVAC and you need to be in the know, then it’s best to arm yourself with these helpful tips first. This article can help you get more acquainted with the process of keeping your HVAC systems. Take some time to read carefully and you will do well.

Know the name and type of your HVAC system you currently have before looking for a repair person. This will enable you can give your chosen contractor any information they might need.

Before contacting a repair service, do a short tour of the entire home. Jot down the rooms that are hot and the ones that are cold. This will allow a contractor to quickly figure out what the issue is and how it can be fixed fast.

Clean any debris on an external condenser unit. You never know when things can pile up, like right after it’s windy or rains, and that can throw a wrench in your system. It can cause your unit.

Turn it off so you don’t get hurt or break something. Then, pop off its grills, pull the blades out, and gently clean them as well as the unit itself.

If the condenser fan has oil parts, then you need to lubricate it at least once per year. The port usually has either a rubber or metal cap on top of it. Your oil should be an SAE 20. This particular oil is very lightweight and it only requires about 10 drops per port.

Your HVAC units might suffer when your trees lose their leaves. Make sure the fan’s grill is cleaned often during the leaves begin to fall. When blockages restrict the flow of air to the fan, you will lose out on quality air.

Lubricate your condenser once a year. You can easily find these ports as they have a rubber or metal cap. Use a lightweight, and put 10 drops or fewer in each port, but make sure to avoid overfilling them.

To boost the efficiency of your HVAC system, you should put your unit in a shady place. It will reduce the temperature of the air going into the unit, meaning that it will not have to work as hard to cool it.

Turn off outdoor condensers you have when the weather gets cold. This means that you should turn it off to prevent damage if the temperature drops below 60ºF to avoid damage. This can keep your system last much longer and will have to be repaired less often.

A programmable thermostat can really help you save money on your air conditioning bill. Some of these thermostats can even be controlled from a PC or computer.

As the temperature outside drops, remember to turn off your outdoor condenser unit. This should be done when the temperature drops below 60ºF to avoid damage. This will maximize the life of your unit.

During your service visit, professionals can help by inspecting the system’s motor, oil the unit’s moving parts and ensure the unit has proper freon levels. These simple things will keep your HVAC system running at peak performance.

Fan Setting

It is a good idea to replace single-paned windows with ones that have double panes. Double pane windows help minimize your air conditioning use in the summer by keeping the cooler air inside your home. This also works during the cold months to keep the warm air inside.

Air conditioners tend to ice up.The drain line might also freeze up.If you see this happen, immediately put your thermostat on the fan setting to turn off your compressor. You should leave the repair to a professional, even if switching it to its fan setting starts making the ice melt.

Look for calculators online to truly understand what size of unit you need for your home. Look at the manual or on the recommended size for this information.

If you are going to be gone during the day or on vacation, turn the temperature up on your air conditioning unit. Turning it off does allow the temperature to rise, but only so far. However, leaving it on increases your electric bill and wear and tear on the system.

Speak with family and friends to get a recommendation for a reputable HVAC unit.People will tell you who they have used and if they are usually more than willing to share this information. It’s also important to do this to learn the names of contractors you should not be contracted for work.

Think about getting a radiant barrier installed in your attic so your HVAC system. It ensures that your home cool when it’s hot or cold as it should be. You could even find that you can use the attic as part of your living space if it is done right.

Do not let your house get dangerously hot. Air conditioners are limited in that they can only reduce the indoor temperature 20 degrees Fahrenheit in a reasonable time limit. A home that is over one hundred degrees will only be cooled to around eighty. This can still be way too warm for you.

Are you thinking about having a HVAC system installed? There are things you should consider. 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 purchasing one that is a smaller one.

Check the ducts to find any leaks if your existing system is not be working efficiently. If you do end up paying, the money spent on finding and repairing the leak will pay for itself.

Spend some time on researching for reliable HVAC companies to ensure that they have a good reputation. Inquiring with the Better Business Bureau is always a good idea, as is looking for online review sites where previous customers can post their experiences. Doing these things beforehand will allow you to make a smart decision.

Measure the living area you wish to cool before buying a unit. You can easily calculate this by using the formula: 20 BTU for each square footage of room space. If you have a lot of rooms to keep cool, sum their areas.

Hvac System

Sometimes, air conditioners collect ice. Freezing drain lines are also possible and can be mistaken for leaks. Use the fan-only setting to allow the system time to thaw. The fan setting can help melt some of the ice, but you should still call a professional to check your unit out.

Replace the air filter in your HVAC system working well.This represents an easy way to keep your HVAC system running well.

Pick out an HVAC business that understands the unit and works quickly to solve the problem. The best companies make sure their technicians stay on schedule and keep appointments. A licensed technician will also have no problem diagnosing any potential faults with your HVAC. Once they are able to locate a problem, fixing it should be quick and easy.

Contractors charge different rates, so make sure that you acquire multiple estimates. If you make a few calls before you decide, it can result in great savings. Never settle for a price until you’ve called at least five contractors to gain a realistic idea of a fair price.

If it has to be placed in a corner, be sure you can change the direction of air flow to avoid having it hit the wall.

Any HVAC contractor you hire should have an emergency hotline. They must be able to reach your home at any time, no matter what.

Are you thinking of getting a cooling and heating system that’s new? You may want to consider the following. Learn about the size systems need to be for optimal efficiency. It may be wise to get a unit that is a bit larger than needed. Just don’t get one that is smaller than you need.

Some contractors attempt to add charges on material fees and other charges. Having a written contract can help to avoid issues like that.

It’s not too tough to get into HVAC once you have information like what you read in this article. Be sure to work carefully to avoid breaking the system. With luck, things will work out well.

Check for duct leaks if your unit seems to not be working efficiently. Often your utility company is willing to test this for you, and it may be free or lower in cost than you would get with a contractor. The testing will pay for itself once you find and repair the leaks.