This article has some great information to help you if you like this type of thing.

Know what work you want done before you hire a contractor. It will be difficult for a contractor to give you with an estimate over the phone if they have not seen your current system. It will be more hard if you over the phone without the information readily available.

To make sure your condenser fan works properly, keep the fan blades and the coils clean. Except when cleaning the outside, turn the unit off when performing any type of maintenance. Also, be sure to clear leaves and debris from your condenser unit.

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

Clean the condenser on your debris off your outdoor condenser unit. You never know when things can pile up, especially after a windy or rainy storm, and that can ruin your system. It could overheat and cause your unit.

If you have units that are condensers outside of the home, keep them free of debris. After a wind or rain storm things may pile up, causing problems with your system. It can cause your system to malfunction by overheating.

Turn it off so you don’t get hurt or break something. Next, pop the grill off, pull out the blades and start cleaning them and the unit itself off gently.

Don’t get grass clippings pile up against your outside unit. Aim the grass in a different direction away from your unit. This applies to leaf blowing and any other yard work that results in debris.

Each spring, clean the fan blades and coils on your condenser. Start by turning off the power to avoid having anything move when you work on it. Next, pop the grill off, put the blades out and start to gently clean them along with the unit.

It is a good idea to swap out single pane windows with ones that have double panes. This will also help you save a lot of money.

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

Keep your outdoor units free of debris when you are mowing the lawn. Make sure the grass does not get in your unit. Be just as mindful when you blow leaves to not blow them toward your HVAC equipment.

Do not let your house to get extremely hot.An AC unit is really only able to reduce the internal temperature of your home approximately twenty degrees in a short time span. If the temperature in your home rises to 100 degrees F or higher, then you will only be able to reasonably cool to around 80. This is not a healthy environment to live in.

Ask your friends and family for contractor recommendations. People will tell you who they have used and if they are often happy to share the name of their contractor. This is also a great way to get names of those companies that you should avoid.

Lubricate your condenser yearly if it has oil ports. These ports are often covered by a rubber or metal cap. Use SAE 20 oil that is lightweight and detergent free, and put ten drops or fewer into each one. Make sure not to overfill them.

A radiant barrier improves the efficiency of your HVAC unit.It ensures that your unit stays hot outside. You could even find that you can use the attic as part of your living space if it is done right.

Check for duct leaks if your existing system is not be working efficiently. When the leaks are repaired, the testing has paid for itself.

If you can choose the place where your outdoor compressor goes, pick a spot with lots of shade. When your unit takes in cool air, it takes less energy to tool the air, thus boosting efficiency.

If the HVAC unit makes a clicking noise, check for any sort of obstructions immediately. Sometimes there is debris interferes with the fan’s way. Check this out before spending on a contractor.

Make certain they are tightly sealed so air can’t seep in. You can hire someone to test them all for you and often this testing is free.

Put your outdoor unit in places with shade. This will help ensure that the AC is pulling in cooler air, reducing the amount of work it has to do and saving you money.

Measure the area you wish to cool before buying a unit. You generally need by calculating 20 BTU for each square foot. If multiple rooms need cooling, combine their square footage in your calculations.

Pick an HVAC companies that understands the unit and works quickly to solve the problem. The most reliable companies will ensure that their technicians stay on schedule and keep appointments. A licensed technician will also easily diagnose any problems with your HVAC. Once the problem is identified, they can help resolve the problems in a timely and cost-effective manner.

Installing double paned windows can save a lot of money over single panes, so upgrade if you are able. Double pane windows will help keep your home cooler in the summer. As with other steps you take to improve your ability to keep your air conditioned air or heated air inside your home, double-paned windows can help you save on energy costs.

If it must be in a corner, buy one that lets the air flow to be redirected so that it is not flowing towards the wall.

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

Don’t allow your home to overheat. 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. This isn’t a very safe condition for a homeowner to sleep in, especially when the humidity levels are considered.

Always request references prior to hiring any contractor.

Any HVAC contractor or installer should have a 24-hour emergency number available to customers around the clock. They should be able to get to your home whenever you need them there, in any weather.

Before you hire any HVAC company, ask them how long they’ve been open for business. Companies that have been around for longer have a proven track record that you can use to decide if they are worth the time and money. Hiring a newer contractor may be taking a considerable risk.

Some contractors attempt to overcharge you on later for things such as material fees and fuel charges. A contract will prevent this possible problem.

Cover your condenser unit for protection in the weather becomes less than optimal. This can help it last longer if it is protected when it is not in use. Use the fan setting only to avoid putting strain on the unit.

Every contractor out there is responsible for setting up their own fees, so get several quotes before hiring anyone. Making some phone calls before deciding is a good way to save money. It is best to speak to several contractors so that you know which rates are reasonable.

This tells you the number of BTUs will be used.

Consider have a programmable thermostat. This lowers your energy bills as it constantly adjusts your system rests while you are comfortably warm asleep in bed.

If your current system isn’t working well enough, test out the ducts for leaks. Call your utility company if they are leaking to see about getting a test. This testing can have large financial benefits.

Seek a HVAC contractor with Energy Star label. This rating means that your system has met the EPA standards for efficiency. This means that in the end you to save a bit of money on the bills when it comes to your cooling and heating costs.

Keep your system operating efficiently by cleaning the heating ducts. Check your ducts at least once per month. Damaged ducts could increase your heating bill to rise.

If your HVAC system is producing any type of clicking sounds, there may be something obstructing it. Often it is being caused by debris hitting fans in your cooling system. Get rid of the debris and this will no longer be an issue. Check it out yourself first before you call in the professionals.

Hvac System

Do you understand your HVAC system a little more intimately now? It’s something everyone can grasp with a little help. To really understand it all, you should not rush. Use the suggestions outlined here as part of your process for approaching your HVAC system purchase.

Measure the living area you wish to cool before going air conditioner shopping. You will need approximately 20 BTU per square foot, so calculate the necessary size based on that formula. If you have multiple rooms to cool, be sure to add their square footage together.