Written by-Martensen Houghton

An HVAC system is a key component to any home, and if it goes bad on you then it can be a major problem. If you would like good tips on keep an HVAC in good working order, then the following article will do just that. Keep reading to get a quality HVAC education.

Make a circuit around your home before calling for help with your HVAC. Know what part of the house is cold and which is hot. The contractor can probably figure out and fix the problem easier.




An HVAC system is a really expensive investment. This is why you should do some browsing before purchasing your system. Try to find a good sale so you can get your system at a discount. Check out a couple of sites before making a decision. A great site to begin is www.energystar.gov.

Make sure you ask for an estimate in writing before choosing a specific HVAC vendor. There are a lot of moving pieces when it comes to purchasing these big items. You'll want to compare not only the cost of the equipment, but also the set up and the overall energy costs.

If you currently have a manual thermostat, consider installing a programmable one. You can set your system for different temperatures depending on time of day and if anyone is home. Also, you can set upper and lower temperature settings to allow for a comfortable range of temperatures so that heating and cooling don't kick in when not needed.

check over herea must keep your HVAC systems oil ports lubricated annually. A rubber or metal cap is typically placed over such ports. Choose an oil graded SAE 20, it is non-detergent and lightweight. Place about 10 drops into each of the ports, taking care that it does not overfill.

When you have an outdoor unit, be sure to keep all plants, flowers, shrubs and trees at least two feet from it. Anything that grows inside it, either above the ground or even roots beneath the soil, can block it up and cause it to break. Give it some breathing room.

When you are no longer using your outdoor air conditioning unit, be sure to protect it with a tight cover. This will keep it free of debris, frost and snow so that you'll have a working unit when the spring comes and you are ready to uncover it and use it again.

You should have your HVAC system inspected at least once, but preferably twice, per year. Make sure the person takes a look at the motor and examines the levels of freon. These few simple things will help your system to run at its peak performance.

If you want to ensure your air conditioner offers you great performance, keep it dry. If it is located in a dry, cool area, you'll find that the efficiency goes up and the unit lasts a long time. You can even buy a water vapor cooler to cool it as it is running.

If you are a having trouble with your existing system, check for leaks in the ducts. You can have your utility company test for you, sometimes for free or less than an HVAC contractor would charge. The testing will pay for itself once you find and repair the leaks.

Improve the efficiency of your air conditioning by installing ceiling fans. Change the airflow direction of the ceiling fans. During the summer, the blades should move in a counter-clockwise direction. During the winter, the blades should move clockwise to help move the hot air in the ceiling down into the room.

Check the ducts to find any leaks if you you feel your existing system is not up to snuff. The local utility company may be able to do this for you at a cost lower than what a contractor would charge you. When you repair the leaks, the tests will pay for themselves.

To increase the efficiency of your HVAC unit, determine the direction that your home faces. Trees block morning sunlight, stopping your home from getting too hot. The less amount of heat inside of your home, the fewer occasions you have to use your air conditioner.

Want to save the most you can with your HVAC unit? Consider increasing your room temperature by a single degree or two. Each degree means money that stays in your pocket. In fact some estimate that each degree you move up can work out to be around 9% in overall energy savings.

When your HVAC system is older than 15 years, the time has come to get yearly check-ups. These systems aren't expected to make it past two decades, so you have to monitor them for any issues which may crop up. In fact, new systems will be more efficient, so it might be time for an upgrade.

Check all references given to you from an HVAC contractor. Just because they give you a list doesn't mean they're legitimate. It will only take you a few minutes to call and check someone out, so don't hesitate to do that.

Any contractor that gives you a quote over the phone shouldn't be trusted. To truly evaluate your needs, they must come into your home and check it out basement to attic. If they make promises without even seeing your house, there is no way they'll be able to keep them.

Make sure that you read any work contracts thoroughly before you sign them. Unfortunately, there are contractors out there that will take advantage of others and sneak things in that will benefit them. The only way you can avoid becoming a victim is to be totally clear about what you are signing.

You should never hire an HVAC contractor without researching them thoroughly. While this may seem like a nuisance, it will ensure that you have a quality person completing work for you. There is a chance that something bad can happen with any contractor, but the odds decrease if you hire someone competent.

Check in on the contractor's references. Lots of folks take them at face value, but that is not always smart. This will not take a lot of your time.

HVAC systems are a must if you want to remain comfortable in your house, no matter what the weather outside may be like. However, before you have one installed, you need to do some research. Use the information that you have read here to help make the right decision for your needs.