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Many homeowners are at a loss when the HVAC system collapses. Keep the situation from being a huge disaster by getting to know the topic. You can hire the right type of help by using this article as a guide.

Don't hire a contractor until you know a little about what you are facing. It is going to be hard to get a price estimate on the phone if the current system isn't something they've seen. It's even harder if you're not able to explain what you've done. So, figure out this information before anything else.

Keeping the outside condenser clean of debris and leaves will improve the system's efficiency. Before you clean the surface, be sure to turn off the power. Also, it is important to clear the outside condenser unit from any debris that maybe trapped inside.

Before you choose an HVAC contractor, have an idea in your mind of what needs to be done. 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. Having this information handy will make the process much smoother.

Don't let grass clippings pile up against your outdoor condenser. When you work with your lawn mower, make sure it spits the grass to the side opposite of your unit. This also applies to blowing leaves or moving debris. Just be careful with that exterior HVAC unit.

When the trees are losing their leaves, your HVAC unit can suffer. Cleaning your unit is very important for its effectiveness. The fan must not have anything in the way so that air can flow into it, and if it is clogged, you'll have a lot of headaches eventually.

Lubricate the oil ports on your condenser once each year. You will notice these ports have a rubber or metal cap covering them. 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.

For maximum efficiency, place outdoor units in a shady spot. When your unit sucks in cooler air, then much less is required to cool it further, which saves you money on energy bills.

Don't let your house get too hot. Air conditioners can only really cool your home down 20 degrees or so within a reasonable time period. If your home become 100F or more, it will only cool off to about 80F. Depending on the levels of humidity, that is not a safe temperature when it comes to sleeping or escaping from the heat of summer.

Make certain the HVAC company you choose has a proven track record. Companies that are around awhile have a better record than those that haven't been. If you hire someone that's new that this then you'll be risking your money.

san marcos air conditioning If everyone is out, turn the air conditioner off. Sure, the temp will rise, but no one is home anyway. Leaving the system on all day will cost a lot of money in terms of electricity.

If everyone is out, turn the air conditioner off. 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.

You can now see how important a properly maintained HVAC system is. Don't let it go bad on you by not paying attention to regular maintenance. Use what you've learned to keep your system up and running.