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HVAC tips can seem really complicated to people who don't have a basic understanding of how the system works. This is something you must do your homework on. Nonetheless, there is ample information available to help you understand the ins and out of this subject.

Check out the system that you have before you call a professional. Look for the maintenance history and brand and model. This will facilitate the process when your contractor asks for this information.

If your HVAC system is acting up, take a tour of the house prior to calling a professional. Figure out which rooms feel hot and which feel cold. The contractor can probably figure out and fix the problem easier.

Each spring, clean the fan blades and coils on your condenser. Shut the power off before you do anything. Then remove the grill, remove the blades and clean it from top to bottom gently.

During the fall, leaves can gather around your HVAC. Cleaning your unit is very important for its effectiveness. An obstruction, such as a leaf, prevents the maximum amount of cool air from entering the system.

If the fan condenser on your unit has ports for oil, make sure you lubricate it once a year. They are usually fitted with a rubber or metal cap. You should select an SAE 20 oil since it is lightweight and does not contain detergent. Be sure to use just 10 drops or so, or your system may overfill.

You can boost the efficiency of your HVAC unit by replacing it with a new energy efficient one or moving your old one to a shady outside location. This will ensure cool air is sucked in, meaning less cooling must be done by the unit.

Be sure you have the HVAC unit in your home checked about two times every year. The spring and autumn times are the best time to have it checked. Even if you do not detect a problem, you can identify and fix any potential problems when you have it checked.

When the weather cools down, turn your outdoor condenser off. To prevent damage, turn off your unit if the outside temperature is less than 60 degrees. This will ensure your system stays in good working order every year, saving you money on costly repairs.

If you can, use double-paned windows instead of single-paned ones. Double pane windows help minimize your air conditioning use in the summer by keeping the cooler air inside your home. They help in the winter, too, keeping the heat in.

When you are away from home, adjust your thermostat to a money saving temperature. The house will heat up when it is turned off, but only a certain amount. If you leave it on all day, it's fighting the heat constantly, meaning it's using a lot of electricity to do its job.

Use online AC sizing calculators to figure out what size unit you need. Proper sizing will increase efficiency. Look at the manual for more information.

Before you hire someone from an HVAC place, figure out how long they've been doing this kind of work. Firms that have been in business for a long time are easier to assess. Working with someone that does not yet have a reputation in the business is a bit riskier.

If you aren't sure who to call for HVAC maintenance, repairs, or installation, look online for reviews. There are plenty of online websites that give people the opportunity to leave comments about the service they received. This works both in finding those you want to hire and also with those you want to avoid.

Contractors charge different rates, so make sure that you acquire multiple estimates. You can save a lot of cash simply by doing your homework. In an ideal situation, you can estimate a reasonable rate by getting quotes from up to a half-dozen individual contractors or businesses.

Are you going to buy a new HVAC system? Many things must be taken into account before you purchase one. The systems are generally rated based on the area they cover. It is best to get a bigger unit than you need, instead of a smaller one.

Check out your ductwork for leaks if your whole home isn't being cooled or heated. 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. If you do end up paying, you'll find that fixed leaks are worth the money.

This article was written to help make you comfortable and familiar with the average HVAC system. Take all that you've just read into account when working on any system. The various issues will make more sense to you and you will find yourself pleased that you invested the time to learn.