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A good HVAC system is a great thing to have in any home, but a bad one can give a homeowner a huge headache. Not only are they expensive to fix, just living in an environment with uncomfortable temperatures makes it even worse. Here are some suggestions to help you maintain your unit.

If your unit is outdoors, clean them regularly. Things tend to pile up around these units, especially after storms come through, which could cause problems to your system. It can get overheated, which will cause problems with the whole system.

Make sure your condenser fan is in good working order by wiping down the fan blades and the coils. Don't forget to disconnect the power first. Then, take off the grill and get the blades out. Clean everything with care.

The operation of your HVAC system can be in danger when the tree leaves begin to fall. At least twice a week, you need to clean the grill of your fan. When blockages restrict the flow of air to the fan, you could end up with serious issues on your hands.

Lubricate your fan condenser at least once a year. The port usually has either a rubber or metal cap on top of it. 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.

If you want to know where you should put an outdoor compressor, you should place it somewhere where there is a lot of shade. In this way, it will be cooling air that is already somewhat cooled. This saves energy.

Putting in a programmable thermostat is a smart way to cut back on air-conditioning costs. It may save you as much as 10 percent of your overall utility bill if you turn your thermostat down by 10-15 degrees for a portion of the day. This will save you a lot of money during the year.

Make sure that your AC is turned off when you are not using it. This will save you money on your energy bills. The longer the unit stays on, the more it ends up costing you in energy bills.

Don't allow your home to become dangerously hot. A simple AC unit will usually only cool the home around 20 degrees within a short period of time. This means that if the weather is above 100 degrees, then you'll still be baking in 80 degree weather at first! When you factor in humidity, this can still be dangerously hot for the human body at rest.

If you want to ensure you choose a trustworthy HVAC contractor, invest a little time in researching a few different companies, checking out their reputations. It is a good idea to check with the BBB and look for reviews from prior clients. It would be wise of you to take these steps.

Before hiring an HVAC company, you need to find out how long they have been in business. Obviously, a company with a longer history and a positive reputation is the better choice. If you choose to hire a new contractor, you may be risking things.

Your friends or family likely have recommendations for a local HVAC specialist. Anyone that has previously needed work done on their HVAC unit are more than happy to tell you their experiences. This will also let you know which companies to stay away from.

A radiant barrier is an awesome device which will help improve the efficiency of your HVAC unit. It blocks heat from the inside out, lowering the amount of energy needed to cool your home in the summer. If it's done right, the attic can become another useful living space.

If you are a having trouble with your existing system, check for leaks in the ducts. A local utility company often performs free duct testing. If it isn't free, then it is still cheaper than an HVAC specialist in most areas. If you do end up paying, you'll find that fixed leaks are worth the money.

If you would like your HVAC unit to be more efficient, simply look at where the front of your home faces. If your home is surrounded by strategically planted trees, they can often block out the morning sunlight. Anything that provides shade from direct sunlight can reduce the temperature inside your home and help reduce your energy bill for air conditioning during warm months.

When you hear an odd clicking noise coming from your HVAC unit, you should immediately begin to look for any obstructions. Sometimes, debris will be the cause of the disturbance. Get rid of the debris and this will no longer be an issue. Check it out before spending on a contractor.

Your home's HVAC system is critical to providing a comfortable environment in your home. If you don't try to care for it on an ongoing basis, the system can break and cause you frustration. Don't let this happen, remember the tips here to ensure that the HVAC system is giving you the right kind of air.