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People who have HVAC systems at home already realize the importance of keeping it in good working order. An HVAC unit operating at minimum efficiency is costing money all year round! This article can help you keep your HVAC unit in tip top shape.

If you struggle with your HVAC, try touring your home before calling a professional. Figure out which rooms are hot and cold. This can help contractors quickly figure out the issue and how to fix it easily and quickly.

It is important to have some knowledge of your present system and needs before calling a contractor. If you can't describe the problem, you may not get an accurate quote. If you are unable to explain the work that needs to be taken care of, the conversation will be even less fruitful. Make an effort to gather all information you need before making the phone call.

Outdoor condenser units need to be cleaned regularly. Debris can pile up at rates that increase during rainy or windy weather, and this can foul up the inner workings of your system. Left unchecked, your unit is more likely to break down.

Be sure to clean the fan blades and coils of the condenser fan. Before you get started, cut the power. Then you need to get the grill popped off and get the blades out so you can clean them and your unit gently.

When you cut the grass, don't cover the outdoor units with their clippings. Try shooting the clippings away from it. This includes grass clippings and leaves.

When selecting the spot to put the outdoor compressor for your unit, choose somewhere that gets plenty of shade. When it draws in air for cooling, it will be more efficient because it will not need to work as hard to cool down the air.

When the weather starts to cool down, make sure you turn off outdoor condenser units. When the temperature goes below 60 degrees, shut off the unit in order to prevent damage. This simple tip will help keep the system running efficiently for many years to come.

In order to keep energy costs down, make sure heating and cooling systems are services at least once per year. During service the technician will check the motor and refill the system fluids. This will help keep your system performing at maximum efficiency.

Don't let your home get overly hot. Air conditioners only cool down a home by 20 degrees. This means that if the weather is above 100 degrees, then you'll still be baking in 80 degree weather at first! Taking into consideration the humidity level, this may not even be adequate for the human body to recover from excessive heat while sleeping.

Occasionally, ice will form on your AC. Many times people think there is a plumbing leak, but instead the drain line has water that is frozen. If you see this happen, disable the compressor by turning your thermostat to the fan only setting. You should call a pro to fix this problem, even if switching it to its fan setting starts making the ice melt.

It can be confusing to figure out what the correct HVAC system size is for your home, but you can solve this with the help of a sizing calculator. Buying a unit which is too big reduces efficiency. Check your manual to learn what it is rated by the manufacturer if you want accurate information.

When you need the services of an HVAC professional, ask your friends and family if they can recommend someone to you. People who have had a good experience are often happy to share the name of their contractor. You will also find out who NOT to use!

It is always a wise move to obtain a few quotes from different contractors because prices can vary. This can help you to save money by knowing what people are charging. Call at least four or five different HVAC specialist to find the best rates.

Are you thinking about buying a new HVAC system? Many considerations must be scrutinized. Systems have a rating based on how well the system is able to cool or heat an area well. Therefore, you may want to opt for a larger unit.

Make an HVAC system run more efficiently by determining what direction your house faces. When you determine the parts of your home that get the most sunlight, you can consider strategic landscaping that includes shade trees to somewhat reduce your home's exposure to heat from direct sunlight. If there's less heat inside your home, your AC will work less.

Hopefully, you now feel a little more confident in your HVAC knowledge. An HVAC system that is not cared for will cost you with large electricity bills and repair costs. Check these tips again to make sure your HVAC lasts a long time.