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It can be quite upsetting to arrive home to find that your air conditioner or heating unit isn't working right. Your HVAC system helps you to stay comfortable in your home, so you want to make sure you treat it right. Keep reading for tips that can help you with this.

Before making that repair phone call, make sure you know the specifics about your particular system. Look for the model and brand number. This will let you know that you're able to give the contractor the information that can help them.

If you struggle with your HVAC, try touring your home before calling a professional. Note which of your rooms are hot and which are cold. This will help your contractor quickly determine where the issue lies and how to get it fixed quickly and easily.

The HVAC unit in your home can become damaged from falling leaves. At least twice a week, you need to clean the grill of your fan. The fan needs unobstructed air flow, and if debris is blocking this air flow, then your system could suffer.

If the fan condenser on your unit has ports for oil, make sure you lubricate it once a year. You'll find these ports are covered with a metal or rubber cap. Buy an SAE 20 product that is lightweight, and then put no more than ten drops into the ports.

To increase the efficiency of your HVAC unit, be sure to keep it in the shade. This will help ensure that the AC is pulling in cooler air, reducing the amount of work it has to do and saving you money.

Once it grows cold outside, turn off your outside condenser unit. To avoid damage, units should be turned off when temperatures are below 60 degrees. You will save in repair bills and increase the efficiency of your system.

Save some cash by shutting down the air-conditioning system when there is no one in the house. Your home will become somewhat warmer during this time. When the AC is left running, your power bill will go up quite a bit.

Before you invest in any HVAC contractor, make sure you spend a good deal of time researching their reputations and credentials. The BBB is always great when you are looking for references or online reviews. These simple steps will help make a better decision.

Did you know an AC unit can freeze? Sometimes the drain line will freeze, causing leaks. Change your thermostat in situations like this. You should still call a professional to help regardless.

Before you go out there and hire an HVAC contractor, find out the length of time they've been in the industry. Companies that have been around for longer have a proven track record that you can use to decide if they are worth the time and money. Hiring a contractor who is just starting out can be risky.

Ask around so you can find a reputable HVAC contractor. People will tell you who they have used and if they are worth calling. This will also provide you with good information on which contractors you should avoid hiring.

You can always search the Internet when you aren't entirely sure who you should call for proper HVAC repair or maintenance. Many online review sites provide an avenue for this information. This works both in finding those you want to hire and also with those you want to avoid.

Contractors are responsible for their own charges and fees, so make sure you get quotes from several contractors before you make any hiring decision. If you call around before making a final decision, it can save you a lot of money in the end. You should try to contact 5 to 6 contractors to find out what price you can reasonably expect to pay.

In order for your HVAC system to run more efficiently, think about putting a radiant barrier in your attic. It can help keep heat out during the hot summer months, which means you will lower your power bills. If you do it right, you may be able to expand your living space into your attic.

When your unit is clicking, immediately go out and look to see if anything is inside it. A small amount of debris is often the cause of this problem. Removing the debris solves the issue. Prior to placing a service, it is worth taking a look.

Use these tips to master your HVAC system. Coming home to find no air coming out of the vents is not a good feeling. And high repair costs on top of that just compounds the issues. The tips in this article will help you keep things manageable. Keep these tips handy at all times so that you can tackle any HVAC issue.