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Many homeowners will find it difficult to find help if their heating and cooling systems fails. To keep yourself from having a problem with this, you really should spend your time to learn what you can on this subject. You can hire the right type of help by using this article as a guide.

Before calling someone to repair your system, make sure you know what kind of HVAC system you actually have. Learn the brand, model, and if you have it, the maintenance history. The contractor will likely need all of this information.

Clean the coils on the condenser fan from time to time. Be sure to turn the power off first; you don't want anything to move. Then remove the grill, remove the blades and clean it from top to bottom gently.

When you mow your lawn, take care that you don't get grass clippings all over your outdoor unit. Shoot grass the other way. The same goes for when you blow leaves, so make sure your are careful when moving any debris in the vicinity of your HVAC devices.

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. The unit will have to do less work cooling this air.

When it gets cold outside, the outdoor condenser unit should be turned off. When the temperature goes below 60 degrees, shut off the unit in order to prevent damage. This will ensure your system works well each year, which could save you quite a bit in repair costs.

One way to save some money with A/C is by having a programmable thermostat installed. This will help you to keep the temperature at optimal levels. This will save you a lot of money during the year.

Keep your air conditioner off when people aren't home to save you money. Your home will become somewhat warmer during this time. When you keep it on, you will be using electricity.

Icing up is common in air conditioners. The drain line may also freeze up. Switch the thermostat to the fan only. Get a professional to deal with this, even if you see the ice start melting because you turned the compressor off.

There are sizing calculators available to determine the proper sized system for your home. If you purchase a unit that's too large, it will not be efficient since it'll cool the same. Use the manual to determine what size is right for you.

You should always review the experience and history of an HVAC specialist before hiring them. Companies that are well established have track records that can help you decide if they're worth your money and time. Hiring a contractor who is just starting out can be risky.

It is known that if a home's cooling or heating fails at certain times of the year it can really be something that a homeowner dreads dealing with. However, if the homeowner has usable knowledge, a complete catastrophe can be avoided. These tips can help homeowners make HVAC decisions that are smart.