Welcome to Gaia! :: View User's Journal | Gaia Journals

The HVAC system in any home is vital to maintaining a comfortable environment. Perhaps you are here because you have experienced problems with it in the past, or you just looking for information on how to properly maintain it. Either way, the article below is a great resource on the upkeep http://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=176026 of HVAC systems.

Make sure you check the filters in your air conditioning unit. This is important because checking your filters could make the difference between inexpensive repairs and more expensive ones down the line. Try to put it into your monthly schedule so that you don't forget to check the filters regularly.

Although most people are thinking of their heating systems during the winter months, air conditioning is also important. When installing a new furnace or heating system, make sure the air ducts are also set up to work with your air condition system. Using the ducts for both heating and cooling is the most economical choice.

Be sure to check your evaporator coil drains frequently when your air conditioner is running. If this tube backs up, you can find water damage to your walls, ceilings and floors. If you end up with mold just use a solution of bleach and water to clean out the tube.

Check to determine if the fan condenser on your HVAC system is equipped with oil ports, and if it is, be sure to lubricate every year. Most of these ports have some sort of protective cap covering them. Put about ten drops or less of a good non-detergent SAE 20 oil into each port.

If you want to seriously extend the life of your HVAC system, as well as cut down your overall power bill, install ceiling fans in commonly used warm season rooms. Energy-star certified ceiling fans can sometimes cut your HVAC use in half. However, you won't physically notice a difference in temperature.

If you have a window air conditioner without a timer, use a regular outlet timer to control when it is on or off. These are the same ones you use for holiday lights, so all you have to do is plug your air conditioner into the timer and set it to cool you during the day.

Turn off your outdoor condenser when it becomes cold out. Once the temperature drops into the 50s, the unit should no longer be on. This can keep your system working for years and save you a lot on repairs.

To reduce the air conditioning's energy cost, close drapes, blinds and shades that cover windows which face the sun. Also, white shades will reflect the heat away from the house, keeping it cooler and saving you money. It http://www.airfiltersdelivered.com/residential-air-filters is also recommended that you close the vents in rooms that are not used often. This will ensure that you are not spending money cooling less-used rooms.

Ask for helpful information when you are looking for a HVAC contractor. Those who have had a great experience should have no issue giving you this info. This will also help you to avoid undesirable companies.

Try to stay away from HVAC contractors that ask for upfront payments before they are willing to get started on the work they were hired to do. In many cases, this means that they are more concerned about getting paid than they are about making sure the job is done well.

Use plants to increase your air conditioner's effectiveness. An AC unit fully shaded by trees and shrubbery can operate up to 10 percent more efficiently. However, do keep spacing in mind. Air flow must not be constricted, and technicians need room to work when they come out to service your unit.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYnwUs4zW2M