Clean the fan blades and coils on the condenser fan every spring. Turn it off first so you don't get hurt or break something. Then you need to get the grill popped off and get the blades out so you can clean them and your unit gently.
Look for discounts wherever possible. HVAC systems can be rather costly, so you'll want to seek out whatever discounts and deals that may be out there. When shopping around, ask about any current specials running, and look for discounts that are related to ENERGY STAR compliance. Both can save you a lot of cash.
Lubricate your condenser yearly if it has oil ports. These are usually covered with rubber or metal caps. Your oil should be an SAE 20. This particular oil is very lightweight and it only requires about 10 drops per port.
If possible, put your HVAC in a shaded area if it is outside. The unit will have to do less work cooling this air.
Make sure that your contractor provides a home assessment. Not every HVAC solution is for everyone. Your home could have special needs for heating and cooling. Your contractor should do a walk around of your space to judge what is best. If they aren't be sure to request one.
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.
Outer coils can be cleaned with a regular outdoor hose before you turn the unit on for the season. That said, interior coils should be taken care http://www.bloomberg.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=176026 of by a professional so that you don't do any damage as you attempt to clean them. Bring someone in to complete a check up.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRvM0EdRKec
Consider painting the outside of your home in a light color to reflect heat if you live in a hot climate. If your summers are cool, use http://www.texairfilters.com/ a dark color to instead heat up your home in the winter. This simple change can end up saving you a lot on your utility bills.
Never hire an HVAC contractor that does not hold a valid license from your state. There are people out there that will offer to do less expensive work since they have no license. While it may seem like a bargain, you will have lots of issues in the event that something goes wrong.
Do you want to make sure your HVAC unit works for you like it should? It is important to have your unit maintained on a regular basis. Any reputable technician will know exactly what you mean if you call them and ask for a maintenance service on your system.
Never hire a contractor before asking about the work experience they have when it comes to dealing with HVAC units. Make sure they are experienced with the kind of work that is needed. Although there's no guarantee that a worker with less experience won't do the work correctly, it's better to avoid any problems.
Make sure you wipe up any water that is close to the air intake of the vents of your HVAC system. Clean up any water that is standing around because water can cause mold to easily expand. Some water buildup is normal but if you're picking up water more than once every six months you might have a problem, so contact a HVAC technician.
Prior to hiring an HVAC contractor, check out their references. Sometimes, they just got good reviews because their price is low. It only takes a couple minutes to call, so be sure and do it.
Make sure that you read any work contracts thoroughly before you sign them. Unfortunately, there are contractors out there that will take advantage of others and sneak things in that will benefit them. The only way you can avoid becoming a victim is to be totally clear about what you are signing.
If your outdoor compressor unit sits in the sun, consider building a shade over it. Air in the shade is about 5 degrees cooler than air in the sun. This can have a significant impact on your cooling bill. When done properly, you could see up to a 10 percent savings over the season.
You do not want your living environment too hot or too cold, and having a good HVAC system that is running how it is supposed to is key. Thankfully, you just learned some helpful tips that showed you how to spot problems, along with how to properly maintain your HVAC system. Keep these tips in mind as you perform regular maintenance on your HVAC system.
