Your HVAC system at home is probably the most vital piece of equipment that you have. Unfortunately, many people fail to realize this, and they end up having major problems with it. Don't let your HVAC system go bad on you, read the tips below for solid information that will help you out.



Be sure to get every quote or estimate in written form. You have no recourse on a verbal agreement, so a written contract is a must. This will allow you to follow up if something goes wrong or you don't get what you were promised, protecting you from shady contractors.

Be sure to place your outdoor unit in a shady spot to maximize efficiency. As you get your air conditioner to suck in cool air it won't have to do too much work to cool it which saves you some money.

When you cut the grass, make sure your mower isn't tossing clippings toward your outdoor units. Aim the grass clippings in the other direction. 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.

To help you pick a good HVAC contractor, carefully search for information that offers honest reviews about the companies that you might be looking to hire. You may also want to check with the BBB for information. Doing these things beforehand will allow you to make a smart decision.

If there are oil ports on your fan condenser, lubricate it annually. You'll find these ports are covered with a metal or rubber cap. Put about ten drops or less of a good non-detergent SAE 20 oil into each port.

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.

Clean your filters! If you have a window unit air conditioner, there will be a filter right under the grill you here can vacuum. If you have a furnace or outdoor units, they will also have filters to be cleaned or replace. A dirty filter can make your unit inefficient or even let it overheat.

Clean your filters! If you have a window unit air conditioner, there will be a filter right under the grill you can vacuum. If you have a furnace or outdoor units, they will also have filters to be cleaned or replace. A dirty filter can make your unit inefficient or even let it overheat.

Never accept the first offer you get when you are looking to hire an HVAC contractor. There are many people out there that charge more than others for doing the same services. Getting price quotes from several companies can help ensure that you are getting a rate that is acceptable.

Contractors determine their own fee levels, so make sure to get multiple quotes. Save yourself some money by calling around before you make your final decision. Contact a minimum of five contractors so you can determine realistically what the price will be.

If you want to ensure your air conditioner offers you great performance, keep it dry. If it is located in a dry, cool area, you'll find that the efficiency goes up and the unit lasts a long time. You can even buy a water vapor cooler to cool it as it is running.

If you plan on having a service on your HVAC unit, ask the technician what he will be doing. Any thorough service should consist of several things. The technician should check temperature levels, pressures, amperage draw, and coolant levels. They should adjust any belts that need it and clean the coils.

A radiant barrier improves the efficiency of your HVAC. It blocks the heat from inside out, reducing the energy that's needed for your home to get cooled during the summer. If you do things right your attic can be used as a living space too.

Consider a digital window air conditioner with a remote to make use easy as pie. These often come with a thermostat in the remote, turning off the unit when the air near the remote is cool enough. Place the remote on the other side of the room so that the whole area cools down.

Check the licensing of any HVAC company that you plan to hire. Start by making sure they are fully licensed. They should be in compliance with your state's business laws. Good HVAC companies should be fully insured. This is to protect their company, their employees, and their customers should anything happen when they are performing a service at the home of a customer.

As you can see, finding the perfect HVAC system for your home can be tricky. There is a lot of information that you need to absorb before you can make the right decision. By keeping this advice in mind, you can find a great new system that will keep you comfortable all year long.