Not much is more stressful than having a broken system in winter or summer. The key to finding the right people to install new equipment or repair the old is to learn everything possible about the topic in advance. Read this article to get started on that.


Clean the condenser coils and fan at the beginning of the year to help the unit run efficiently. Always shut the power off before doing any work or cleaning on the unit. Also, be sure to clear leaves and debris from your condenser unit.

When you call an HVAC system for help, you need to be aware of what you need them to do before calling. It's hard to get an estimate since they haven't look at your system. If you can't explain changes you've made, the process will be even more difficult. Know this stuff ahead of time.

When purchasing a new HVAC system for your home, be sure it is energy efficient. These days, most new HVAC systems are energy efficient; there is a energy star label on the equipment. However, to be sure your utility costs do not go through the roof, choose equipment that is energy efficient.

Your outdoor HVAC units might suffer when your trees lose leaves. Clean the fan grill often when leaves are falling. If your fan is obstructed, it can keep your system from working properly.

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. You will notice these ports have a rubber or metal cap covering them. Choose an oil graded SAE 20, it is non-detergent and lightweight. Place about 10 drops into each of the ports, taking care that it does not overfill.

If you currently have a manual thermostat, consider installing a programmable one. You can set your system for different temperatures depending on time of day and if anyone is home. Also, you can set upper and lower temperature settings to allow for a comfortable range of temperatures so that heating and cooling don't kick in when not needed.

Sometimes air conditioners get iced up. Freezes also occur in your drain line. These freezes are easily confused as leaks to the untrained eye. Use the fan-only setting to allow the system time to thaw. If this doesn't work, call a professional.

If you have a window air conditioner, be sure to check and see if it has an Energy Saver button. If so, use it! This turns off the fan when the unit isn't actually cooling Average Cost For HVAC Repair the air, which can save you as much as 30 kwh over the period of a month!

When you are looking for a service provider to perform service on your HVAC system, look for a company that stands behind their work. This is especially important if your compressor or condenser is being repaired. Repairs to these two things are extremely expensive, so you want to ensure that the service provider warranties their work.

Before you get into the hot summer months, make sure to schedule a tune up for your current HVAC system. This is very important to keep issues from popping up with your system. It's a small cost to pay compared to the large bills to fix issues that could arise.

If you can, find a way to create shade over your outdoor HVAC unit. This can actually save you money as shaded air being pulled in by the HVAC unit is typically 5 to 6 degrees cooler than air that's heated by direct sunlight. It's a smart solution to lowering those energy bills.

As you compare new HVAC system, be sure to look at the energy ratings for each unit. The higher they are, the better they will be. Efficiency will not only get your home comfortable faster, but it will save you on your energy bills when you are running your new unit.

Before having someone install a new HVAC system or maintain or repair yours, make sure they are insured. Having someone who is insured work on your system will assure that if anything happens while they are working at your home, they are financially covered and you will not be responsible.

Be sure to check your Filter Check light frequently on any stand-alone units. If it is on, turn the unit off as you can't operate it without a filter in place. Clean the filter carefully and return it to its proper location, but don't operate the unit if the filter is still wet.

If your HVAC system is producing any type of clicking sounds, there may be something obstructing it. A small amount of debris is often the cause of this problem. Simply clear away the debris or remove any foreign objects and your problem is solved. Always check for yourself before getting someone out to repair the unit.

Keeping your home's HVAC system working properly is a must if you want to avoid extremes of heat and cold. However, sorting through all of the different options that are available to you can be tricky. Let the information that you have read here guide your next purchase of an HVAC system.