Understanding how HVAC systems work can really save a homeowner a lot of money. The last you want is to come home one day and find that it is not working properly. That only leads to misery, which I'm sure most have us have experienced at one time or another due to a faulty HVAC system. Great tips on maintaining your HVAC system is in the following article, so keep reading!

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.

When the weather cools down, turn your outdoor condenser off. This means that you should turn it off to prevent damage if the weather falls under 60 degrees Farenheit. You will save in repair bills and increase the efficiency of your system.

When the leaves start to fall, the HVAC equipment can be harmed. When you see nearby trees shedding their leaves, clean the fan grill on your unit constantly. The fan needs unobstructed air flow, and if debris is blocking this air flow, then your system could suffer.

If you are looking to save money with your HVAC system, consider turning down the air conditioner in the summer and turning the heat down in the winter. Putting on a sweater on a cold day can save you a ton of money on your utility bill, as can enjoying a cold drink instead of heavy air conditioning use.

Boost energy efficiency by putting your condenser unit in the shade. It will reduce the temperature of the air going into the unit, meaning that it will not have to work as hard to cool it.

Whether you have an air conditioner in a window or outside your home, be sure to keep it in the shade. The cooler the air around it, and the cooler the condenser itself, the easier a time it will have of keeping the air inside your home cool as well.

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.

How long has the contractor been in business? You are more likely to get good service this way. Hiring a contractor who is just starting out can be risky.

If you want to cool your home in the summer without using your air conditioning on full, consider installing fans in your home. An attic fan can blow hot air out while sucking in cool air into your basement, and ceiling fans help distribute the air in your rooms evenly.

If you want your HVAC to run well, you need to have doors and windows that work well with things too. Make sure the seal is impenetrable from outdoor drafts, and that none of the air you're paying to heat or cool escapes either. Ask a contractor to test them for you.

Make sure your windows and doors are efficient. Each of these should have an airtight seal Commercial Air Conditioning Near Me on them. A professional can also test the windows and many times the testing is free.

When water condenses on your air conditioner, it drips into a pan and drains out. This drain should be inspected on a regular basis. If algae forms in the drain line or if the drain line freezes, you could be in for some expensive repairs. The drip pan could overflow causing extensive damage to your ceilings.

When buying an air conditioner, you want to find out with a SEER rating of 13 or higher. 13 is the minimum standard set by the government, so higher ratings, while not mandatory, are going to offer you better efficiency. SEER ratings can go as high as 19, so keep this in mind as you shop.

Get an estimate before agreeing to have any work done on your HVAC unit. This will help keep you from being surprised by a bill at the end. Any reputable technician should be able to look at your unit, determine the problem and give you an estimate as to how much it will cost to fix it.

You can't know what sized air conditioner to purchase unless you measure the area you need cooled. You can usually substitute 20 BTU for each square foot in the area to be cooled. If you have multiple rooms to cool, be sure to add their square footage together.

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.

You need to check your windows and outside doors to make certain your HVAC runs well. Your windows and doors should all be tightly sealed. Double pane windows are a great idea. Testing for energy efficiency may be free, if you are interested in hiring a professional to find out.

When looking for an HVAC company, find one that is available when you need them. Reliable companies can be reached easily at any time. This includes both day and night. A prospective company should also values your resources and time. They should be able to schedule service calls at your earliest convenience.

Keep your evaporator coil clean. A dirty coil will cause the unit to strain when cooling air. You can clean the coil yourself easily. Simply remove the front panel to expose the coil and use a soft brush attached to a vacuum to remove any dust and debris that has accumulated on the coil.

After reading the above article, you should understand the importance of proper maintenance when it comes to HVAC system. If you don't take good care of your HVAC system, it will break down and end up costing you a fortune. So remember what you learned, apply the tips, and you will see how long your HVAC system lasts.