Though keeping a home's HVAC system up and running at all times is one of the most fundamental tasks a homeowner has, not everyone knows how to do it well. Finding a professional to maintain your HVAC unit is a great choice for any homeowner. Continue reading to learn more about it.


The operation of your HVAC system can be in danger when the tree leaves begin to fall. Make sure you clean out your fan grill often once nearby trees start shedding their leaves. Your fan needs an unobstructed way to get air inside, and the more blocked up it becomes, the more headaches will develop for you with the system.

If at all possible, install double-paned windows in your home instead of those with a single pane. Good double pane windows keep cool air in during the summer and minimize your utility expenses. Conversely, they keep warm air in during the winter.

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.

When you buy a new air conditioning unit, don't let the salesperson talk you into too large of a unit. This will be a waste of money and won't efficiently cool your home. The longer a system runs, the more efficient it will be when it's running, so look for one which runs 15 to 30 minutes.

Do you hear a clicking sound when your fan is turning? This may mean that there is something in the way of the blades of the fan. If it gets so bad that the blade bends, you must replace it, just unbending it will leave the fan unbalanced and can cause further issues.

Make sure things don't get too hot or cold where your thermostat is. Any electronics or heat sources like lamps or televisions nearby can trick the thermostat into thinking the home is warmer than it actually is. This just means it runs your air conditioning longer than necessary, wasting energy and money.

Consider installing a radiant barrier to your attic to help your HVAC system run more efficiently. It blocks outside heat from coming in which will make sure you won't have to use more energy to keep your home cool when it's hot outside. If this is installed correctly, it will give you the ability to actually use your attic as extra space to live in.

Consider window air conditioners for your home if you are thinking about installing a central unit. Do you really need to cool your kitchen overnight? Do you have multiple floors with only one housing bedrooms? To efficiently and cheaply cool only where people are actually staying, window units are a great choice.

Do you need a new cooling system? You probably have many options available to you. Those systems get rated by the area amount they are able to cool and heat effectively. It may be wise to get a unit that is a bit larger than needed. Just don't get one that is smaller than you need.

If you live in a hot climate, don't use duct tape on your HVAC. It just dries out and falls off, leaving you with leaks all click here over the place. Instead, use mastic sealant to cover any holes or gaps in duct work and you'll keep your home comfortable all year long.

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 want to pay for less power use, consider installing an HVAC-specific solar panel system. Such an installation harnesses the power of the sun directly for your heating and air conditioning. Don't worry though; you can have a switch put in that automatically connects to the power grid the days there isn't enough sun.

Think about which direction air is going to flow from an air conditioner unit when you pick out where to put it. If it must be in a corner, make certain that the air does not point towards a wall.

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.

Now that you know so much about HVAC units, you're ready to take control of your own. Use these tips as you ensure yours is in tip top condition at all times. Continue to learn more about these systems so that your family can rely on you to keep them cool in the summer and warm all winter long.