Content written by-Lang Kline

Do you often find your home uncomfortably warm during the summer, even when your air conditioner is running? Do you shiver inside during the winter? If so, you may need to have your HVAC system replaced. For some useful advice on doing so, read the tips in the following article.



Before you hire anyone to do any work on your HVAC, be sure to get a written estimate which has itemized costs listed on it. This will ensure that comparing one contractor to another will be simple as you can see what one offers that another doesn't, or what price they're charging for the same items.

Make sure that you regularly clean debris that might build up on external condenser units. You can never tell when things will pile up, especially following rain or wind storms. These can wreak havoc on your units. Also, you are risking your system overheating.

Be sure to place your outdoor unit in a shady spot to maximize efficiency. 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.

When you have an outdoor unit, be sure to keep all plants, flowers, shrubs and trees at least two feet from it. Anything that grows inside it, either above the ground or even roots beneath the soil, can block it up and cause it to break. Give it some breathing room.

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.

It is always a good idea to swap out single pane windows for double pane ones. You can reduce your energy costs from energy leaking out through your windows by installing window that are double-paned. Likewise, in the winter more hot air stays inside during the cold season.

Use plants to increase your air conditioner's effectiveness. look at more info shaded by trees and shrubbery can operate up to 10 percent more efficiently. However, do keep spacing in mind. Air flow must not be constricted, and technicians need room to work when they come out to service your unit.

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.

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 of by a professional so that you don't do any damage as you attempt to clean them. Bring Read the Full Post in to complete a check up.

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.

Manage the heat flow into your home with window coverings to help out your HVAC system. In the warmer months, use drapes, curtains and blinds to block out sunward facing windows to keep heat from building up through the greenhouse effect. Alternatively, make sure that sunlit windows are letting light and warmth in during the colder months.

Call in a contractor to find out if you can install an air conditioner on your current forced-air system without having to install new duct work. This can save you a ton of time and money, plus it takes up less space in your walls and rooms to boot.

Consider installing a radiant barrier to your attic to help your HVAC system run more efficiently. This will block heat from coming in, which means that less energy will be needed to keep your home cool. You may even find that you can use the attic space more effectively.

Consider how long a contractor has been in business before you hire them. The longer they've been in your community, the more likely they are to do a good job. Fly by night operations pop up wherever people haven't heard of them before, and they're just the firms you want to avoid.

Never hire anyone to work on your HVAC system unless they are licensed and bonded. This industry is one where mistakes happen often and you want to make sure that you are protected. You do not want to be stuck paying for medical bills that are more expensive than the work you were having done.

If you are going to use the Internet as a source for good HVAC contractors, you need to be very careful. You never know who is behind the glowing reviews that are posted all over the Web. There is a chance that the contractor is posting their own reviews or paying others to do so.

If you want to buy a new HVAC unit or system, ask a contractor to come up to size up your home and tell you what options you have. They'll have the best advice as they know what sort of systems work in your area or in a home like yours.

Don't purchase an HVAC system unless you know exactly what all is included in your system. Some contractors overcharge for add-ons like travel expense or fees for additional materials. Solid written contracts can help you avoid these issues.

Choose a contractor who knows how to work with your current system. If they work with that set-up frequently, they'll quickly diagnose any problems and know exactly how to maintain it. Choosing such a firm will save you time and money, and will also save you from unnecessary headaches.

You may feel intimidated by the options available when shopping for an HVAC. That decision just became a little bit easier though, now that you have the advice of experts in hand. Be sure to keep these tips in mind when making your selection to keep your home comfortable year round.