If you have ever found yourself sweating on a hot, summer day because your air conditioner konked out, or spent a night shivering due to a furnace failure, you know how important HVAC contractors can be. But, you may not know how to hire the best professionals to serve your needs. Continue reading for a wealth of useful advice.

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.




Get any agreement with an HVAC contractor in writing. Some contractors try to skip over this step and charge customers a fortune. If you have a certain price and warranty in writing, they cannot go back and change this information. If they do, they could have a lawsuit on their hands.

Cleaning the blades and coils will help the system run better. Make sure your power is off before doing more than cleaning, such as working on the unit. Remove leaves and debris from the outdoor unit.

In the winter, wearing layers can save you a ton of money on your utility bill. If you can install a digital thermostat that makes the house cooler when you're asleep and warmer just before you get up, you can see significant savings on your next bill when it arrives.

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.

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.

There are sizing calculators available to determine the proper sized system for your home. If you buy a unit that's too large, it won't be energy efficient for your needs. Check your manual to learn what it is rated by the manufacturer if you want accurate information.

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.

If you don't know who you should call to repair, install and maintain your HVAC systems, check out reviews online. There are different sites that let customers share experiences of different services. Read through them and figure out who you want to try out.

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.

To reduce the air conditioning's energy cost, close drapes, blinds and shades that cover windows which face the sun. Also, white shades will reflect the heat away from the house, keeping it cooler and saving you money. It is also recommended that you close the vents in rooms that are not used often. This will ensure that you are not spending money cooling less-used rooms.

If your home gets hot in the summer and you'd like to use your air conditioner less often, consider a metal roof. It reflects the heat right back up into the sky, allowing your home to gain less heat on sunny days. Since metal roofs are permanent, you'll save on repair and replacement costs also.

Make sure you wipe up any water that is close to the air intake of the vents of your HVAC system. Clean up any water that read more is standing around because water can cause mold to easily expand. Some water buildup is normal but if you're picking up water more than once every six months you might have a problem, so contact a HVAC technician.

All of your windows and doors must be air-tight, in order for your HVAC system to run at maximum efficiency. Be sure that they're sealed well so that air from the outside or inside doesn't come in or escape. It is wise to hire someone to test them out, and this often costs nothing.

Make sure to be specific about everything that is written in your contracts. It should detail the work that is being done, the materials being used and the amount of time it will take to complete the job. Leaving anything out can give the contractor an exit if something goes wrong.

There is nothing worse than being miserable in your own home because you cannot regulate the temperature. The key to managing HVAC equipment issues involves discovering how to hire the best professionals around. Refer back to the above tips whenever necessary, and you will never be at a loss for what to do.