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Good Stuff Happens in 1:1 Meetings: Why you need them and how to do them well
Air conditioning self maintenance tips
1. Proper air condition maintenance is essential for the device, be it a central cooling system or window unit, to work
properly. There are numerous maintenance checks that homeowners can quickly do themselves that do not take
much time suggests Heating and Air Fort Wayne. Periodic evaluations by a qualified HVAC person should be done
too.
Before calling a service technician if your system is not working properly, here are a few things to check from
Pancani:
• the thermostat switch is set to the proper position-heating or cooling.
• the set-point is below the room temperature.
• the furnace is plugged in and the power switch turned on. The air conditioner needs the
furnace to circulate the air.
• the air-conditioning disconnect or breaker has been turned on. If you know how to check the
fuses, see if any are blown.
• the furnace filter is clean. (read more...)
Heating and Cooling Fort Wayne Recommends the
Following Items Be Checked
Change the Air Filters
The easiest thing you can do to guarantee your system keeps
you cool, is to change the air filters routinely. Changing them
every other month for central air conditioning systems is an
excellent measure. For those with indoor pets that shed, they
will need checked more often. Not only will this help save
money on the house's energy usage, it will improve the air
quality of the house too.
Appropriate Air Flow
See to it there is absolutely nothing blocking the flow of air
around the outside device. Any plantings, hedges or fencing
you may have to conceal your outside device need to be at
least 12 to 15 inches away. With window units, don't cover
your window unit with drapes or curtains when it's on.
Cleaning the Condenser Coils
The condensing coils on an air conditioning unit will get very
filthy over time. Like a clogged filter, obstructed fins and coils on the outside unit can trigger your system to work
harder and consequently break down. Use a nylon brush or broom and your garden hose to rinse leaves, grass and
other particles from the fins. Use the garden hose to delicately spray off the exterior side of the condenser. Rinsing
the condenser clears any loosened dirt, debris, or deposits from the components and metal areas. It is most
effectively to disconnect power at the condenser prior to cleaning. It is necessary to also clean any dirt or lint
accumulation in the bottom of the air conditioner so the condensate water will be picked up by the condensing fan
slinger appropriately.
If you have a window device, do this in the Spring, before you install the unit for the season, and again in the fall,
prior to putting it away.
It is good to regularly examine the cooling coils for frost or ice build up too.
Appropriate Cycling of the Cooling System
Air conditioners have a cooling system identical to a refrigerator's. It is essential not to turn the unit off then back
A typical home air conditioning unit. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
2. on immediately. It is best to wait at least ten mins after shutting the device off to allow the pressure in the
refrigeration system to equalize once again. This will certainly prolong the life of your ac unit.
Program the Thermostat
For a central system, during the hot season set your thermostat to a slightly higher temperature throughout the day,
when you leave your home, and a lower temperature level when you get home from work. Today's programmable
thermostats can even work by means of WiFi or your smartphone, so you could raise the setting when you leave to
run errands, then from another location turn it back down when you are on your way home. This decreases energy
costs as well as reduces strain on the system.
Shut window units off when you are gone for they use a lot more energy than a central cooling system.
Get a Tune-Up
The best method to keep your whole-house cooling system trouble free is to have Heating and Air Fort Wayne offer
it a tune-up once a year in the Spring. As part of the tune-up, we will examine and clean filters, test the internal
mechanisms and charge the unit with refrigerant.
Here are a few other ideas from Adams Homes:
* It is important to make sure lawn sprinklers are not spraying on the condensing unit.
* This is especially important if you have well water. Well water will make the condenser rust faster
which is not covered under your warranty. Rinse the outside unit with city water once a month to help
maintain it cleanliness. (read more...)
Various other Things to Monitor
•Examine the cord on your window device for frayed or worn areas. It could have to be replaced.
•Use drapes and blinds to shut out the sun from warming spaces so the cooling device does not have to
work as much.
•If you live near salt water, you will want to shield outdoor units from corrosion with a paste wax. Simply
apply and buff it in.
•As always, check for air leaks around windows and doors and seal them up! Undoubtedly it does not make
good sense for your ac device to work more than it needs too.
Heating and Air Fort Wayne hopes these suggestions are useful and will help preserve the life of your air
conditioning device, but your money invested on energy consumption as well. Don't hesitate to contact us with any
concerns you may have.