Home Maintenance:
Most people don't realize that by some simple home maintenance they can solve their problems without having to call an A/C company.
Here are some tips for home maintenance:
1. A Clean filter is crucial to the proper operation of an a/c system.
2. Even distribution of air thru-out the house by closing & opening vents, will assure uniform conditioning of each room.
3. Keeping the condensing unit & coils clean by hosing the debris away from the airflow access points.
4. Maintaining sufficient distance between condensing unit & objects that might restrict airflow across condensing unit coils.
5. Inspecting the ductwork routinely for damaged or pinched areas.
6.Regularly clean the condensate drain line to the evaporator coil by pouring a cleanser such as bleach into the line.
7.Make sure that all wiring to the outdoor unit is shielded from dogs or like animals that might chew on them.
8.A minimum of 200 square inches for each 12,000 btu's of capacity is required for full utilization of efficiency for the average a/c system.
Determine the capacity of your system from the name plate on the outdoor unit and calculate the appropriate airflow required needed.
9.The system will not function if the lower access door to a gas furnace is not properly replaced after the filter has been changed.
10.Keep an insect repellant around the outdoor unit to keep primarily fire ants away from electrical controls. rain will wash this away so
be sure to replenish accordingly.
11. Routine annual maintenance is not only advisable but required by all manufacturer's to comply with extended warranty's.
12.Air Conditioning Tips
Don't cool unused areas. Close doors and registers to cut energy costs.
Keep the shades drawn in your house and the lights off. It will keep the temperature in your home cooler.
remove any vines near the air conditioning unit. They can easily grow and intertwine themselves throughout the unit
Operate stove, oven and dishwashers in the morning or evening when it's cooler outside.
Set the temperature at 78 degrees when home, higher when the home is not occupied. install a programmable thermostat.
Ceiling fans & whole house fans cool fast and cost much less to operate than air conditioning.
Don't obstruct air registers with furniture, carpeting or drapes
Replace incandescent lights with florescent lights or at least reduce the wattage of light bulbs in your lamps and light fixtures.
Check the refrigerant charge. The fluid in your air conditioner is a special refrigerant gas that is put in when the system is installed. If it is overcharged or undercharged it will not work efficiently. This service must be performed by a qualified technician who is licensed and equipped to recapture any escaping gas from escaping into the atmosphere.