AC-Appliance Pros
Preventive Maintenance
Air Conditioning
Keep It Clean
All dirt and debris should be removed from the condensor (outdoor
coil), read the instructions that came with your air-conditioner
on how to clean the coil, or call a technician. DO NOT ATTEMPT
TO CLEAN THE CONDENSER WITHOUT TURNING OFF THE POWER.
Keep the condensing unit unobstructed
Allow ample air-flow around the unit. (Cut down those bushes
and other vegetation at least 12 inches back from the air-conditioner.
Do not build sheds or roofs over the air-conditioner.
Keep the evaporator (indoor coil)
unobstructed
Make sure the evaporator is not blocked to insure proper airflow
across coil. (This may require a professional service technician
to clean coil). Coils should be cleaned in order to preserve
the efficiency of the unit.
Change or clean filters every 30
days
If you have household pets might have to do it earlier. Do this
when you pay your utility bill as a reminder. This is far more
important in air-conditioning than in heating. The easiest way
to ensure your system operates efficiently and economically is
by keeping the air filter clean. There are several types of air
filters and several possible locations for the air filter. Ask
your service contractor where your air filter is located and
which type of filter to use.
Keep the outdoor coils cleaned
Outdoor coils can be cleansed with a special solution of coil
cleaner and water. (Recommend non-foaming/non-acid type).
Do not bend the coil fins
Use caution not to bend Fins on the coils. They are fragile and
can be easily damaged. Use gloves and read manufacture recommendations
on all chemicals/cleaners.
Keep the indoor coils cleaned
Indoor coils may be cleaned using a special coil (evaporator)
cleaner. A soft brush may be needed.
AC unit adjustments
Items such as electrical, refrigerant level (freon), pressures,
and temperatures should be accomplished by a professional technician.
These checks/adjustments require proper instruments/gauges. Also,
special licenses are required by the Environmental Protection
Agency to handle refrigerants.
Ice on the pipes at the evaporator
coil
Is there ice on the pipes at the evaporator coil (the indoor
portion of the air-conditioner)? If there is, turn off the unit
and call a technician. WARNING:
DO NOT SET THE THERMOSTAT BELOW 68 DEGREES. THIS CAN CAUSE A
MULTITUDE OF PROBLEMS WITH YOUR AIR-CONDITIONER, INCLUDING FREEZING
UP.
Temperature differential
Air-conditioners are designed for a 20 degree temperature differential.
When it is 105 degrees outside, be happy if it is 85 degrees
in your house. A temperature swing greater than this is unhealthy.
Trees over AC unit
If you have pine trees or oak trees near the air-conditioner,
you may want to place something over the air-conditioner in the
winter season. Do not cover the air-conditioner completely. IF
YOU DO PLACE SOMETHING OVER THE AIR-CONDITIONER, MAKE SURE YOU
REMOVE IT BEFORE TURNING THE AIR-CONDITIONER ON.
Thermostat
The most economical operation of your system comes from setting
the thermostat properly. Set the thermostat properly. Set the
thermostat at the highest summer setting or the lowest winter
setting at which you are comfortable. Typical settings ar 78
degrees for summer cooling and 70 degrees for winter heating.
When cooling, your operating costs increase from 3% to 8% for
each degree your thermostat is lowered. When heating, your operating
costs increase for each degree your thermostat is raised.
Keep heat away from the thermostat
Make sure no heat-generating appliances are near your thermostat.
These include lamps, TVs, stereo and computer equipment.
Keep doors and windows closed
Close all doors and windows to the outside. This will reduce
the heating load in winter and the cooling load in summer. Your
system will operate more economically as a result.
Keep vents and grills unobstructed
Arrange your furniture and drapes so that all output vents and
intake grills are free from obstruction. This will reduce the
cooling and heating load on your system for more economical operation.
Avoid excessive use of exhaust fans
Excessive use of kitchen or bathroom exhaust fans will make your
system work harder. This will increase energy consumption and
costs. Keep costs in check by making wise use of exhaust fans.
Control direct sunlight
Let the sun in during winter. Keep the sun out during summer.
In summer, direct sunlight increases the load on your cooling
system. Use of window shades and awnings will reduce the amount
of direct sunlight and lower the cooling load. In winter, direct
sunlight reduces the load on your heating system. Open window
shades and awnings to increase direct sunlight and lower the
heating load.
Keep the condenser coil clean
The condenser coil (the unit outside your house) should be kept
clean to ensure efficient operation. If the condenser coil becomes
restricted by dirt, lint, paper, grass clippings, leaves, or
other debris, system efficiency will deteriorate. Use a garden
hose to keep the condenser coil clean.
If you don't know which firm to call, ask if the contractor
is a member of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA).
consumers can call (972)247-5383 or 1-800-260-8041 to confirm
the contractor is a member or to locate a contractor who subscribes
to the organization's code or ethics.
©2007 AC-Appliance Pros All Rights Reserved
1701 North Greenville Ave. Suite 606
Richardson, Texas 75081
972-664-0055
TACL B00027067E
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