12Nov

Top 10 Consumer Tips for Air Conditioning and Heating

1. Use a Programmable thermostat – Programming your thermostat at 65 degrees at night and then back to 72 degrees during the day equals considerable yearly savings.
   

   Programmable Thermostat

2. Check the seals around windows, doors, electrical outlet and any areas where air can escape – seal them. Use a good quality caulk and be sure to check the seals  every few years.
3. Check the air filters in your furnace or fan coil each month. Dirty filters causes excessive wear and tear on your air conditioner, furnace or heat pump. Replace or clean your filter when necessary – ideally once per month.
4. Brush the exterior of the outdoor coil (condensing unit) if or when it becomes dirty. Use a soft brush (you may attach one to a vacuum cleaner) to clean the surface. If the dirt is deep in the coil, you should  call a HVAC professional.
5. Keep your out door condensing unit free of debris. Try to keep grass clippings, leaves, shrubbery and other debris away from out door units. Check the base pan occasionally. If debris is present, promptly remove it.
6. Check the ventilation in your dwellings. Inspect the combustion area for your furnace prior to heating season. If there is the presence of dirt, soot or rust your system may not work properly or at its peak efficiency.
7. Clean your humidifier at the beginning of each season.
8. Seal leaky ducts. Leaky ducts loose heated and cooled air into attic and crawl space. They can also suck in mold, humidity and pollutants into your home. Sealing these ducts will save mone as well as improve comfort.
   

   Duct Sealant

9. Is your duct system balanced? Hot or cold rooms in your home may mean that your duct system need to be balanced. If you need to over heat one room to get another warm, you should your air flow checked by a certified balancing technician.
10. The heating and cooling systems in you home should be checked (safety inspected) at least time each year by a air conditioning  certified technician.