Along with spring comes annual spring cleaning. Conquering cluttered closets
and attacking ancient attics should not be the only things on the to-do
list: your heating and cooling system needs attention too.
Since proper up-keep can increase a system’s efficiency and therefore
decrease electricity bills, cleaning your system can save money.
“Preventative maintenance inspections can reveal air leaks, rust,
corrosion and dust build-up,” said Doyle James, president of the
Aire Serv Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. “A properly maintained
unit will have increased efficiency and can decrease your energy bills
because it’s not working as hard to keep you comfortable. In this
economy every penny counts, and maintaining your heating and cooling system
can keep utility bills low.”
Air conditioners produce water by condensation on cool indoor coils, and
drains from these coils can become blocked from dust and algae growth,
especially after sitting through the winter. A blocked drain can cause
flooding or water damage in the area surrounding your indoor unit. Often
preventable complications can cause major equipment malfunctions.
Follow Aire Serv’s simple to-do list to keep systems in excellent
condition:
• Clean or replace air filters to help the AC unit run more efficiently
• Open vents in all rooms – closing them could restrict air
flow and cause system malfunctions
• Remove shrubs, grass and leaves from the condenser coil and within
three feet of outside unit
• Install a programmable thermostat – it automatically changes
the temperature when away or asleep
• Inspect and caulk windows and doors annually where needed. This
can help your system to maintain a more even temperature.
Homeowners can hire a professional technician to perform a tune-up on
their air conditioner, which includes examining ductwork, checking the
refrigerant level and tightening the wiring connections. This is also
a good time to check your homes safety equipment to ensure your smoke
and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly.
Avoid the annual headache with spring cleaning and reap the benefits of
spring savings instead.