- Change your furnace filter regularly – if you don’t already have an air cleaner, consider adding one to your system. Not only do air cleaners reduce the dust and allergens in the home, they also protect your furnace by preventing dust and dirt to be recirculated back into the furnace itself.
- Ensure your outdoor unit is clean and clear of any debris from the winter months – a simply flushing from the garden hose, removing any fallen leaves and trimming away any bushes or branches will help to ensure your condensing coil has the proper air flow it requires to run efficiently.
- Ductwork – check your ductwork for air leakage and patch any holes or seams with silver tape.
- Consider installing a programmable thermostat to adjust your homes temperature at pre-set intervals, allowing you to save on energy costs during the day, and to set the perfect temperature for sleeping.
- Test your unit early in the season and schedule your maintenance and inspection so you are not stuck on the first hot day when you really need your a/c.
INTERESTING HVAC FACT: Without regular maintenance an air conditioner loses about 5% of its original efficiency for each year of operation.
This means that the 12 SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating – the higher number the more efficient) unit that you bought just a few years ago may be functioning like a 9 SEER unit today!
The good news is that you can recover most of that lost efficiency through regular maintenance. Studies show that with regular tune-ups, a unit will maintain up to 95% of its original efficiency.
This means the cost of an annual tune-up is recovered very quickly in saving on your monthly electric bill and reduced repair costs. A properly serviced air conditioner will also do a better job of dehumidifying your home.
Turning On The A/C For The First Time In The Spring: “A/C for Dummies”
- Check that your breaker is in the ON position – or that there is a fuse in position
- Check your furnace on/off wall switch is in the ON position
- Check your furnace filter is clean to allow proper air flow
- Check your outdoor unit – the cover is off and unit is cleaned of any debris
- Check the outdoor disconnect box – mounted on the wall beside the outdoor unit – is in the ON position
- Check your thermostat is in the cool position and is set below room temperature
Follow each of these steps and your air conditioner should turn on.
Keeping Up With Safety Legislation:
Under current fuels safety legislation, anyone who installs, repairs, services, removes or maintains an appliance or equipment used in the handling or use of a fuel-burning appliance or equipment must be registered as a contractor. Button’s Heating just successfully completed our TSSA compliance audit at the end of April: check!
As a licenced contractor with the Technical Standard and Safety Authority, we are routinely audited for safety compliance under Fuels Division.
https://www.tssa.org/regulated/fuels/complianceAuditsFaq.aspx
Did You Know?
Button’s is a member of HRAI – adhering to a strict standard of compliance and a code of ethics.
The Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI) is a non-profit association representing the qualified and trained professionals that design, install and maintain your home or business’s indoor environment equipment.
HRAI member companies are required to provide and maintain insurance coverage, valid trade certificates and licences, and sign and agree to conform to the HRAI Member Code of Ethics. In choosing an HRAI member contractor to maintain your home or business’s indoor environment, you can be assured of their proven credentials, and a track record of reliability and quality.
HRAI also serves as your source for everything heating and cooling. From information on choosing a qualified indoor environment contractor and the facts on heating and cooling equipment, to available rebates and educational videos, HRAI is a valuable resource for information regarding heating, cooling and the indoor environment.