Do-It-Yourself

There are several things a customer can do when it comes to keeping their a/c system operating at its peak performance. If you have any questions you would like answered by a trained professional, please give us a call.

System Working Properly?

The first thing the customer needs to make sure the system is working properly. This needs to be done by a qualified service company.

Trim Grass, Remove Trash

Keep grasses and trash away from the condenser. Always trim grass with the unit turned off and rake excess grass away before turning system back on. Make sure you discuss this with whomever takes care of your yard and tell them to turn the mower around so the grass does not settle on the coils.

Clean Coils

Every 60-90 days turn your system off at the disconnect or breaker and wash the condenser coils with a water hose to clear dirt and debris from the coil. If you use a nozzle do not turn the water jet to the side of the coil as this will fold the fins over creating an air blockage. Always spray straight into the coil. Allow the system to dry before turning on power and remember to always turn your thermostat off first, then the power.

Remember Your Filters

Keep your filters clean! A dirty filter is probably the number one problem reason for a/c problems to start with. It can cause a system to freeze up, or not cool properly. It can cause a system to run to cold which create mildew on the grilles.

Keep Furnace Clean

As for the furnace there is not a lot a self-servicer can do, but keep the burner section clean of rust and dust. If you have a shop vac with a small nozzle on it you can clean the burner channels, and exchanger tubes clean. If you have an older furnace that has a standing pilot make sure to turn off gas before starting this procedure. Also make sure to be careful that you do not pull any wires loose.

Oil Motors

In most systems today the motors cannot be oiled, but if your condenser or furnace blower has oil ports on them once every three months these motors should be oiled. The oil ports on a motor will be at each end of the motor but on top of the case.

Dust Your Thermostat

Keep your thermostat clean and free from dust especially if your thermostat is located on the wall where your return air is. The hole in the wall behind the thermostat is a small vacuum cleaner and will suck dust into your controls making them a potential service problem.

Listen for Funny Noises

Pay close attention to your system. A lot of times catching a small sound may save you a lot of money. It is like that old saying you can pay me now or pay me later, don’t be afraid to call your service provider and ask questions, if they are a good company they will listen to you and determine whether you need a service call or something you can do as a home owner.