Expect more, experience the difference

A. You may turn off the power if you desire. This will save you a small amount on your utility costs. There is a small heater built into, or on, the compressor. This is to keep the oil warm to prevent the refrigerant from migrating to the compressor. WARNING, if you turn the power off in the winter be sure to turn it on AT LEAST 24 hours prior to operating the air conditioner. Failure to do so can result in an expensive compressor failure.

Q. Do I need to put a cover over my Air Conditioner in the winter?

A. No, the units are designed for exposure to the elements. Should you wish to cover the unit to keep leaves and residue out during the off season, we offer the following recommendations. Do not wrap the entire unit with plastic sheeting. This stops the air flow through the unit and will cause moisture to condense on internal parts on warm sunny days. Wrap ONLY the top, leaving air flow through the unit, or build a wood cover for the top. If you cover your unit, be sure to remove the covering before operating the unit, as major damage may result by running the unit covered.

Q. What are some ways to help control my heating and cooling cost?

A. Once the thermostat is set, it should be left alone. The air filters inside the system need to be checked, cleaned, or changed each month. The outdoor fan should not be covered or obstructed, so it can receive proper air flow. Seasonal maintenance checks should be performed which include refrigerant level checks, indoor/outdoor coil inspections (cleaning if needed) and ducts inspected.

Q. How often should I change filters?

A. Inspect your filters and change each month as needed. Time intervals vary with each family. Dirty filters will severely limit air flow and could cause a 20 percent or more increase in operating costs.

Q. Should I turn the pilot light on my furnace off during the summer? Will this save on my utility expense?

A. Your pilot light can be turned off during the summer while using your central air conditioner. You will save a small amount on your gas, and electric utilities. Leaving a pilot light on will generate heat in the heat exchanger of the furnace. This is an additional load the air conditioner must handle, and can cause condensation in the heat exchanger with the cold air moving across the warmed area. The negative may be that often after turning off the pilot, they may be difficult to light again in the fall., thus requiring service.

Q. Do I need to have both the furnace, and the air conditioner cleaned and checked annually?

A. Yes, always have your systems checked by a professional HVAC technician. During a fall check up, the heat exchanger is checked for small cracks or perforations which may have occurred during the previous heating season. When this happens, deadly carbon monoxide gas can escape and get into the home, causing serious health problems and/or death to those inside. The complete operating sequence of the unit is checked to meet factory specifications, and the furnace is ran through a cycle. The air conditioner, after a season of operation, and setting through the winter should have the condenser coils cleaned. The dust, grass clippings etc. that accumulate in the coil reduce operating efficiency. The refrigerant charge must be checked, and the unit ran. This will give you top operating efficiency, and add to the life of your system. A clean and check is also recommended by all equipment manufacturers, as well as utility companies.