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QUICK REFERENCE TIPS:
If you just want
to look over a quick reference, then here you are:
1. If you can't detect any heat or air conditioning and the unit
doesn't seem to be running, do one or all of the following:
a) Turn thermostat to "fan on" and see if it comes on.
b)
Check your breaker box and/or emergency switches.
c) If your unit is gas or oil fueled, check your fuel levels.
d)
Check the supply valve (on/off valve) from the fuel tank to ensure it didn't inadvertently get turned off.
2. Check
air filters regularly. Once a month clean or replace.
If filter is a media type, it should be good for up to a year under
normal conditions.
(By the way, we install media, hepa and electronic air filters upon request)
3. Keep outdoor
unit(s) free from obstructive weeds, grass, leaves and debris.
DO NOT build or store objects on or around the unit(s),
as this will reduce adequate air flow for the unit to operate efficiently. (and it makes it hard for us, or anyone else, to
service the unit)
4. Have A/C system checked at least once a year, preferably when the outdoor temperature is above
70 degrees. Bi-Yearly for harsher conditions.
5. DO NOT turn A/C down too low. The evaporator coil (indoor coil) operates
at approximatly 20 degrees below outdoor temperatures and may freeze if outdoor temps go into the 50's.
6. Turning
the thermostat higher or lower won't heat or cool any faster than setting at desired temperature.
7. Heat Pumps can
have a tendancy to frost or freeze outside during heating, especially if temperatures reach around 45 degrees to below freezing
and high humidity conditions are present (fog, rain, snow, etc.).
Most units today are found to have an automatic defrost
cycle, designed to melt accumulation of ice around the coils. When this happens you may notice steam, not smoke, coming from
the unit. Also, you'll notice the compressor is running, but the blower fan is not. This is normal operation of the defrost
cycle and you may also experience the system switching from air condition mode to EHEAT (back up emergency heat) during this
cycle. After about an hour or less the heat pump should be back to normal operation. In very few cases you may have to wait
until outside temperatures warm, where it will usually defrost by mid day.
8. If outdoor conditions are freezing rain
or snow and the outdoor heat pump unit gets completely covered (in snow or ice), it can't "breath" properly and you won't
get sufficient heat out of it. If you can't clear the constriction right away you'll have to switch the thermostat to "emergency
heat", or use other means of back up heat, until the blockage is removed.
9. Keep all or most of your vents open. Closing
too many will cause problems.
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