Here is how to keep your home comfort system working at peak efficiency.
Indoors
Replace the indoor unit's air filter monthly: Old/Dirty filters cause equipment to work harder, resulting in energy waste and possible internal damage. If you have a reusable/washable filter, make sure that it has completely dried prior to reinstalling.
Inspect the blower compartment of your furnace or blower coil: Use a vacuum to remove any dirt or dust, which can result in improper performance and low efficiency. Make sure that the coil is dry prior to vacuuming.
Remove clutter from around the furnace or blower coil: Items stored near the furnace are fire hazards. They may also obstruct combustion air supply. This could cause complete combustion and the production of carbon monoxide gas. Your furnace or blower coil could be located in a closet, attic or basement. Removing clutter applies to your equipment no matter where it is located.
Check the chimney or flue pipe connections for tightness, blockages or loose connections: Your gas furnace flue pipe must remain tightly connected and free of blockage for the furnace to operate correctly. If repairs are required, contact Comfort Air to schedule the repairs.
Set the thermostat on "HEAT" and move the temperature setting above room temperature: Listen for any unusual sounds and call Comfort Air if you suspect problems.
Keep return registers/grilles clear of obstructions: The return register/grille must remain free of obstructions such as furniture, lint, dust or pet hair for the system to operate properly.
Clean humidifier reservoir regularly: If your home comfort system includes a humidifier, it may be necessary to clean the water reservoir to prevent mold or mildew buildup.
Outdoors
Trim brush and shrubbery near outdoor units to prevent airflow obstruction: It is important to provide unrestricted airflow to the outdoor unit. Leaves, trash or shrubs crowding the air conditioner or heat pump cause the unit to work harder and use more energy. Also remove any debris that may have collected around the unit.
Clean outdoor coil: The outdoor coil on an air conditioner or heat pump can sometimes become obstructed by grass clippings, leaves, dust, etc. If this happens, using a garden hose, gently run water over the coil, removing unwanted obstructions.
Make sure outdoor unit remains level: Ground shifting or settling can cause an air conditioner or heat pump to sit in an uneven position. If this happens, re-level the unit to make sure water/moisture drains from the cabinet properly.
Before you call
The following is a checklist of things you can check prior to calling for service. If neither the maintenance tips above nor the troubleshooting checklist below corrects the problem, you will need to contact Comfort Air for service. Please write down the model and serial number of your air conditioner or heat pump and your furnace or blower coil.
1. Check to see that electrical disconnect switches are ON.
2. Make sure the thermostat temperature selector is properly set.
3. The thermostat system switch should be in the on position.
4. Replace any blown fuses or reset "tripped" circuit breakers.
5. Make sure unit access panels are in place.
6. Clean or replace air filter.
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