Weekly Home Information Guide
AIR CONDITION INFORMATION GUIDE
Safety first! As with all electrical equipment have the circuit turned off, locked out and tagged as being serviced. This is a safety concern when you have you have your arms and hands inside the equipment. If you, the homeowner, are unsure as how to service the unit consult a qualified service technician.
There are many reasons to have the unit serviced. The best reason is that the unit will have a much shorter useful lifespan due to lack of maintenance.
The air conditioner should be service just before the cooling season starts. The outside ambient air temperature should be at least 15° C. for at least 24 hours before restarting the unit upon completion of the servicing.
Inspect the inside space of the outdoor coil for any foreign material, leaves, grass, weeds, bee nests or toys. Comb out any fins that have been bent, carefully vacuum all debris, wash the coils with the garden hose as this aids in good airflow and ensure the housing is in good repair also. The unit itself should be level, free of all plants, slightly elevated and as close to the home as practical. The shorter the lines entering the home the better, the less the exposure to the atmosphere. A safety feature is the disconnect for the exterior portion of the unit and should be within arm’s reach of the unit.
Inspect the indoor unit lines for any deterioration, filter(s) clean the electronic type or replace the disposal type, housing to ensure no obstructions, adjust the fan belt and oil if needed and clean the condensate line if present. All ductwork should be vacuumed at least once every three years, must be airtight, properly suspended and ensure that the registers (air vents) are not blocked by any furniture or curtains.
Owning a home is probably the largest single investment a person may make in their lifetime and to ensure that the home does not prematurely deteriorate the homeowner is urged to have a yearly maintenance schedule. Simple tasks undertaken on a seasonal basis will help prolong the health of the home and its occupants year after year.
We recommend that a qualified tradesperson do all tasks as they offer quality materials, proper installation requirements and a written guarantee.
Know that, for peace of mind, the care and attention you give your home will serve you well year after year and in comfort.