Things you need to know when you first buy your air conditioner.
Have you just made the switch from window units to a central cooling system? Then you know just how wonderful a central cooling system can be – especially during those long, hot summer days.
But, there are some things you should know about your new air conditioner. There are best practices when it comes to running and maintaining your system that must be followed to enjoy premium comfort at the friendliest monthly operating costs.
Registering your unit... Ask your contractor whether this is their responsibility or yours. This is important as most HVAC equipment must be registered within a certain time period to ensure full warranty protection.
Starting at the thermostat... There are a few things to keep in mind. First of all, a programmable thermostat is going to be your best bet when it comes to saving energy on cooling costs month-to-month. If you have a non-programmable thermostat model, know that it is best to choose a temperature and stick to it. Air conditioners actually consume the most energy during on/off cycles. So, it is better to run your air conditioner for longer at a lower level than going through on/off cycles.
Maintaining your system... There are a few maintenance tasks that should be performed routinely to make sure that your system continues running efficiently. These tasks include: regularly changing your furnace air filter, keeping debris and plants away from your outdoor equipment, making sure all registers and vents are open, and scheduling maintenance with your contractor during the spring to ensure the best operation during the summer.
If any problems arise... You should always make sure to turn to your local heating and air conditioning specialist if anything seems wrong with your unit. In all aspects of HVAC equipment, DIY is strongly discouraged – whether it is a repair, maintenance or an installation.
Remember, your air conditioner is one of your most important home comfort systems. A little care can go a long way for long term performance and satisfaction.
What other things do you want to know about your air conditioner?
It is good to learn that keeping debris and plants away from your outdoor equipment is important when it comes to maintaining your air conditioner. I like what was said about contacting a maintenance man in the spring to ensure that the unit will function properly during the hot summer months. My neighbors put a small fence around their air conditioning system to keep plants and animals from causing unwanted damage.