Customer Service: Maintenance Tips Heating & Air Conditioning Maintenance Heating & Air Conditioning General Information Don't heat or cool unused areas. Reduce supply and return airflow to a minimum in areas which are not living spaces (storage rooms, basements, etc.). Moving your thermostat setting will not make your system heat or cool any faster. Adjust your thermostat to a comfortable setting and leave it there. This is especially important with a heat pump system. Don't restrict air circulation. Placing furniture, rugs, etc. in such a way that they interfere with air vents will make your system work harder to achieve a comfortable temperature level. This requires more energy, which means a greater cost to you. If you are going to be away for a day or more, re-adjust your thermostat accordingly. It will take a little time to return your house to comfort levels when you return, but will save energy while you are away. Don't locate lamps or other heat-producing appliances (radios, TV's, heaters, etc.) near your thermostat. The heat from these items will give your thermostat "false information" about the temperature in the room. Turn on your kitchen exhaust fan when cooking and your bathroom exhaust fan when showering. Also make sure your clothes dryer is properly vented. If these items are neglected, an excess heat and humidity condition may be created, causing your air conditioning system to run longer. When entertaining a large group of people, lower your thermostat setting a few hours before your guests arrive. People give off a considerable amount of heat and moisture in a closed area. Keep drapes and venetian blinds closed when practical. These items provide insulation against heat gain and loss. Care & Cleaning Check your air filters monthly during the heating and cooling season. Clean them accordingly. A dirty filter reduces the efficiency of your heating and cooling system. If the coil becomes excessively dirty, turn the main disconnect switch to "Off" and wash the coil with your garden hose. Avoid getting water into the fan motor and control box. Flush dirt from the base pan after cleaning the coil. For heat pump systems - be sure to keep snow and ice cleared from around the outdoor unit. Do not allow mulch to build up around the base of the unit. This will block drainage during a defrost cycle. For heat pump systems - if you lose power for more than 1 hour, switch the system to EM heat for 8 hours before turning the system back to the heat position. The outdoor unit should have power to it for 8 hours before starting it up after a power failure. For gas systems - be sure to keep both the intake and exhaust pipes clear at all times. Take the time to "get to know" your heating/cooling system BEFORE it stops working for you. Listen for the various sounds it makes, how long it stays on and where everything is. Whenever possible - test the system before you really need it. This can save a service call during an intense situation. Heating & Cooling Emergencies Cooling Lack of air conditioning in most cases is not a life-threatening emergency. However, if due to a medical condition you require air conditioning, you will need to let the service provider know. Heating If you find your heating system is not functioning, please use the following procedures: Follow recommended trouble shooting hints posted on the unit. If you have a heat pump - set the thermostat to emergency heat and call for service during normal business hours. If you still have no heat and the temperature in your home is below 65°, please call for service.