Tips for Keeping Your Home Healthy
RISMEDIA, January 18, 2011-It's easy to overlook a small leak or slight draft. But these problems have the potential to get worse very quickly. To prevent a big problem from arising, energystar.gov recommends having a contractor or service company perform annual check-ups-on the cooling system in the spring and the heating system in the fall. To remember, you might plan the check-ups around the time changes in the spring and fall.
Here are some general things your contractor or service company should do:
-
Check thermostat settings;
-
Tighten all electrical connections;
-
Lubricate all moving parts;
-
Check and inspect the condensate drain in your central air conditioner; and
-
Check controls of the system to ensure proper and safe operation.
Cooling System Specific -
-
Clean evaporator and condenser air conditioning coils;
-
Check your central air conditioner's refrigerant level and adjust if necessary. Too much or too little refrigerant will make your system less efficient increasing energy costs and reducing the life of the equipment.Dirty coils reduce the system's ability to cool your home and cause the system to run longer, increasing energy costs and reducing the life of the equipment.Check the starting cycle of the equipment to assure the system starts, operates, and shuts off properly.furnace and/or heat pump (when in cooling mode). A plugged drain can cause water damage in the house and affect indoor humidity levels.Parts that lack lubrication cause friction in motors and increases the amount of electricity you use.and measure voltage and current on motors. Faulty electrical connections can cause unsafe operation of your system and reduce the life of major components.; and
-
Clean and adjust blower components to provide proper system airflow.
Heating System Specific -
-
Check all gas (or oil) connections; and
-
Check all electrical connections.
Things You Can Do Yourself -
-
Inspect, clean, or change air filters once a month in your central air conditioner, furnace, and/or heat pump. Your contractor can show you how to do this. A dirty filter can increase energy costs and damage your equipment, leading to early failure.gas pressure, burner combustion and heat exchanger. Improperly operating gas (or oil) connections are a fire hazard and can contribute to health problems. A dirty burner or cracked heat exchanger causes improper burner operation. Either can cause the equipment to operate less safely and efficiently.for greater comfort levels. Airflow problems can reduce your system's efficiency by up to 15 percent; and
-
Install a set-back electronic thermostate to ensure the cooling and heating system keeps you comfortable when you are home and saves energy while you are away.
Comments(1)