Heating and Cooling Equipment Seasonal Change
Wednesday, March 31, 2010 - gthompson
Heating and Cooling Equipment Seasonal Change
Help your heating or cooling products run smooth during the seasons you need them most. Follow the manufacturer's maintenance instructions which generally include these instructions:
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Keep air-supply outlets and return inlets clear of obstructions.
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Clear leaves, brush, and dirt as they accumulate on the outside unit. If there's a pipe for draining condensate water, check it for blockage.
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Check the air filter once a month during the operating season. Replace it if it looks dirty (some are washable).
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Invest in a digital thermostat to program temperatures for your cooling and heating systems to follow throughout the day.
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Routinely have a professional contractor perform a pre-season check-up.
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Consider purchasing a maintenance agreement, especially if it includes both cooling and heating systems.
Just as the warm summer months are a busy time for professional cooling contractors, the cold winter months can be busy for professional heating contractors. Two very good reasons for having a professional check your unit before the cooling and heating seasons is prevention of a breakdown and ensuring safety from harmful gases. A check-up can save you time, money and keep you comfortable during the coldest and hottest days. A seasonal check-up should include the following items:
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Clean and adjust thermostat
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Check voltage and amperage draw to motors
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Lubricate all moving parts (unless permanently sealed)
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Check air filters and compressors
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Check fan-limit switch and fan relays
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Check electrical wiring and connections
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Check temperature rise across heat exchanger
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Check firing rate
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Check gas manifold pressure (gas only)
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Check for leaks
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Change nozzle and filter (oil only)
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Check reversing valves and defrost controls (heat pump only)
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Check air flow across the indoor and outdoor coils
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Check outdoor coils
Safety is No Accident!
For more information, please visit AMERIND Safety Services’ web page at www.AMERINDRisk.org ->> News and Resources ->> Safety Services or visit the National Safety Council’s Web site at www.NSC.org. Contact the AMERIND Safety Services Team by telephone at 800.352.3496.
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