DO IT YOURSELF TIPS
DIY TIPS
With the proper maintenance and care, your heating and cooling equipment will operate dependably for many years. There are a few maintenance operations you can do yourself to help ensure the best performance.
Alert: Failure to comply with all manufacturer’s instructions may result in fire or combustion that can cause property damage, serious injury or death. Before you perform any kind of maintenance, disconnect all electrical power to the unit before removing access panels; and be alert for sharp edges when handling parts or reaching into units. If performing maintenance not included in the list below, check with a HAC Heating & Air Conditioning representative to determine if the service will void manufacturer’s warranties and guarantees. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
DON’T WANT TO DO IT YOURSELF?
Schedule your appointment online, or give us a call at (209) 756-1713.
- Check Filter: Check the air filter in your furnace or fan coil each month. A dirty filter will cause excessive wear on your furnace, air conditioner or heat pump. Replace your filter when necessary, or clean it if you have the reusable type. (If you have a reusable filter, make sure it’s completely dry before you re-install it.)
- Remove Debris: Keep your outdoor condensing unit free of debris. If you keep grass clippings, leaves, shrubbery and debris away from your outdoor unit, it should only require minimal care. Check the base pan (under the unit) occasionally and remove debris, to help the unit drain properly.
- Brush Exterior: If the exterior of your outdoor coil becomes dirty, use a brush or a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to clean the surface. To clean dirt that is deep in the coil, contact a HAC Heating & Air Conditioning representative to schedule maintenance.
- Check Level: Make sure your outdoor coil stays in a level position. If the support for your outdoor coil shifts or settles and the unit is no longer level, re-level it to make sure moisture drains properly out from under the unit.
- Inspect Ventilation: Inspect your furnace’s combustion area and vent system before each heating season. If you find dirt, soot or rust, your system may not operate properly or at its peak efficiency. Call HAC Heating & Air Conditioning and do not operate your furnace until it is professionally inspected and/or repaired.
- Clean Humidifier: Clean your humidifier at the beginning of every heating season. Review your owner’s manual for the proper procedure to clean the evaporator pad and external components.
- Clean Air Cleaner – The pre-filter and collection cells of an electronic air cleaner should be cleaned at least two or three times per year.
MONEY SAVING TIPS
- Programmable Thermostat: With a programmable thermostat, you can program the winter temperature at 65 °C at night, then back to 72 °C during the day. This simple program can save up to 15% on heating bills. If you need your furnace professionally serviced or inspected, call HAC Heating & Air Conditioning. We service and maintain all makes and models of air conditioners, furnaces, and heat pumps.
- Insulation: Be sure your home is adequately insulated. Adding insulation to attic areas is usually pretty easy. Other areas, such as outside walls, provide a more challenging project if extra insulation is needed.
- Seals: Check the seals around windows, doors, electrical outlets, or any other potential sources for escaping air. Seal these areas using a good-quality caulk, and be sure to re-examine your handiwork every few years.
- Weather Stripping: Inside your home, weather stripping around moving parts of windows and doors can help seal off potential areas of leakage or drafts. Storm Systems: Storm doors and windows can provide additional energy savings by preventing air loss and by creating an insulating layer of air.
