Tips For A More Comfortable Home

• Keep It Clean
  All dirt and debris should be removed from the condenser (outdoor) coil. Read the instructions that came with your system on how to clean the coil, or call a technician. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CLEAN THE CONDENSER WITHOUT TURNING OFF THE POWER.
• Keep the condensing unit unobstructed
  Allow ample air-flow around the unit. (Cut down those bushes and other vegetation at least 12 inches back from the air-conditioner. Do not build sheds or roofs over the air-conditioner.
• Keep the evaporator (indoor coil) unobstructed
  Make sure the evaporator is not blocked to insure proper airflow across coil. (This may require a professional service technician to clean coil). Coils should be cleaned in order to preserve the efficiency of the unit.
• Change or clean filters every 30 days
  If you have household pets might have to do it earlier. Do this when you pay your utility bill as a reminder. This is far more important in air-conditioning than in heating. The easiest way to ensure your system operates efficiently and economically is by keeping the air filter clean. There are several types of air filters and several possible locations for the air filter. Ask your service contractor where your air filter is located and which type of filter to use.
• Keep the outdoor coils cleaned
  Outdoor coils can be cleansed with a special solution of coil cleaner and water. (Recommend non-foaming/non-acid type).
• Do not bend the coil fins
  Use caution not to bend Fins on the coils. They are fragile and can be easily damaged. Use gloves and read manufacture recommendations on all chemicals/cleaners.
• Keep the indoor coils cleaned
  Indoor coils may be cleaned using a special coil (evaporator) cleaner. A soft brush may be needed.
• AC unit adjustments
  Items such as electrical, refrigerant level (freon), pressures, and temperatures should be accomplished by a professional technician. These checks/adjustments require proper instruments/gauges. Also, special licenses are required by the Environmental Protection Agency to handle refrigerants.
• Ice on the pipes at the evaporator coil
  Is there ice on the pipes at the evaporator coil (the indoor portion of the air-conditioner)? If there is, turn off the unit and call a technician. WARNING: DO NOT SET THE THERMOSTAT BELOW 68 DEGREES. THIS CAN CAUSE A MULTITUDE OF PROBLEMS WITH YOUR AIR-CONDITIONER, INCLUDING FREEZING UP.
• Temperature differential
  Most air-conditioning systems are designed for a 20 degree temperature differential. When it is 105 degrees outside, that is 85 degrees in your house. A greater degree of comfort can be obtained with a properly designed comfort system.
• Trees over AC unit
  If you have pine trees or oak trees near the air-conditioner, you may want to place something over the air-conditioner in the winter season. Do not cover the air-conditioner completely. IF YOU DO PLACE SOMETHING OVER THE AIR-CONDITIONER, MAKE SURE YOU REMOVE IT BEFORE TURNING THE AIR-CONDITIONER ON.
• Thermostat
  The most economical operation of your system comes from setting the thermostat properly. Set the thermostat properly. Set the thermostat at the highest summer setting or the lowest winter setting at which you are comfortable. Typical settings ar 78 degrees for summer cooling and 70 degrees for winter heating. When cooling, your operating costs increase from 3% to 8% for each degree your thermostat is lowered. When heating, your operating costs increase for each degree your thermostat is raised.
• Keep heat away from the thermostat
  Make sure no heat-generating appliances are near your thermostat. These include lamps, TVs, stereo and computer equipment.
• Keep doors and windows closed
  Close all doors and windows to the outside. This will reduce the heating load in winter and the cooling load in summer. Your system will operate more economically as a result.
• Keep vents and grills unobstructed
  Arrange your furniture and drapes so that all output vents and intake grills are free from obstruction. Do NOT close vents in unused rooms.
• Avoid excessive use of exhaust fans
  Excessive use of kitchen or bathroom exhaust fans will make your system work harder. This will increase energy consumption and costs. Keep costs in check by making wise use of exhaust fans.
• Control direct sunlight
  Let the sun in during winter. Keep the sun out during summer. In summer, direct sunlight increases the load on your cooling system. Use of window shades and awnings will reduce the amount of direct sunlight and lower the cooling load. In winter, direct sunlight reduces the load on your heating system. Open window shades and awnings to increase direct sunlight and lower the heating load.
• Keep the condenser coil clean
  The condenser coil (the unit outside your house) should be kept clean to ensure efficient operation. If the condenser coil becomes restricted by dirt, lint, paper, grass clippings, leaves, or other debris, system efficiency will deteriorate. Use a garden hose to keep the condenser coil clean.
• Insulate air ducts
  Be sure all air ducts are well insulated. Ducts also should be sealed with a vapor barrier.
• Keep an air-tight house
  Ensure maximum retention of heated or cooled air by adding insulation to outside walls and to the attic. Seal cracks and use storm doors and/or insulated doors to prevent air leaks.
• Properly vent clothes driers
  Be sure your clothes dryer is vented to the outside. Also ensure that your clothes dryer is vented away from your outdoor unit.

Call Metro Heating & Cooling for your comfort needs.

972-279-3400