Q.
Should I turn off my air conditioning during the
day if I am not at home?
A: No, raise the setting on the
thermostat a few degrees, 820 - 830 as this will
use less energy and still allow for A/C systems
to recover when you lower the thermostat after
you return home.
Q: How often should I have my air conditioning
checked?
A: Twice a year. You should consider
a Service Agreement whereby we will automatically
perform the necessary service for you.
Q: How long should an air conditioning
unit last?
A: This depends on how much it
is used and the environment. Here in Florida,
units are exposed to a very demanding environment.
Normally you could reasonably expect a unit to
be at least 6 - 8 years old or more according
to most manufacturers. |
Q:
Should I turn my air conditioning off
during an electrical storm?
A: Yes, even though they are
thermally protected, it's just a good idea. You
can have additional protection by installing a
primary surge protector.
Q: What is meant by "high-efficiency
air conditioning?"
A: Equipment that delivers more
Btu's of cooling relative to the electrical wattage
consumed than what "standard" equipment
can provide. The higher the rating, the more efficient
the unit. To obtain the manufacturers highest
efficiency, you must have a matching condenser
(Outside Unit) and air handler (normally inside
unit).
Q:.Why should I cover
myself with a Service Agreement for the first
year when the warranty is good for the first year?
A: The warranty ONLY covers operating
parts, not maintenance or dirty filters and may
void the warranty if lack of maintenance contributes
to a failure. |
| TIPS
FOR BETTER EFFICIENCY:
1. Set thermostat at one temperature. Constant
adjusting can cause higher utility costs. If using
your thermostat as a setback type, limit the setbacks
to twice a day such as when you are at work and
when you are sleeping. Only setback the thermostat
6% of desired temperature (approximately five
degrees).
In
heating, try not to set the thermostat below 65
degrees or above 75 degrees. Below 65 degrees
a heat pump just won't put out enough heat and
above 75 degrees is using too much energy. In
cooling, try not to set the thermostat below 70
degrees. Besides higher utility costs, this can
cause the indoor coil to freeze and cause condensation
in the house.
2.
Don't stack things on top of the unit. If the
fan is on the top the air-flow cannot be restricted.
Do not put your rolled-up garden hose or landscaping
products on the unit. We see this all the time.
3.
When mowing the lawn, direct the mower away from
the unit. A coil blocked with grass clippings
and debris drastically reduces the efficiency.
|
COMMON
TIPS:
1. Don't plant prickly bushes
like roses or holly around the unit. This makes
it hard for service.
2. Don't grow a garden or plant
exotic flowers around the outdoor unit without
leaving a path for servicing.
3. When planting shrubs please
don't block the access panels or the coil. Plan
to keep 18 to 30 inches around the unit. Don't
forget to plan for the growth of the shrubs five,
ten, even fifteen years down the road.
4. Many people like to completely
hide the outdoor unit behind shrubs. Again make
sure to leave a path to service the unit.
5. If building a fence around
the unit allow for room to service, even replace
the unit. If any major repairs need to be made,
the service man may need access to all sides on
the unit. Don't make the service tech have to
jump or climb over a fence. The unit needs to
be serviced regularly. Install a gate that can
be easily opened. |
