SET THE THERMOSTAT
The most economical operation of your system comes from setting the thermostat properly. Set the thermostat at the highest summer setting or the lowest winter setting at which you are comfortable. Typical settings are 78* for summer cooling and 68* for winter heating. Having a programmable thermostat is a great way to keep settings in check.
HUMIDISTAT CONTROL
Having a humidistat and having it set properly while you are away from your home for an extended amount of time, will cycle the air-conditioning system on and off as needed to help control mold and mildew. Having your air-conditioning system cycle on only as needed will save energy and help to reduce your energy consumption.
KEEP THE AIR FILTER CLEAN
The easiest way to ensure your air-conditioning system operates efficiently and economically is by keeping the *air filter clean. There are several types of air filters and several possible locations - check with your servicing contractor for air filter type and location.
Manufacturer Guidelines:
Fiberglass Filters should be replaced on a monthly basis
Pleated Filters should be replaced every three (3) months
Washable Filters should be washed on a monthly basis and completely dry before re-installing
*Please note: Certain variables within your home such as smoking, pets, candle burning and even activity will determine how often your filter(s) should be replaced and/or washed which may differ from the manufacturer guidelines.
KEEP DOORS AND WINDOWS CLOSED
Close all doors and windows to the outside. This will reduce the cooling load in summer and reduce the heating load in winter. Your air-conditioning system will operate more economically as a result.
CONTROL DIRECT SUNLIGHT
Keep the sun out during summer. Keep the sun in during winter. 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 VENTS AND GRILLES UNOBSTRUCTED
Arrange your furniture and drapes so that all output vents and intake grilles are free from obstruction. This will reduce the cooling and heating load on your air-conditioning system for more economical operation.
KEEP HEAT AWAY FROM THERMOSTAT
Make sure no heat generating appliances are near your thermostat. These include lamps, TVs, stereo and computer equipment.
MAINTENANCE
Having a maintenance service completed on your air-conditioning system will improve the efficiency operation. The condenser coil (the unit outside your home) should be kept clean. If the condenser coil becomes restricted by dirt, grass clippings, leaves or other debris system efficiency will decrease. If the air-handler coil (the unit inside your home) becomes contaminated with dust, lint, smoke, pet dander and other particles this will also decrease the efficiency operation. Making sure your air-conditioning system is maintained will help to ensure efficiency operation as well as overall air quality.
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