Heating and Cooling Fort Collins offers air conditioning maintenance tips.

1. Correct air condition maintenance is essential for the device, be it a central cooling system or window unit,
to work appropriately we know at Heating and Cooling Fort Collins. There are many upkeep checks that
homeowners could quickly do themselves that do not take much time. Periodic assessments by a certified
HVAC individual should be done also.
Heating and Cooling Recommends the Following Items Be Checked
Change the Air Filters
The most convenient thing you can do to ensure your system keeps you cool, is to alter the air filters
routinely. Changing them every other month for central air systems is a good measure. For those with in the
house pets that shed, they will require examined more often. Not only will this help save cash on the home's
energy usage, it will improve the air quality of the house too.
Proper Air Flow
Make sure there is nothing blocking the flow of air around the outside unit. Any plantings, hedges or fencing
you might have to conceal your outdoor unit need to be at least 12 to 15 inches away. With window devices,
don't cover your window unit with drapes or curtains when it's on.
Cleaning the Condenser Coils
The condensing coils on an air conditioner will get extremely filthy in time. Like a stopped up filter,
obstructed fins and coils on the outside device could cause your system to work harder and subsequently
break down. Use a nylon brush or broom and your garden hose to rinse leaves, grass and various other
debris from the fins. Use the garden hose to gently spray off the exterior side of the condenser. Rinsing the
condenser clears any loose dirt, particles, or residue from the parts and metal areas. It is most effectively to
disconnect power at the condenser prior to washing. It is important to additionally clean any dirt or lint
build-up in the bottom of the air conditioning unit so the condensate water will be picked up by the
condensing fan slinger effectively.
If you have a window unit, do this in the Spring, prior to you install the device for the season, and again in
the fall, before putting it away.
It is good to periodically inspect the cooling coils for frost or ice build up too.
Appropriate Cycling of the Cooling System
Air conditioning units have a cooling system identical to a refrigerator's. It is very important not to turn the
device off then back on right away. It is best to wait at least ten minutes after shutting the device off to
permit the pressure in the refrigeration system to equalize once again. This will absolutely prolong the life of
your air conditioning unit.
Program the Thermostat
For a central system, throughout the warm season set your thermostat to a somewhat higher temperature

2. level during the day, when you leave the house, and a lower temperature level when you get home from
work. Today's programmable thermostats can even work by means of WiFi or your smartphone, so you can
raise the setting when you leave to run errands, and then remotely turn it back down when you are on your
way home. This lowers energy costs as well aslowers strain on the system.
Shut window units off when you are gone for they utilize a lot more energy than a central cooling system.
Get a Tune-Up
The best means to keep your whole-house cooling system problem free is to have Heating and Cooling give
it a tune-up once a year in the Spring. As part of the tune-up, we will examine and clean filters, examination
the internal mechanisms and charge the unit with refrigerant.
Various other Things to Monitor
* Examine the cord on your window unit for frayed or worn areas. It might should be replaced.
* Use drapes and blinds to shut out the sun from warming spaces so the air conditioning unit doesn't need to
work as much.
* If you live near the ocean, you will want to protect outdoor units from corrosion with a paste wax. Simply
apply and buff it in.
* As always, check for air leaks around windows and doors and seal them up! Undoubtedly it does not make
good sense for your air conditioning unit to work more than it needs too.
Heating and Cooling Fort Collins hopes these pointers are advantageous and will help preserve the life of
your cooling device, however your money invested on energy usage also. Don't think twice to call us with
any questions you may have.
Heating and Cooling Fort Collins