and 7 (not-so-common) tips for improving your comfort and efficiency.
1) Change your air filter once a month. Don't flip it over. Don't use a curtain.
Remember, when you put the new one in, the arrows are supposed to point
away from your body.
"I was impressed with the innovation, but please do not do this."
New Filter Filter After 30 Days
2) While you're at it, check the "pressure drop" rating of your air filter.
"Pressure Drop" is a technical term that refers to the amount of restriction
the filter puts on the unit.
Especially if it is a "pleated" or "3-month" filter.
These can certainly be beneficial if anyone in the home deals with
allergies or asthma, though, keep in mind that these filters do not
advertise the effects they have on restricting airflow or making the unit
run harder than it should.
For you, they may work perfect, or it may be best to use an air filter
that best balances particle filtration, comfort, and efficiency.
For More on "Pressure Drop" see:
3) When you mow the grass near the unit, make sure you blow the debris
in the opposite direction of your unit.
Dirt and dust naturally make their way into the coils already.
No need to add to it.
After Mowing Grass After Coil Cleaning
4) Have your AC system cleaned every cooling season.
It will release trapped dirt and free up space in the coils allowing air to flow more freely.
This also allows time to ask a technician if he would recommend anything else for
YOUR specific needs.
P.S. If he sprays it from the outside in, he's fired. The proper procedure is to take off
the top and spray from the inside out.
5) Check to make sure that the condensate drain coming off of your unit is
installed properly and still in tact.
This part of installation is often misunderstood by homeowners and installers.
Every manufacturer gives instructions for your specific model.
You just have to abide by them.
The field-installed piping is supposed to look just like the diagram provided
with the unit.
Some units have a sticker attached that are "fail-proof" (shown), some are in the
Installation Instructions.
Send me your model and serial # and I will send you the Manufacturer's instructions
for your unit.
"Packaged" Units will have the pipe coming directly off of the outdoor unit (shown).
If you go out to the unit and see the pipe coming out of the wall rather than
connected to the unit, then you have a "split" system. In this case the pipe will be
coming off the indoor unit that will either be located in your house, attic, crawlspace,
or basement. Check it there. (P.S. Your thermostat is not the indoor unit.)
Improper draining can lead to rusting and premature failure of your unit.
The instructions are beside the pipe and they still got it wrong.
6) Finance a new AC unit. Especially if your unit is over ten(10) years
old and/or a "builder" model. Many companies will offer 3 years "Same-as-Cash".
That is 36 months without accruing interest. In some cases, you can decrease your
utility bill by more dollars than what your monthly financing payment will be.
This will allow you to keep more monthly income and BE COMFORTABLE.
 |
| Proud, Comfortable Customers |
* Our financing is based on a quick, easy 10-minute application process
7) Consider Updating Your Thermostat.
If your thermostat looks like the one in the middle, then consider replacing it with
the one on your right. It is the Nest. It comes with the option of being connected
to your Wi-fi and remotely controlling it in real-time by Windows, Android, iPhone,
and iPad (as shown on the left).
It touts the ability to learn your schedule, though after a week and a half
of it not "learning" me, I just went ahead and put the schedule in that
I wanted, manually.
No big deal.
You can do it from the thermostat itself, though I found it easier and quicker
to set my schedule via desktop computer.
It is easy to use. I promise.
The days of complicated thermostats are OVER.
See more at Nest.com
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With spring and summer coming,
I hope these tips help you enter the HOT season
worry-free and ready to be Comfortable and Energy-Efficient.
With Cool Regards,
Chandler "The Air Handler" Pernell
Pernell, Inc. Heating and Air Conditioning
Enhancing Comfort, Health, and Safety
in Homes and Businesses Since 1977
dcp@pernellinc.com
www.CallPernell.com
(919) 934-0153Pernell, Inc. Heating and Air Conditioning
Enhancing Comfort, Health, and Safety
in Homes and Businesses Since 1977
dcp@pernellinc.com
www.CallPernell.com
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