Proper maintenance for maximum efficiency
A central air conditioning is not a household appliance. It’s a self-contained system that requires professional maintenance and repair. That’s why attempts at “do-it-yourself” repairs on an in-warranty unit may void the remainder of your warranty. Other than performing the simple maintenance recommended in here, you should not attempt to make any adjustments to your central air conditioning system. ACentral (281-752-8400) will be able to take care of any questions or problems you may have.
Help ensure top efficiency by cleaning or replacing the filter monthly.
Did you know most homes generate about 40 pounds of dust per year for every 1500 square feet of space?
When the air conditioning circulates and filters the air in
your home, dust and dirt particles build up on the filter. Excessive
accumulation can block the airflow, forcing the unit to work harder to maintain
desired temperatures. The harder your unit works, the more energy it uses.
Clean or replace your filter(s) once a month during
seasons when the unit runs more often. Always turn the unit off when moving air filters.
To learn more about indoor air quality, please visit: US Environmental Protection Agency
Basic Information about Indoor Air Quality
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/ia-intro.html
Efficiency can be obtained by keeping outdoor unit clear of debris, leaves and shrubbery.
Efficient operation of your air conditioner depends on the free flow of air over the coil. Anything that blocks the air flow causes the compressor to work harder to move the warm air out of your house. To avoid overworking your unit, do not plant flowers or shrubbery right next to it. Also, make sure that nothing is stacked against the sides of the unit or draped over it. Making sure your outdoor unit is kept clear at all times helps it work at peak efficiency.
Keep your air conditioner looking new for years.
Clean the enamel finish of your air conditioner with soap and water. For stubborn grease spots, use a household detergent. Do not use lacquer thinner or other synthetic solvents as they may damage the finish. Call ACentral for additional routine maintenance. Your air conditioning system should be inspected regularly by a properly trained service technician. The inspection (preferably twice each year, but at least once a year) should include the following:
• Routine inspection of air filter(s). Replacement or
cleaning as required.
• Inspection and cleaning of the blower wheel, housing, and
motor as required.
CAUTION: Condensate drains should be checked and cleaned periodically to assure condensate can drain freely from coil to drain. If condensate cannot drain freely, water damage could occur.
• Inspection and, if required, cleaning of indoor and
outdoor coils.
• Inspection of the indoor coil’s drain pan, plus the
primary and secondary drain lines. If supplied, the auxiliary drain pan and line
should be inspected at this time. Service should include cleaning, if required.
• A check of all electrical wiring and connections.
• A check for secure physical connections of individual
components within units.
WARNING: Improper installation, adjustment, alteration, service, maintenance, or use can cause explosion, fire, electrical shock, or other conditions which may cause personal injury or property damage.
• Operational check for the air conditioning system to determine actual working condition. Necessary repair and/or adjustment should be performed at this time.
•
ACentral
(281-752-8400) may offer an
economical service or preventative maintenance agreement that covers seasonal
inspections. Ask
ACentral
(281-752-8400) for further
details.
How to operate your system for peak performance
Setting the temperature:
Place the system switch on COOL, and the fan switch on AUTO. Then set the temperature by using the indicator on the thermostat* control. Now your system will cool your house whenever the indoor temperature climbs above the thermostat setting. It will shut off when the desired room temperature is reached.
In winter, it works the same way. When the system switch is on HEAT, the system will operate whenever the room temperature falls below the temperature setting. Once the desired temperature is reached, the system will shut off.
Save energy with an electronic programmable thermostat.
Program the thermostat for the temperatures that meet your
comfort level.
The Trane electronic programmable thermostat has up to four
setup or setback periods each day, plus weekend and vacation programs.
Let the thermostat do its job.
Your system will perform most efficiently when you let the
thermostat control it. Turning the system on and off manually is usually much
less efficient. So let the thermostat do its job.
We recommend keeping the temperature setting at 78°F for
cooling, 68°F for heating. However, you can select the temperature that meets
your comfort level.
The point is, once you’ve set the thermostat, keep
subsequent adjustments to a minimum.
When you’re going to be away from home for a few days, or
when outdoor temperatures are moderate, don’t let the air conditioner run
unnecessarily.
Lower the thermostat to 55°F in the winter. And raise it to
85°F in summer.
Then when you return, or when temperature conditions
dictate, you can reset the system and it will resume making your home
comfortable again.
Never stop the system by shutting off the main power.
If the main power is ever disconnected for more than three hours, turn off the thermostat. Then wait for at least three more hours after the power has been restored before turning the thermostat back on. Failure to follow this procedure could result in damage to your system.
CAUTION: If heating system is not operational during the cold weather months, provisions must be taken to prevent freeze-up of all water pipes and water receptacles. This is very important during times of vacancy.
How to help reduce summer humidity
In summer, your air conditioner does more than cool the air
— it helps remove the excess moisture, that can make the inside of your home
feel muggy. When removing this moisture your system must work harder than when
simply cooling the air.
That’s why kitchens, bathrooms and utility rooms should
have vents and exhaust fans. These devices help prevent accumulation of moisture
throughout the rest of the house so your air conditioner works less to keep you
comfortable.
Extra Energy Tips
Insulation
1. Make sure your home is properly insulated. This is the
single most important step in conserving energy. Thermal insulation should be
specified in terms of thermal resistance (R-values). R-30 (10") is recommended
for ceilings, R-11 (3-1/2) for exterior walls and floors over unheated areas. In
colder climates, consider additional insulation.
2. Infiltration of humid outside air is your heating and
cooling system’s worst enemy — it could account for 15 to 30% of air
conditioning energy requirements. Find the places where air can sneak into the
home and plug them with caulking, weather-stripping or plastic. Also,
weather-strip and caulk around all entrance doors and windows.
3. Cut heat transfer through your windows by 40 to 50% with
double glazing (two panes of glass separated by a sealed air space) and low-e
glass.
4. Use wood- or metal-frame storm windows even if
single-glazed windows are high quality. The extra layer of glass and the layer
of still air will cut heat transfer considerably.
5. Install storm doors at all entrances to your house.
6. Keep all windows and doors closed.
7. Remember that by increasing the glass area, you increase
the amount of heat added in summer and lost in winter.
8. Make sure fireplaces have tight-fitting dampers which
can be closed when the fireplace is not in use.
9. Invest in a humidifier to conserve energy in winter. The air in your home
won’t be as dry, so you stay comfortable at a lower temperature setting.
Heating
10. Locate the thermostat on an inside wall away from
windows and doors.
11. Set the thermostat as low as comfort permits. Each
degree over 68°F can add 3% to the amount of energy needed for heating.
12. People generate heat. So lower the thermostat a degree
or two when expecting a large group of guests.
Cooling
13. Set the thermostat as high as comfort will permit.
14. Make sure attics are adequately ventilated to relieve
heat buildup. If necessary, improve air flow by adding or enlarging vents.
15. When building a new house or renovating an old one,
choose light-colored roof shingles to reflect more of the sun’s heat.
16. During moderate weather, don’t use the air conditioner
unnecessarily.
17. Draw blinds or drapes to block the sunlight during the
hottest part of the day.
18. Install awnings over windows exposed to direct
sunlight.
19. In the cooling season, don’t run kitchen and bath
exhaust fans longer than necessary.
20. Don’t place lamps, TV sets or other heat producing
devices beneath a wall-mounted thermostat. Rising heat from the equipment may
cause the air conditioner system to over cool your house.