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Welcome
to the Artic Air, Inc. Newsletter
The
VALUE of a PROPER air conditioning
Tune Up…
…so don't settle for LESS!
 If
you're like most people, you probably don't worry too much
about your cooling system, except for changing the air filter.
While changing the filter is important, it's not enough to
insure the maximum efficiency, safety and reliability your
air conditioner needs.
A study
was done in February of 1984(*) to test the importance of
proper maintenance of air conditioning systems.
Five
(5) homes were selected and tests were performed on them BEFORE
the maintenance and AFTER. After the maintenance was done,
the AVERAGE savings per month per home was $32.76 at
$.08 kwh electricity cost. The amount of time the air conditioning
systems ran were reduced by an average of 1.70 hours per day,
and the increase in system capacity was 9,520 btu's (over
3/4 of a ton of additional cooling capacity).
In summary,
PROPER system maintenance
can:
- REDUCE
your utility costs
- EXTEND
the life of your equipment, and
- Give
you GREATER COOLING capacity
So what
needs to be done for PROPER maintenance? Here's what Artic
Air, Inc. has found to give the best results, and some of
the things you can expect by doing so.
VERY
IMPORTANT - Most of the items on this list require
thorough training, and should only be performed by a competent
technician with the proper certifications and safety training.
This list is a reference to make sure that any company you
have in your home does the job right.
- Check
indoor cooling exchange coil.
Your indoor cooling coil is the inside portion of the cooling
unit located by the blower section of your system. Years
of use can cause dirt, dust or mold buildup reducing airflow
and cause a loss of efficiency and capacity. Excessive buildup
on the coil could shorten the system's life, increase utility
bills and reduce cooling capacity.
- Test
refrigerant metering device. The refrigerant
(some people refer to it as freon) in your system must pass
through an opening less than 1/16th inch in diameter. If
an outside particle or contaminant gets into this orifice,
your system must work harder to accomplish the same job.
Blockage or improper operation of the metering device can
shorten system life, increase utility bills and reduce cooling
capacity.
- Sanitize
and clean cooling coil drain.
While the cooling system operates, the indoor cooling coil
(evaporator) removes moisture from the air by condensing
it into water. As the water runs across the coil and down
the drain, mold, mildew and bacteria can grow. Clean and
apply a
- bacterial
coating to the coil, pan and drain. Mold and bacteria growth
on cooling coils has been linked to legionnaire's disease.
- Check
air distribution. Each room of your home requires
a certain amount of airflow from the supply duct system.
Improper airflow causes temperature differences between
rooms and reduces overall comfort.
- Clean
air filters. Dirty filters restrict airflow and
can cause reduced capacity, reduced efficiency and shortened
system life.
- Inspect
electrical connections. High and low voltage
power connections can loosen from your system's vibrations.
Loose connections can cause electrical overheating and potential
fire or control failure.
- Test
electrical safety controls. Your system has been
designed to protect itself and you from hazards caused by
malfunctioning components. Improper operation effects safety
and system life.
- Analyze
temperature difference across cooling coil.
The temperature differential across the indoor coil must
fall within a certain range. Improper temperature difference
can indicate improper airflow and or a malfunctioning unit.
- Check
outdoor condenser coil.
The outdoor coil is used to remove heat from the refrigerant
in the cooling cycle. If dirt buildup exists, it could shorten
system life, reduce efficiency and capacity.
- Test
air conditioner compressor.
The compressor is used to circulate refrigerant throughout
the cooling system. Valve damage can still allow the cooling
system to operate, but it will do so at reduced capacity
and efficiency. The system may also fail at peak usage periods.
- Check
calibration of thermostat.
Proper calibration helps maintain acceptable temperature
ranges at the thermostat location. Improper calibration
could allow temperature swings, causing poor comfort levels.
- Lubricate
fan motor. Lubrication
will be applied to the bearing surfaces of applicable motor
bearings and parts. Lack of lubrication can cause premature
part failure and costly repairs.
- Inspect
contactors. Contactors
close to provide line voltage to compressors and motors.
If contacts are dirty or pitted, unit can be damaged or
overheating can occur.
- Test
capacitors and relays.
Capacitor or relay failure can cause system damage or prevent
system operation.
- Test
time delay device.
Time delay devices prevent units restarting under a load
when power is temporarily interrupted. Improper operation
of this device can shorten system life.
- Test
crankcase heater.
Air conditioning compressors can trap refrigerant in cool
temperatures. Heating the compressor helps prevent compressor
damage from refrigerant slugging.
- Test
high and low pressure switches.
These controls shut down the system when pressures are not
within specified ranges. Malfunction of these controls could
cause system damage or lack of operation.
- Adjust
operating pressures. Refrigerant pressures must
operate within certain ranges based upon external temperatures
and humidity levels. Excessively high or low pressures could
indicate airflow problems, refrigerant overcharge or undercharge,
or various other problems. Extreme highs and lows in refrigerant
pressures can cause system damage, reduce efficiency, or
reduce system capacity.
- Analyze
voltage differences.
Electrical voltage can be affected by loose connections
or high amperage draws. High or low voltage can cause premature
component failure.
- Analyze
amperage draw. Motors
and compressors draw precise amounts of electricity when
operating correctly. Incorrect amperage indicates impending
component failure or other problems.
- Check
blower fan for tightness.
Age, vibration or lack of lubrication can cause excessive
blower bearing wear. Loose bearings in blower fans can cause
excessive noise or premature component failure.
- Check
air handler blower.
Age, vibration or lack of lubrication can cause excessive
blower bearing wear. Loose bearings in blower fans can cause
excessive noise or premature component failure.
- Inspect
for corrosion, treat surface.
System corrosion, left unchecked, can lead to premature
system failure or unsafe conditions.
- Inspect
motor belts and pulleys.
Age, vibration or normal use can cause excessive play in
connecting belts. Loose belts can shorten system life, increase
utility bills and reduce system capacity.
- Apply
wax to outdoor unit.
Most units lose their finish quickly due to rain, snow,
intense heat or cold. Like an automobile, applying a wax
finish can protect the unit from premature deterioration.
REMEMBER:
Services performed may vary due to equipment types and
company procedures.
(*)
Study performed by the Louisiana Cooperative Extensive Service,
LSU Agriculture Center and Gulf States Utility Company.
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