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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What size
equipment do I need?
Cool Heat Mechanical Systems will
measure your home and ask questions
about your family’s comfort needs.
Do you have a ranch-style home or a
compact two-story? Are there
cathedral ceilings, an indoor spa or
an exercise room? How well
insulated and weather-proofed is
your home? What kind of
windows do you have? Answers
to these and other questions will
help us design a system that is
right for you.
Should I cover my
outdoor unit in the winter?
Covering the unit is not necessary.
Air conditioners are manufactured to
withstand all possible climate
changes.
What do all those
rating numbers mean to me?
The federal government requires all
air conditioning and heating
equipment to be rated as to
efficiency. The higher the
rating the more efficient the
equipment. For cooling the
rating is SEER (Seasonal Energy
Efficiency Rating); heat pump
heating is HSPF (Heating Seasonal
Performance Factor) and gas furnaces
are rated with AFUE (Annual Fuel
Utilization Efficiency).
What temperature
should I set my thermostat at when I
am not at home in the summer-winter?
It is recommended that you set your
thermostat no higher than 80º during
unoccupied periods. When
returning home the system will then
be able to respond to a your desired
comfort requirements. Asking
your equipment to bring your home
from 95º to 72º can cause problems
requiring service. In winter
no lower than 62º. Maintaining
a reasonable temperature conserves
energy.
How close to the
outdoor unit should I plant flowers
or shrubs?
Manufacturers agree that plants
should not be closer than 18 inches.
Air conditioners need to take in and
exhaust air to operate efficiently.
Lack of circulation can cause
excessive temperatures and require
service.
What about the
refrigerant used in air conditioners
today? Can I still buy it if I
need it?
Refrigerant 22 used in most air
conditioners today will be
manufactured in the United States
until 2010. Replacement
refrigerants are now entering the
market; there is no need to be
concerned about the price or
availability of R-22 at this time.
How often should I
change my air filters?
The more the equipment runs the more
often a filter needs changed.
The recommended frequency is once a
month. We suggest no less than
every three months. Replace
filters with the same size and type
as the original filter. If
your filter is not the disposable
type, follow manufacturer
instructions for cleaning.
Should I drain my
hot water boiler at least once a
year?
No, hot water boilers should not be
drained, because when they are
re-filled the dissolved oxygen in
the water will cause oxidation and
scale build-up on the hot surfaces
of the boiler, in turn causing
damage and inefficiencies. The
air must be removed or it will stop
the pumps from circulating water.
What kind of oil
should I use in my boiler
circulation pumps? How often?
Use only 20 weight non-detergent
oil. DO NOT USE MOTOR OIL.
Lubricate the motor bearings and
bearing assemblies every 90 days.
Do not over lubricate as this will
damage motor mounts and cause
excessive wear on couplings.
Consult the pump manufacturer's
instructions for best results.
How often do I
need service on my expansion tank?
A standard closed loop expansion
tank requires draining at the
beginning of each heating season.
A diaphragm expansion tank requires
no maintenance. Follow
manufacturer's instructions.
How often should I
inspect my safety relief valve?
At least once a year, at the
start-up of the heating season.
Lift the relief valve test handle
and allow water to escape for 5
seconds.
What maintenance
does my water heater need?
At least annually test the safety
valve and drain 5 gallons of water
from the bottom drain valve.
Where should I
mount a carbon monoxide detector?
For forced air systems mount the
detector as close to the return air
grills as possible. For hot
water or steam boilers install in or
close to the boiler room.
If you would like
more information on this topic
please feel free to
contact us any time. |
