MAY 2008 How to Cool It and Save I got home after a hard day at work and just collapsed into my easy chair exhausted. I remained there for just a few minutes before realizing I was all wet from perspiration and had to do something about it. I quickly got up and flicked the switch on the thermostat from "heat" to "cool". A few minutes later ... relief. This is how air conditioning is supposed to work; however like any system in your home, it might not be there when you need it if you neglect to maintain it properly. The hot weather of summer is about to descend upon us and you can enjoy a cool home during that first heat wave if you follow this advice: Before operating your air conditioner, have it serviced, ensuring that it is not damaged when you first turn it on. A $150 annual tune-up can reduce your cooling costs by up to 10% percent. This is particularly important if your unit is more than ten years old. Turn on the circuit breaker to power the unit 24 hours before actually using it. This allows the compressor heater to separate the refrigerant from the oil. During winter the refrigerant combines with the system's oil and this can seriously damage the compressor if you suddenly turn on the air conditioning before the refrigerant changes back into gas through heating. Check your humidifier duct damper which most likely has been in the open position all through the winter months. If it was left that way set it now to the closed position allowing your unit to run more efficiently. Check all hose connections for leaks, and make sure the condensate tube is draining freely. Clean the outside compressor by spraying it with a hose. Keep all shrubs and vegetation at least one foot away allowing adequate airflow around the entire unit. Vacuum registers and air vents regularly. During the winter, keep the compressor covered and remove window air conditioners. Follow all safety electrical rules when working around your air conditioner. Turn the electrical power (or breaker) off before you start. Two items that can seriously compromise the cooling system are the unit's filter and the cooling coils. Dirty ones reduce airflow through the system decreasing its efficiency and capacity leading to expensive compressor damage if left for an extended period of time. So if nothing else, be sure to keep them clean. You can do this simple maintenance regularly just before the hot weather arrives to assure a long life and efficient functioning of your central air conditioner. As an extra safety measure, you may also periodically have professional service people inspect your unit. Normal life expectancy of a central air conditioning system is about 15 years, but a well maintained unit can last significantly longer than that. Your warranty will vary with brand and manufacturer. A new unit may offer marginally, greater efficiency and lower operating costs compared to what you may have, but it is usually not enough to make it worth while replacing your older unit if it is working well. If the air conditioning won’t work you can always jump in the roof top pool "While we stop to think, we often miss our opportunity." - Publilius Syrus (~100 BC), Maxims Need a fair and accurate home assessment? We've got the expertise your clients can count on! You can expect: · Professional, qualified inspectors · Fair and accurate home assessments · Fast, reliable service Find out how Mose Home Inspection Services can help your client be secure in their home purchase. MOSE HOME INSPECTION SERVICES SPECIALIZING IN RESIDENTIAL, MULTI-UNIT AND INVESTMENT PROPERTIES Pre-Purchase, Pre-listing, Pre & post lease. Expertise, Residential, Commercial, Industrial. Environmental assessment. Inspections in English or French. www.homeinspectionmontreal.com     www.inspectionmaison.com