Environment
Cleaning Your Home Comfort System
By
Aug 14, 2005, 23:23

(NAPSI)-When catching up on seasonal home repairs and maintenance, don't forget your home's cooling system.

You can use the transition time between heating and air conditioning seasons to insure your home's heating and cooling systems are working efficiently.

A system working at peak capacity conserves energy dollars and avoids the stress of additional service calls.

• Don't wait until it's hot before having your cooling system checked.

• Central air units should be completely inspected by a certified technician before the unit is turned on.

• Expert technicians should vacuum the unit, check coolant, replace filters and ensure the system is operating properly.

Once your system has its checkup, keep it healthy.

• Clean or change air filters monthly-more often in extremely dusty or pollen-laden situations.

• Keep grilles on the exterior unit free from leaves and debris.

• If you're investing in a new unit, effective 2006, the U.S. Department of Energy will require a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio of 13 (SEER 13) or higher on all new residential central air conditioners.

• Use of SEER 13+ systems is expected to lower electricity demand during the summer, which can represent as much as 70 percent peak demand in some states.

• Contact a contractor employing NATE-certified technicians to conduct regular system inspections.

These tips are brought to you by North American Technician Excellence or NATE, the nation's largest nonprofit certification organization for heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration technicians. The U.S. Department of Energy endorses NATE for raising quality standards and energy efficiency. For a contractor with NATE-certified technicians, go to the Consumer Contractor Connection at www.natex.org. Remember, when purchasing a new unit, select one with the EnergyStar qualified seal.

Keep your home's cooling system healthy with regular system checkups.

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