Spring into Action! Easy Spring Tips to get ready for Summer Cooling

Spring is in full swing, and summer is just around the corner. It is time to start thinking about your central air conditioner and preparing it for those hot, muggy summer days. For over 58-plus years, FLAME has been installing and servicing air conditioning systems; we have developed these easy spring tips to help you prepare for your summer cooling needs.

Have your air conditioning system inspected by a licensed and insured contractor’s N.A.T.E. qualified service technician.

Remember to clean your air filters once a month all year round. Change them every three months if they are disposable.

When changing a filter, install a replacement that is the same size as the original. Also, make sure it is facing the right direction. Most filters have the airflow direction marked on them.

Check and ensure that your inside and outside fuses/breakers are on and operating.

Make sure that the outdoor unit is free of debris. Trim or remove shrubs or obstructions within one foot of the outdoor unit.

Be careful when mowing the lawn near the outside unit, and make sure that grass clippings and leaves are not blown toward the unit.

Thoroughly wash the fin area of the outside condenser with a garden hose. Point the garden hose head straight down and shower gently.

Do not run a central air conditioner when the outside temperature is below 68 degrees. Operating a residential air conditioner in cool temperatures may cause premature compressor failure.

Never try to add refrigerant to an air conditioner yourself. Call a trained and N.A.T.E. Certified Factory Authorized service technician with the knowledge and equipment to do this job properly.

If your air conditioner is over 10 years old, you may want to consider asking a certified contractor, like FLAME, to perform a free evaluation of your system. New air conditioning systems offer more efficiency, quieter operation, and environmentally safe refrigerants (Puron versus Freon-22). You should also beware that in January 2006, federal law mandated that no air conditioner could be manufactured with a SEER rating below 13. The previous mandate requirement was 10.0. What this means to the consumer the more efficient units are also more costly. The moral is if your air conditioner is over 10 years old NOW is the time to replace it.

Did you know that Federal regulations require that your air conditioning unit be serviced in such a way that no refrigerant escapes into the air because it is harmful to the environment. That’s why it is important to make sure your contractor is licensed, carries liability insurance and is certified in refrigerant handling and recovery. At this time of year companies often run specials for thorough air conditioner checks and cleaning such as FLAMES for only $89.50, as well as replacement of your older systems. Just pick up the phone and ask about these services.

Still have questions? Want more information? Feel free to call FLAME toll-free at 1-888-234-2340 or visit our website @ www.ffold.awcsite.info.

Follow the Doctor’s advice, and you should avoid any inconvenience of mid-summer breakdowns and costly repairs. You will be in great shape for the summer months ahead.