12 Keep Cool
Tips
Set the thermostat
The most economical operation of your system comes from setting the thermostat
properly. Set the thermostat at the highest summer setting or the lowest winter
setting at which you are comfortable. Typical settings are 78 degrees for summer
cooling and 70 degrees for winter heating. When cooling, your operating costs
increase from 3% to 8% for each degree your thermostat is lowered. When heating,
your operating costs increase for each degree your thermostat is raised.
Keep the air filter clean
The easiest way to ensure your system operates efficiently and economically is
by keeping the air filter clean. There are several types of air filters and
several possible locations for the air filter. Ask your Geisel where your air
filter is located and which type of filter to use.
Keep doors and windows closed
Close all doors and windows to the outside. This will reduce the heating load in
winter and the cooling load in summer. Your system will operate more
economically as a result.
Keep vents and grilles unobstructed
Arrange your furniture and drapes so that all output vents and intake grilles
are free from obstruction. This will reduce the cooling and heating load on your
system for more economical operation.
Avoid excessive use of exhaust fans
Excessive use of kitchen or bathroom exhaust fans will make your system work
harder. This will increase energy consumption and costs. Keep costs in check by
making wise use of exhaust fans.
Use the AUTO setting
Generally, it is best to set your indoor fan to AUTO. This costs less and
provides better humidity control in the summer. However, if you desire to
operate your system with constant air circulation, ask for advice from Geisel.
Control direct sunlight
Let the sun in during winter. Keep the sun out during summer. In summer, direct
sunlight increases the load on your cooling system. Use of window shades and
awnings will reduce the amount of direct sunlight and lower the cooling load. In
winter, direct sunlight reduces the load on your heating system. Open window
shades and awnings to increase direct sunlight and lower the heating load.
Keep the condenser coil clean
The condenser coil (the unit outside your house) should be kept clean to ensure
efficient operation. If the condenser coil becomes restricted by dirt, lint,
paper, grass clippings, leaves, or other debris, the systems efficiency will
deteriorate. Use a garden hose to keep the condenser coil clean.
Insulate air ducts
Be sure all air ducts are well insulated. Ducts also should be sealed with a
vapor barrier.
Keep an airtight house
Ensure maximum retention of heated or cooled air by adding insulation to outside
walls and to the attic. Seal cracks and use storm doors and/or insulated doors
to prevent air leaks.
Properly vent clothes driers
Be sure your clothes dryer is vented to the outside. Also ensure that your
clothes dryer is vented away from your outdoor unit. Check to verify that the
dryer vent is not obstructed with lint. Always
use metal dryer venting materials never plastic.
Plastic will sag and trap lint causing excessive heat to build up in the
dryer, increasing drying time.
Keep heat away from the thermostat
Make sure no heat-generating appliances are near your thermostat. These include
lamps, TVs, stereo and computer equipment.
Schedule you
air conditioning system clean and check restoration
service
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