Tips

The tips page is laid out in the order that the tip was posted on the site, starting from the first posted tip to the most recent. If you have any tips that you would like posted, send them to tips@heatingandairconditioninghelp.com. We will review them and post them. Please indicate if you would like your (name only) posted with the tip.

# 2 - Filters - Ok folks it’s may be time to check that filter in your furnace, fan, or roof top unit. Don’t just put any old filter in there; use a good quality filter like a pleated filter. 3M has some good quality filters and you can most likely get them in any hardware store. For your commercial units local suppliers in your area should be able to help you out. For a good filter you may pay a little bit more for them but the benefits are worth it. The air you breathe will be cleaner, and after the filter, your duct work will have a minimal build up of dust. This in a lot of cases, is most of the duct work. Remember to install the filter in the proper direction. Pleated filters have to be installed with the air flow going through the proper direction. There is usually a directional arrow on the side of the filter. For you people with electronic air cleaners, you should record when you are cleaning them. This will build a history and give an indication of when you should be cleaning the unit. This may be more frequent at different times of the year than others depending on the run time of your unit and how much fresh air is being brought in.

For home or commercial units, always remember to record when you changed the filter on your HVAC Mechanic.com Maintenance Record Sheet and note when you are to check it again. Some of you may have thermostats that will let you know when to change the filter. Remember to reset your filter counter.

# 1 - Humidifier Start up - If you live in a colder climate it’s that time of year to turn on that humidifier. Remember to make sure it is clean, before you get it going. If you have a drum type humidifier then you should also add a conditioner to the water in the pan. Remember to record the start up on your HVAC Mechanic.com Maintenance Record Sheet and mark the date to check it next.