Article Contributed on: 6/3/2008 1:56:08 PM
Chances are pretty good you change the oil in your car regularly because you know it'll run better and last longer if you do.
And you probably take your car to the dealership or favorite garage regularly for the same reason: It's a way to protect your investment in a major asset.
Do you do the same for your home? It's probably the single biggest investment you have. And it's time to get your home ready for summer.
If you have an air conditioning system, swamp cooler or attic fan a little maintenance at the beginning of the season will mean cooler days this summer plus fewer repair bills and longer life for your cooling system. And it could save you money on your monthly utility bill as well.
Here are some summer tune-up tips for your cooling system:
Air Conditioning: Start by changing or cleaning the air filters on your furnace/air conditioning system, if you haven't done that recently. Changing or cleaning the filters on your air conditioner and furnace monthly is a good idea. Having your furnace and air conditioning system professionally checked and tuned annually is a good idea, too.
Changing or cleaning your furnace/air conditioning filters regularly means the system will run more efficiently and you'll be breathing cleaner air. Did you know most household dust is actually dead skin we all shed daily? It also contains things like pet dander, plant and mold spores, pollen, bacteria and tiny dust mites that are a major cause of allergies and asthma. Dirty filters mean more of these things reach your nose and lungs.
Swamp Coolers: If you have a swamp cooler, remove the panels and clean out any debris that's collected at the bottom. Check the fan belt for proper tension. If you can move it more than an inch, it's time to replace it.
If the motor has an oil receptacle, lubricate it with the proper oil. And make sure the cooler pads -- that's what the water runs through -- are in good shape. Replace them if they're worn or shabby looking.
Turn on the motor and pump and check to make sure water is flowing evenly through the cooler pads. Check for cracks or holes in the structure of the frame of the cooler. Check to make sure the water fills to the proper level and that the floater arm shuts off the pump when the water reaches the correct level.
Attic fans: Lubricate the motor, clean the fan blades and housing, tighten screws and bolts. Make sure the setscrew securing the blade to the motor is tightened. Clean screens and attic vents.
You can do some of these things yourself. Or we can do it for you. Either way, do them now for a cooler summer.
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(John Ward has owned and operated Applewood Plumbing Heating & Electric for more than 35 years. He is a master plumber and recognized as an industry leader for his knowledge and ethical business practices.)