Cooling equipment needs to be checked regularly

The following article was submitted by Schomberg Sheet Metal.

Warm temperatures are around the corner, along with the potential to throw away money.

Consumers can't afford to ignore their air conditioning equipment because inefficient equipment and potentially costly home cooling problems could equal wasted expenses.

"Proper care of cooling equipment can keep your unit running efficiently, which saves money and helps conserve energy on Ontario's strained power grid," said Paul Greco, service technician of Schomberg Sheet Metal. "Now is the time to make sure your cooling system will keep you cool without wasting your money."

Consumers play a vital role in making sure their cooling systems operate at peak performance to maximize home comfort and money savings. It's important to realize that operating a dirty unit can cause unnecessary loss of efficiency and can damage the unit. "A few minor steps are a small price to pay for the high efficiency, which means lower energy bills and improved total comfort," Greco said.

A qualified service technician should handle major maintenance tasks, but homeowners can take a few simple steps to ensure their systems are running properly.

"One of the most effective steps consumers can take to help ensure they'll get the efficiency they paid for is to contact an experienced, reputable airconditioning contractor to check their system's refrigerant charge and operating safety controls," Greco said.

Consumers should also: + Trim brush and shrubbery near outdoor units to prevent airflow obstruction. + Remove grass clippings, leaves and other debris from outdoor coil. + Replace indoor unit's filter monthly. + Reduce clutter in attic maintain proper ventilation and reduce the system's cooling load.