Air Conditioner Tips Portland OR

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(NC)—After such a harsh winter, it's a little hard to believe that hot summer days are just around the corner. Just as it makes sense to buy a snow blower before the massive snow storm hits, it's also prudent to make sure your air conditioner is set to face the heat. Dave Walton, director of home ideas at Direct Energy offers the following tips to homeowners for priming their air conditioners:

Check the rating. To reduce annual energy bills, install a high-efficiency central air conditioner with a 13 SEER rating, which uses up to thirty per cent less energy than older 10 SEER units.

Perform an annual cleaning. Make sure your central air conditioning system runs efficiently by keeping it clean. Have your system checked annually by a licensed professional and replace the furnace's filter every three months. Also, be sure to hose off the outdoor unit and keep debris such as leaves and grass clippings away. Plant flowers and shrubs should be at least 24” from the outdoor unit.

Check your warranty. The life expectancy of a durable system is approximately 15 years. Make sure the warranty offers at least ten years on the compressor and five years on all other parts.

Take proactive measures. Combat the costs of unexpected repairs by taking advantage of an air conditioning protection plan, like Direct Energy's Cooling Protection Plan. You're covered for most repairs and replacement parts, and will enjoy priority service when you place a service call.

More information on air conditioner maintenance can be found online at www.directenergy.com or call 1-888-334-8221.

- News Canada