Cleaning is not just for your home. The air conditioning or heat pump system needs your attention, too. If neglected, the system could result in inefficient operation, less cooling, high electric bills and possible damage to your system.

• Clean any accumulated leaves and debris from the outside unit. These can block air flow to the outside condenser.
• Make sure your furnace filter is clean. Check and/or change the filter (which is also used by the air conditioner) every three months. A clogged filter can block air circulation, freeze up the system, and generate higher electric bills.
• Have the freon level checked to maintain proper levels. Too little freon can cause system icing, higher electric bills and possible damage to the compressor.
• Have parts lubricated to prevent premature motor bearing wear and to ensure a quieter and smoother operation.
• Make sure the condensate drain is unobstructed. When blocked, water will back up and can flow down the furnace on to the floor. A furnace can rust with prolonged blockage.
• Have a qualified contractor clean and check the entire air conditioning system.

There are a couple of things you can do as a homeowner to prevent a service call when the air conditioning seems not to work.

• If nothing is running, make sure the thermostat is on the correct setting, and that the switch beside the furnace has NOT been turned off.
• If the outside unit does not run, but the inside fan does, reset the circuit breaker and check to see if there is a reset button to push on the outside unit.
• If there is little air flow, check the filter.
• If there is water on the floor, it probably means the condensate line is blocked. If you have access to the line, try using a clothes hanger or bicycle pump to dislodge debris.
• If you turn on the system the first warm day and little cooling comes out of the registers, give the system time to work and dehumidify. It can take up to five hours to pull all the humidity out of carpets and furniture in order to cool the house down.

• The company should be licensed and insured.
• Every technician must have a refrigerant certification card.
• The company should have lettered trucks and identifiable uniforms for your security.
• The company should not rely on answering machines or answering services during the day. You don't want to wait for a return call.
• The company should have a history of being around a number of years to give you a feeling of dependability.