Maintenance contract for air conditioning and heating

Air filters

There are several types of filters for residential use: disposable, washable and electronic. Among disposable filters, several choices are available with different filtration qualities: this is called the “MERV”.

In some installations, the air filter sits in a holder attached to the furnace casing, or in the return air duct. If the filter location or the replacement procedure is not obvious, contact your installer or service technician for help. Replace disposable filters with new filters of the same size.

Visually check the following every time you replace the filters:

• All furnace components are in good condition, with no obvious signs of deterioration.
• There is no dirt or dust on electrical surfaces and components. Do not try to clean them: the furnace and its components must be cleaned by a qualified, certified service technician.

If, during the inspection, you notice any of the following:

• an abnormal amount of dirt or dust on the electrical components;
• damaged or deteriorated surfaces or parts;
• leaks or obstructions in the air passages of the duct system;
• any wet surface inside or outside the furnace,

do not operate the furnace. Contact an authorized technician or maintenance contractor to inspect or clean your equipment.

If all parts appear to be in good working order, put the furnace front panels back, restore power to the furnace and set the thermostat to the desired temperature.

How to clean your filter

It is extremely important to shut down your system and turn off the power before servicing or replacing filters.

Disposable filters should be replaced at the end of their useful life, depending on how you use your ventilation system. Replace them with new filters of the same size. You can also use washable filters: these high-velocity filters can be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner or rinsed with water (sink). Shake them to remove excess water and let them dry completely before putting them back.

Fan and motor maintenance

Even with the right filters properly installed, fan wheels and motors become loaded with dust and dirt after a few months of operation. The entire fan assembly should be inspected and serviced every year.

Motor lubrication

The motors of new furnaces are permanently lubricated and do not require periodic greasing. Older motors require annual lubrication.

Furnace maintenance

Once a year, or at the start of each heating or cooling season, the electric furnace must be cleaned and fine-tuned by an authorized technician or a qualified maintenance contractor. The following items must be cleaned and serviced, or replaced if they show signs of deterioration:

• the electric element components;
• the air supply fan.

We strongly recommend having your certified contractor periodically inspect, clean, lubricate and adjust your central air conditioning and heating system.

Warning: turn off the power to the blower and the furnace before removing the service panels and performing maintenance. Turn off the power to the indoor and outdoor units (there may be more than one service switch). An electric shock of this intensity can cause serious injury or death.

Condenser maintenance (heat pump or air conditioner)

The outdoor unit must be kept clear of all material: plants, grass, leaves, paper, pollen or any other debris that could restrict the air inlets or outlets. The coil can be cleaned with a vacuum cleaner to remove debris between the aluminum fins.

If the coil becomes very dirty, turn off the power to the unit and clean the coil with a garden hose, without a pressure nozzle. Avoid getting water into the fan motor or the electrical control box. Then remove the dirt from the pan under the unit.

Fan motor maintenance

Some fan motors have lubrication holes (this is not the case with new units). Inspect your indoor and outdoor units to see if they have any.

Fan motors come with an oil reservoir that should last several years under normal conditions of use. After that, each ball bearing should be oiled with 10 to 15 drops (1/4 tsp) of SAE 20, a non-detergent electric motor oil. Do not use special-purpose oils (sewing machine, cleaning, rust prevention, household, etc.).

Before cleaning your wall-mounted air conditioning system (wall-mounted heat pump or wall-mounted air conditioner), turn off the unit and disconnect the power supply.

Cleaning the evaporator (indoor unit)

Clean the indoor unit with a vacuum cleaner, scrub the unit with warm, soapy water, then dry it with a soft, clean cloth.

During normal operation, the filter included in the unit should be cleaned every two weeks of use. If dust builds up on the filter, the airflow is considerably reduced, which lowers the unit’s efficiency and increases its noise and energy consumption. Remove the dust with a vacuum cleaner or by washing in a solution of mild detergent and lukewarm water. Let the filter dry completely before putting it back in the unit.

If your unit has a plasma filter, an indicator light will tell you when it needs cleaning: soak it in warm, soapy water. Plasma filters last 6 to 8 years.

Cleaning the condenser (outdoor unit)

To keep your unit in good condition, cleaning the outside is essential. Simply wipe the unit with a damp or dry cloth and, with a garden hose, make sure the outdoor coil is free of debris and pollen.

Finally, the whole system requires special care: a maintenance contract may be necessary for specific maintenance that requires the services of a professional.

We strongly recommend having your certified contractor periodically inspect, clean, lubricate and adjust your central air conditioning and heating system (central heat pump or central air conditioner).

Warning: turn off the power to the blower and the furnace before removing the service panels and performing maintenance. Turn off the power to the indoor and outdoor units (there may be more than one service switch). An electric shock of this intensity can cause serious injury or death.

Caution: particular care was taken in manufacturing your unit to ensure a safe finish on its components. Nevertheless, be careful when removing or handling the unit’s parts.