Helpful Tips BEFORE you call for service which will save you time and discomfort: Check your Thermostat: Your thermostat is the link to controlling your air conditioning system.  Most thermostat switches need to be set to the “Cool or Heat” and “Auto” position for the fan and the desired temperature selected to automatically cool or heat your home to the proper temperature. If thermostat is blank, the batteries could be low due to no power.  Some thermostats have a built in time delay so it may take a few minutes before the system comes on or turns off.  If you have a programmable thermostat, we will be more than happy to send additional operating instructions if you have misplaced yours. Check your Humidistat:  Your Humidistat is designed to control humidity when you are away for a period of time, usually more than a week.  When you are away, set between 55% and 60%.  The thermostat needs to be set to the “Cool” and “Auto” position with temperature set to 70 degrees. When you are at home, the Humidistat needs to be set to the “On” or “Home” position and you should re-set your thermostat for normal operation. Check electrical connections and breakers:          a. There is a disconnect box mounted near or on the air handler unit. This unit may be inside the house, up in the attic or in the garage. If the disconnect is accessible, be sure it’s in the “On” position.         b. Check your main electrical circuit breaker panel to determine if the breakers for the air conditioner are on. Turn the air conditioning breaker(s) all the way off, and then back on. There should be an audible click when the breaker is properly seated.         c. There is also a disconnect box located near the condensing unit outside. This disconnect box may have a switch, lever or pullout block inside of it. Make sure that the disconnect is in the “On” position. If the condensing unit still does not run, check to see if the disconnect has fuses. Replace the fuses before calling for service. ALWAYS SHUT OFF THE POWER TO THE DISCONNECT AT THE MAIN ELECTRICAL PANEL BEFORE PULLING OUT OR REINSERTING FUSES. DO NOT CHECK UNITS ON ROOF.   Check Air Filter: Never operate your Air Conditioning System without a filter. When the filter is plugged/dirty it must be replaced. Dirty filters reduce system efficiency and increase operating costs.  Filters should be changed monthly or when dirty.  In some cases, a thicker filter will also cause reduced air flow and cooling capacity issues. It is important to use a filter that does not restrict the air flow and lets the system breath. Heater has burning smell: This is normal at the beginning of each heating season. Your electric heater coil can collect dust on it during the cooling season. The burning smell from the dust on the coil usually lasts no longer than 30 Minutes. If it persists, please call us immediately. Also, some systems have smoke detectors installed on the unit.  When the heat is first turned on, the smoke detector  may shut your system off and sound an alarm until the dust is removed from the coil. Wait a few minutes, turn system on and off a couple of times until the alarm stops. If the alarm continues to make sounds, please contact us. Other things that can help maintain your comfort level:   Keeping the drapes drawn helps keep the sun out of your home and reduces the running time for your system. If the unit is turned off all day, it will take longer to cool or heat to the set temperature. Lower settings will not make it cool or heat any faster. Your cooling system is designed to maintain the inside of your home between 15 and 17 degrees lower than the outdoor temperature.  Make sure all grills are opened and not blocked by furniture. Remember: Keep all doors and windows to the outside closed for proper operation.  And of course have preventative maintenance performed 1 or 2 times per year to keep your system running efficiently!