Comments on: HVAC Maintenance Cost Worth It: A Contractor’s Recommendations

By: Nathan

Nathan — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 01:41:01 +0000

Ethan, I think that my AC unit is probably OK. It is covered by the deck, and sided by the shed (not optimal for energy efficiency, but no choice) so it shouldn’t pick up too much debris. I did get a PM contract when purchasing the AC/furnace (for all of the reasons that you state above), so it’ll get cleaned.

By: Ethan

Ethan — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 21:10:11 +0000

@Nathan, Good info. So make sure the weather wrap is made of breathable material. Are you thinking about getting something for your AC unit?

By: Nathan

Nathan — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 15:46:23 +0000

I asked the contractor that installed my AC/furnace last week about the winter wraps. He offered a contrary opinion- he said that the winter wraps trap any condensed moisture on the coils and electronics and prevent it from evaporating. This actually promotes rusting, freezing, etc. and ultimately decreases the life of the equipment. He would never recommend the use of a water tight cover. Instead, he recommended that those in wooded areas can use something like window screen material to make a cover for themselves that will keep out debris, but let water in and out as normal.

By: Ethan

Ethan — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 01:34:43 +0000

@Kim, Good point. That’s something that I need to do!

By: Kim

Kim — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 16:14:41 +0000

Another tip I learned this summer: for those living in the midst of mature trees, take the side panel off the outside compressor unit and clear the leaves out periodically, so they’re not choking the fan or blocking air flow through the unit.

By: Todd

Todd — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 15:23:24 +0000

I’ve been putting this off with our AC….I really should call and make an appt to have it serviced. Thanks for the reminder.