Stubby
newbie
Reged: 04/24/02
Posts: 36
Loc: Midwest
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Posted for comment.
Tulsa World, Tuesday 27Apr10 Pg A-2.
Try cutting and pasting the link immediately below into browser; text of article follows link...
http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.a...amp;archive=yes
By PHIL MULKINS World Staff Writer
Published: 4/27/2010 2:19 AM
Last Modified: 4/27/2010 7:20 AM
Spring is here, and now is the time to have your air conditioning system inspected and tuned up by a licensed contractor.
The typical lineup of inspection items includes checking the blower motor, indoor fan control, hallway thermostat, electrical wiring, air flow, indoor humidity, temperature difference of supply and return air, evaporator coil condition, condenser fan motor, system safety devices, condenser pad level, refrigerant pressure, refrigerant tubing insulation, motors and compressor for amperage draw, proper clearances and overall system performance.
Do-it-yourself maintenance is discouraged by Tim Smith, owner of Triad Service Co. and president of the Green Country Chapter of Air Conditioning Contractors of America.
"There is little DIY air conditioner tune-up work the homeowner can do, except changing its filter, and even that is dangerous," he said.
Smith recommends homeowners not even try to clean out their outside condensers, as using a high-pressure hose to remove leaves can flatten the heat-exchanger fins and its interior electronics can present an electrocution hazard.
Professional spring service should include lubricating the blower motor, installing or cleaning the air filter, lubricating the condenser fan motor, cleaning the condenser and evaporator coils' heat-exchanger fins, cleaning the condensate drain line and testing for refrigerant leaks with a leak detector.
The inspection and tune-up is $75 to $90, or $140 to $150 for a combination spring AC and fall furnace checkup.
Anyone can buy an advertisement, so be sure you hire a professional "mechanical contractor" and not just some guy with an empty Freon tank. Check any contractor's license with the Oklahoma Construction Industries Board at tulsaworld.com/cibverify , or call (405) 271-5217.
The Tulsa Better Business Bureau database lists 73 "air conditioning contractors" who are "BBB-accredited businesses" — tulsaworld.com/BBBAC — in Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Bixby, Sapulpa, Collinsville, Claremore, Sand Springs and other towns as far out as Foyil and Wagoner.
All state-licensed AC contractors doing business in Tulsa must register with the city's Development Services Division. Determine whether your contractor is registered to do business within the city limits by calling the department's Trade Licenses desk at 596-9601.
Smith said the 20 area contractors who maintain ACCA memberships must abide by its code of ethics and demonstrate a high level of technical skills. Ask Smith for a copy of its membership list at triadtim@aol.com.
Read more from this Tulsa World article at http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.a...amp;archive=yes
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HeatPro
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 07/30/04
Posts: 23928
Loc: South New Jersey
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Your post would make a good 'sticky' for the season.
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Friends tell people how to live past 60.
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dave
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 12/12/02
Posts: 2741
Loc: SE Minnesota
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Thanks for the heads up! Just had a new central unit installed today. They will be doing spring tune ups for 5 yrs on warranty. Suggested I continue after that.
Good info (and timely for me) 
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"When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on."
- Franklin D. Roosevelt
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120_volts
member
Reged: 03/31/05
Posts: 163
Loc: Wisconsin
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Quote:
"There is little DIY air conditioner tune-up work the homeowner can do, except changing its filter, and even that is dangerous," he said.
Changing a filter is dangerous?? Is this company serious!? I would love to know how its dangerous. I cleaned my evaporator and blower myself, and my filter! I am still here, outside unit is next. But I always turn the breakers off to the furnace and a/c unit when I do work on it.
Edited by 120_volts (04/28/10 11:13 AM)
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HeatPro
Carpal Tunnel
Reged: 07/30/04
Posts: 23928
Loc: South New Jersey
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My and my and I and I isn't the only consideration of skill or which filter. A hammock filter can become entangled, perhaps a shredding belt, and returning a door to make the power lock close can still be a challenge to a novice. You asked what could be dangerous.
If someone does manage to goof, nobody here or there to make sure or say 'I told you so.'
For people who have had more than one or two furnaces to look at, and how people can make mistakes, there is more respect for what can go wrong. They don't have you to show them how to do it.
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Friends tell people how to live past 60.
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120_volts
member
Reged: 03/31/05
Posts: 163
Loc: Wisconsin
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Hey heatpro, excellent points like usual. Keep up the good work.
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