Q. Why do I need... (explains different components and their functions)
Q. Why is my system freezing up?
Q: How can I control energy costs?

A: Why do I need...
Lightning Surge Protection - Protection against lightning strikes and power surges that can destroy or damage all outside condensing unit parts.

Kick Start Relay -  Ensures your compressor will start every time, even after a power interruption. Prevents thermal overload which causes damage to your valuable compressor.

Time Delay - Damage can occur when your system stops and starts too quickly, due to a power interruption. The Time Delay ensures your air conditioner will have the time it needs to equalize system pressure and avoid costly repairs.

Contactor - Pitted and burnt contactors can fuse together causing your compressor to run without you indoor fan. This can cause extensive damage by allowing liquid to pump through you compressor. This can happen 3-4 times over the life of you air conditioning system.

Blower and Coil Cleaning - Dust and mildew accumulates on your blower and reduces airflow. This can cause extensive damage by allowing liquid to pump through your compressor. Dust and mildew are proven irritants to allergy sufferers.

Condenser Guard - This is a coating applied to the condenser to prevent salt corrosion and extend the life of your outdoor condensing unit. Highly recommended for people living within ¼ mile of salt water. A corroded condenser causes your compressor to work at higher than normal pressure, which will damage it. Maintenance customers receive this free after the first application, as necessary.

Float Switches - A plugged drain line can cause your inside air handler to overflow. The float switch stops your unit from overflowing, preventing water damage to your home.

High and Low Pressure Switches - High and low pressure can damage your compressor. These switches stop your unit when pressure is outside of the acceptable range. Prevents thermal overload, which damages your compressor.

Dehumidistat - Controls humidity, preventing mold and mildew from damaging your home and belongings while your on vacation.

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A: There are several things that can cause your system to freeze up.

Making sure the filter is clean or replaced and making sure the airflow is not restricted are about the only things you can check or handle yourself.

Low refrigerant:
In some cases, freezing up is caused by a leak in the refrigerant lines. Weak solder joints, friction from piping rubbing or vibrating against an object, leaking valves or loose fittings can cause leaks. The age of the system and the nature and location of the leak are the determining factors on whether to have the system repaired or replaced.

Dirty evaporator coil:
Over time, the evaporator coil will become dirty. When this happens, the results are similar to those of having a dirty filter. Gradually you will lose airflow, slowly enough that you probably would not realize it until it freezes up or is not cooling adequately. Contact Smitty's to correct the problem.

Defective blower motor or relay:
A blower motor not running at the proper speed or not running at all can cause freezing. It can also be intermittent, starting at full speed and slowing down after it heats up. Or a relay could cause it to start one time and not the next. In either case, you can contact Smitty's to correct the problem.

Should you find that your system was freezing due to a dirty filter, after replacing or cleaning the filter, you can speed up the thawing process by turning the system off and turning on the fan. If you have a heat pump system, you can try turning the system to heating mode until the ice has melted. After the ice has melted, switch the system settings back to normal. If the system refreezes, contact Smitty's to diagnose and correct the problem.

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A: With energy costs soaring, there are a variety of steps you can take to cut the expenses of cooling your home.

Cooling and heating equipment use more energy than any other appliance. This inevitably shows up every month on the energy bill, but it’s important to remember that energy costs can be controlled.

Maintenance:
One step to control energy costs is to schedule annual maintenance checks to make sure your unit is running properly and efficiently. Most home comfort systems require very little owner maintenance. However, operating dirty heating or cooling equipment can result in unnecessary loss of efficiency and can damage the unit. You play a vital role in making sure your system continues to operate at peak performance.

High Efficiency:
If you are in the market for a new home comfort system, consider purchasing a high-efficiency system. They can help reduce your energy costs as well as conserve our natural resources. When selecting a new home comfort system, pay close attention to the SEER rating of the air conditioner and the AFUE of the furnace. The higher the SEER or AFUE, the higher the savings.

Programmable Thermostats:
Programmable thermostats can make a big difference in energy consumption. These thermostats deliver maximum comfort, efficiency and energy savings. Programmable thermostats are used to achieve the temperature you want throughout your home. For example, if you’re going to be away, you can set the whole house at an energy-saving temperature to avoid heating or cooling an empty house. You can then program them to have your living areas comfortable by the time you arrive back home.

Smitty's can help you select the best solutions for conserving energy dollars in your home.