Helpful Tips

Do you need service?

Check the following before calling for service:

1. Is the thermostat set to auto, heat or cool?
2. Is the fan setting on the thermostat on auto or on?
3. Is the breaker tripped? Turn the AC or furnace breaker to the off position and then back on.
4. Is the filter clean? VERY IMPORTANT! Dirty filters can restrict airflow and cause system components to freeze which can damage other components.  If the air conditioner is frozen, turn it off at the thermostat and call for service.
5. Is air blowing from the vents?

Maximizing Efficiency

There are many little things you can do to optimize energy efficiency, minimize your utility bills, and help prolong the life of your system.

1. Check the caulking and weatherstripping on doors and windows, around chimneys and flues, or other places air can escape from your house. Since it results in huge long-term energy savings, maintaining these areas is a worthwhile investment of time and money.
2. Keep your outdoor system clear of vegetation and debris, which can block airflow and cause the unit to run less efficiently.
3. Install a programmable thermostat. And use it. A difference of one degree changes energy consumption by about 4%.
4. Using a humidifier during winter makes your home feel warmer. That way, you can keep your thermostat at a lower temperature and save energy.
5. Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs. Compared to incandescent or halogen bulbs, they use less energy and last longer. As a bonus, they produce less heat, so they don’t interfere with cooling your home in the summer. Newer models work with dimmer switches and produce light similar to incandescent bulbs.
6. During the summer, keep the drapes and blinds closed on the sunny side of the house. In the winter, do the reverse. Open them to take advantage of the sun’s heat. Just remember to close them at night to keep cold air where it belongs – outside.
7. Insulate attics and walls to the R value recommended for your area. We can tell you what you need.
8. Keep the fireplace damper closed when it’s not in use.
9. In the summer, do your laundry, dishwashing and cooking during the coolest part of the day.
10. A dirty filter causes your system to run inefficiently, so check filters regularly. Clean or replace them when needed, or visit our online store to order high-efficiency filters.
11. Even in unoccupied rooms, keep vents open at least 75%. Also, make sure they aren’t blocked by furniture, pictures or window coverings.
12. If your home is large or has multiple levels, consider a zoned system with a programmable thermostat in each zone to save energy and money.

Changing Filters.

1. Turn off your furnace. Make sure the blower is off before you replace your filter.
2. Find your filter inside your furnace. If you cannot find it, look in your owner's manual, or call Frymire for help.
3. Check the directional arrow on your filter before you pull it out of your furnace so you know which direction to install the new one. The arrow should be pointing towards the blower.
4. Slide the filter out of the furnace. Most likely, there will be a lot of dirt and dust,  so place the dirty filter in a large trash bag to avoid making a mess.
5. Replace the filters with ones that are the correct size for your furnace. The size is listed on the sides of the filter and looks something like "17x15x1."
6. Slide the new filter into your furnace with the arrows pointing toward the blower. Close the panels tightly.

Preventative Care

Routine maintenance is the responsibility of the homeowner, and doing it right can save time and money down the road. Statistics show that the lack of proper maintenance is the #1 reason for equipment failure. Washable or disposable filters need to be cleaned or replaced monthly. While it’s easy to forget to change your home’s filter system, it can lead to expensive out-of-pocket repairs. In fact, dirty filters become clogged and cause the unit to ice up. Of course, the type of filter used for your home comfort system varies. Visit the products section of our online store for more information on recommended filter replacement time frames.

A Frymire Preferred Service Agreement (FPS) is the ideal solution for taking care of your home comfort system. Our routine inspections ensure that your equipment is running reliably and at its optimum performance, helping to reduce your energy costs and giving you worry-free comfort.