I have an arrow on my furnace filter but I do not know which way it should point?
I have a fan switch on my thermostat, where should it be set?
Should I cover my outdoor air conditioning unit during the cold winter months?
Can I turn off the power to my central air conditioning system during the winter months?
How often should I have Maintenance done on my Air Conditioner?
When my Air Conditioner is on there is water leaking in my basement, why and what should I do?  
Can I troubleshoot before calling for service?

Q: I have an arrow on my furnace filter but I do not know which way it should point?

A: The arrow should point in the same direction as the air flow. In most cases, it will point towards the Furnace or Air Handler and should fit between the return air part of the system and the furnace. 

Q: I have a fan switch on my thermostat, where should it be set?

A: This is completely your preference. This switch has two positions, fan "on" or fan "auto" (Automatic). By setting this switch to the on position will cause the indoor fan to run constantly 24 hours a day and can give you more even temperatures through out your home.

Q: Should I cover my outdoor air conditioning unit during the cold winter months?

A: If your Air Conditioner blows air out the top of the air conditioner then covering it would help keep debris out of it. The one thing you could do is cover the top of the condensing unit (with a piece of plywood with something to hold it down) or (trash can lid with door springs to hold it down) so that no debris can get in. We recommend putting some sort of a hard cover over at least the top of the unit to protect against damage from falling ice, etc. A cover will also protect the finish and guard against rodents making the unit their winter home.
Caution: The cover must be removed before the start of operation the following Spring.

Q: Can I turn off the power to my central air conditioning system during the winter months?

A: Yes, you can. There is a circuit breaker for the air conditioner in your electric panel or at the air conditioner outside there maybe a disconnect box where you can shut it off.
Note: Next spring be sure to turn the power back on to the Air Conditioner at least 24 hours in advance of running the air conditioner. This will warm the oil in the crank case of the compressor in the air conditioner.

Q: How often should I have Maintenance done on my Air Conditioner?

A: We suggest (1) once a year, in the spring before the start of summer. This will help the unit run more efficiently and help with the life span of the unit.

Q: When my Air Conditioner is on there is water leaking in my basement, why and what should I do?

A: The water is leaking because your condensate drain pipe is clogged. It needs to be cleaned out and that will make the water stop leaking in the basement.

Q: Can I troubleshoot before calling for service?

A: The answer is, "Yes." Here are some simple procedures you can perform before going to the expense of a service call:

• Check disconnect switches (indoor and outdoor if you have a split system). Make sure that circuit breakers are ON or that fuses have not blown.

• Check for sufficient airflow. Make sure air filters are clean and that supply-air and return-air grilles are open and unobstructed.

• Check the settings on your thermostat. If you want cooling, make sure the temperature control selector is set below room temperature and the SYSTEM switch is on the COOL or AUTO position. The FAN switch should be set at ON for continuous blower operation or AUTO if you want the blower to function only while the unit is operating.

In addition to the routine maintenance you perform, your home comfort system should be inspected at least once a year by a properly trained service technician. The Favret Company will make sure your system operates safely and gives you the best performance at the lowest cost. You may also want to ask us about an economical service contract that covers seasonal inspections for a flat fee.