RESIDENTIAL APPLIANCE USE AND CARE TIPS

Water Heaters
• Prevent sediment accumulation. About twice a year, open the drain valve at the bottom and let the water run into a large bucket until it looks clear (usually about 5 gallons). If sediment levels are high in your region, do this monthly.
• Annually, lift and release the lever handle on the temperature pressure relief valve, located near the top of the water heater, to make certain the valve operates freely and allow several gallons to flush through discharge line. Make certain the discharged water is directed to an open drain.
• Every six months, drain and flush sediment, which reduces efficiency and causes rumbling, from the tank. (Do this monthly if the level of sediment in your water is high.)
• Annually check the pressure-relief valve to make sure this crucial safety device isn't clogged.

Furnaces
• Change or clean filters monthly. To determine how dirty the filters are, hold them up. If you can easily see light through them, then they're still clean enough to use.
• Inspect the furnace for worn, shiny and sagging belts. They cause undue stress on the fan motor.
• Get a yearly furnace safety & efficiency check.
Air Conditioners
• Do not cover the condensing unit (located outside). The unit needs to draw air into the system in order to cool and circulate inside, but the process is hindered if it cannot pull in enough outside air. The units are designed to be outside; they do not need to be covered.
• Test the air conditioner before you actually need it - then you can call us for a check up or repair before the hot weather hits. Also we are generally busier during the first hot days of the summer fixing other air conditioners.
• Change the air conditioners filters regularly. Disposable fiberglass filters should be replaced. Electrostatic or electronic filters need to be washed regularly.
• Clean obvious obstructions, such as newspaper and leaves, from around the exterior of the unit.
• Clean the indoor coil and brush or vacuum the fan blades of your central air conditioning system annually. Or call American Appliance Maintenance for an annual check up and we can do this for you.

Air to Air Exchangers
• An air to air exchanger uses air exhausted from your house to pretreat outside air being brought into your house.
• Routine maintenance includes replacing or cleaning the filters and keeping the outside air intake free of debris.
• Every two years the exchanger should be professionally cleaned to remove build up of grease and dirt that collects during condensation.

Humidifiers
• Replace water from tank with fresh water, and wipe down the entire humidifier surface daily. Try to clean out the humidifier tank with a brush if possible.
• Clean portable humidifiers 2-3 times a week. Remove scale, deposits, or film that has formed on the sides of the tank or on interior surfaces, and wipe all surfaces dry.
• To reduce build up of scale, film, rust, and white humidifier dust, use water with a low mineral content or use a demineralization cartridge or filter.
• Thoroughly clean and dry your humidifier at the start and end of the season. Use humidifier cleaner and antibacterial solution to prevent and eliminate the build up of minerals and bacteria.

If you don't feel comfortable doing this on your own, call a Trained Technician from
American Appliance & Mechanical today at 763-755-0066 and let us handle the maintenance for you.
Disclaimer: Manufacturer's guidelines should be your first source of information, some maintenance issues may be model specific.