System Maintenance

You are now the owner of a Unico System indoor comfort system utilizing the most modern concepts in cooling, heating and air distribution.

1. FILTER CLEANING - Clean your filter at least once per month or as often as necessary.


Maintenance of the filter is the most important thing that you can do to help insure the efficient performance of your system.

  • Unlatch Cover Plate on Return Grille

A dirty or clogged filter can seriously impair performance. The filter is located inside the return air grille box.

Unlatch the side of the louvered cover plate and let the hinged cover drop down revealing the filter.

  • Remove Filter

Turn filter retaining tabs or remove filter retaining clips and carefully remove the filter.

  • Clean or Replace Filter

If your filter is a reusable media type which consists of expanded aluminum foil encased in an aluminum frame, hose off, spraying from the side opposite to air flow direction, then lightly coat or spray media with filter oil. If a higher efficiency replaceable filter is used, replace it with a like sized filter - contact your authorized Unico System® contractor for replacements.

Where an electronic air cleaner is used, the collecting cell must be cleaned to remove any dirt accumulation. Consult the instructions furnished with the air cleaner.

2. WINTERIZE YOUR SYSTEM WITH AIR SUPPLY SHUT-OFFS

If the blower coil unit and air distribution system are located in an unheated area such as the attic (and the system is used for cooling only), winterizing the system helps prevent any accumulation of moisture in the ductwork.

  • Plug Air Outlets (Optional)

Winter supply air shut-offs are available to plug off each air outlet. A plate should also be installed across the face of the filter in the return air box.

Check with your authorized Unico System® contractor to provide these optional items.

3. CHECK CONDENSATE TRAP AND DRAINS

The condensate drain should be checked periodically to assure there is unimpeded flow of condensate water from the Unico System® blower coil drain pan. At the start of each cooling season it is advisable to flush the drain pan, drain trap and line with water. Dirt can accumulate in the trap and block the drain opening. Also check the drain connection on the secondary drain pan when provided under the unit. This drain must also remain unclear to provide the back-up protection intended.

On cooling only installations where the Unico System® blower coil unit is located in areas such as attics, which may be subject to freezing, the drain trap should be drained or filled with anti-freeze/water mixture.

4. KEEP OUTDOOR UNIT FREE OF DEBRIS

The outdoor condensing unit should be checked periodically to assure trouble free operation

SHUT OFF POWER - SEE "UNIT DISCONNECTION"

IMPORTANT: Shut off power to the condensing unit before washing or working near the unit.

  • Clean Outdoor Condensing Unit

Keep leaves, grass, and foreign matter out of the condenser coil by flushing clean with a garden hose (check condensing unit manufacturer's instructions). Keep the condenser fan blades clear of dirt and dust accumulation.

  • Trim Shrubbery

Keep shrubbery trimmed around the unit to maintain air flow to and from the condenser coil.

5. CONDENSING UNIT LUBRICATION

Check the manufacturer's instructions for the condenser fan motor lubrication recommendations. If the motor does not have oil holes or tubes, it is permanently lubricated and requires no oiling.

Disconnect Switches

Be sure you know where the power disconnect switches are located for both the Unico System® blower coil unit and the outdoor condensing unit.

If unusual noise, vibration or any other uncharacteristic performance is evident do not hesitate to turn off the blower coil unit and condensing unit with the disconnect switches and call your authorized Unico System® contractor.

POSITIVE REGULAR OPERATING STEPS (P.R.O.S)

  • Keep all windows and doors closed. If storm windows are used, keep them in place during the cooling season to help reduce heat gain. Pull drapes or shades where the sunlight is streaming through the windows during the cooling season. During the winter, keep drapes and shades open during the day, allowing the sun to provide supplementary heat.
  • Keep filters clean, replacing disposable type periodically. Check the filter monthly.
  • Vent clothes dryer to the outside---otherwise the moisture from washing must be removed by the cooling system.
  • If possible, do those chores that contribute heat and moisture (washing, drying, mop­ping, etc.) in the morning or evening. This permits the cooling system to overcome the added loads of these activities before (or after) the peak load in the afternoon.
  • Use bathroom exhaust fans or open window slightly during showers or baths to let excess moisture escape.
  • Use kitchen exhaust fans when cooking during the cooling season. Heat added by a cooking device must be removed by your cooling system if not exhausted.
  • Keep attic vents open and use an attic power ventilator to reduce attic tempera­tures. Attic space can become extremely hot unless it is well ventilated.
  • Take advantage of the greater dehumidifying effect of the Unico System®. Comfort levels can be maintained at higher thermostat settings than with conventional systems that take out 30% less moisture.
  • Set thermostats at the desired temperature and forget it. Thermostat jiggling only aggravates the system causing frequent changes in humidity level and may increase operating costs.
  • Leave the system on even when away for a day or more. When the system is off, heat and moisture build up in the house and it can cost more to restore comfort than to maintain it.
  • Expect the unit to operate after sundown
    • heat builds up in the structure and is retained after the sun sets. This "flywheel" effect can be overcome by operating the system even when outdoor temperatures have dropped.
  • Keep windows closed after the sun sets. While night air may be cooler, it may be humid and can cause equipment to run longer the next day.
  • Keep outdoor condensing unit free of shrub overgrowth and vegetation. Assure unrestricted air flow for intake and discharge of the condensing unit.
  • Keep heat generating devices such as lamps, 1V or electronic equipment away from vicinity of the thermostat so it can more accurately sense room temperature.