Wildlife Waystation Air Conditioning

The Wildlife WayStation is a national non-profit, holding rehabilitation, medical and problem solving refuge for native, wild and exotic animals located in the Angeles National Forest.

Sometimes things break at a non-profit organization like this and there is just no money to get it fixed. This was the case with the HVAC system.

The Wildlife Waystation offices and gift store had air conditioning installed when the offices were built. But over the years time and dust took their toll on the condensers, duct and freon lines. The air conditioning stopped working, and if you have ever been in those offices you know the situation was desperate. Most windows in the offices don't open so it can get extremely uncomfortable when the temperature rises.

Dean Gilford & Elizabeth Marquart at the Wildlife Waystation

Longtime friend and supporter of the Wildlife Waystation Elizabeth Marquart brought in her favorite Air Conditioning contractor Dean Gilford of Kilowatt Heating, Air & Electrical to donate his time and expertise. Within a couple of hours Dean had the AC working and the offices cool.

Dean fell in love with the Wildlife Waystation and will be returning with a case of filters to do maintenance on the HVAC package units.

Dean Gilford fixing the Air Conditioning at the Wildlife Waystation

Home Maintenance Checklist

On a monthly basis:

• Clean or replace the HVAC filters [typically located at your fresh air return]. If you have an energy recovery system (air exchange system), remember that these filters also need to be cleaned or replaced.
• Inspect, clean or replace kitchen vent hood filters (non-charcoal filters).
• Flush all toilets and run water through all sinks, especially in bathrooms that are not used on a regular basis.

It's easy to find filters for your HVAC system. This is the selection at Target.

On a quarterly basis:

• Check the exterior drainage conditions to ensure that nothing is causing water to stand in puddles for more than 24 hours and that water from any source is not draining toward your foundation.
• Check your GFCIs (ground fault circuit interrupters) for proper operations by tripping the circuit interrupter buttons and then resetting them. If they will not trip and reset, contact your Customer Care Department for service or information on what to do.
• Inspect, lubricate and clean all of your exterior vents. Make sure that air flows freely and that each has an operable damper to prevent back flow of outside air and to keep small animals from entering your home.
• Lubricate all overhead garage door hinges with white lithium spray.
• Inspect and clean all weep holes for water drainage (windows).

On a seasonal basis:

• Every six months, inspect and service your HVAC system.
• Twice a year, you should inspect and repair the following caulked areas, as necessary.
• Kitchen and bath wet areas. Ensure that the caulked areas are not cracked and separating. If they are you will need to re-seal those areas.
• Bathroom/commode areas. Check the sealant where the stool meets the floor to insure the sealant is intact.
• Window and door seals.
• Around all penetrations (hose, faucets, duct work from vents, fireplace and chimney vents).
• Vinyl, aluminum or wood siding.
• Stucco or mortar cracks.
• Interior settling or shrinkage sheetrock cracks.
• If you have a basement and it has a sump pump, check to make sure it is operating properly, clean the pump screen and remove any soil buildup from the well.
• Clean and repair gutters. Make sure gutters are free of material that could prevent free flow of water. Make sure you have splash deflectors at the base of the downspout to deflect water away from the home.
• Inspect and adjust sprinkler systems. Set your timers for the proper season to ensure enough, but not too much water per station.

On an annual basis:

• Drain and refill your hot water heater(s). This may be necessary on a more frequent basis if you live in an area with extremely hard water.
• Inspect and test your hot water heater safety valve (T&P Valve typically located on the top or near the top part of the water heater).
• Inspect your garage door(s), rails and lock system; adjust and lubricate, as necessary. Consider changing your garage door opener code as a security precaution.
• Service your lawn mower and yard equipment (blowers, edgers and trimmers).
• Clean your faucet aerators and inspect your plumbing for leaks (includes all p-traps [waste line at sinks] and angle stops [shut-offs at commodes and sinks]).
• Clean and sharpen your garbage disposal by running a tray of ice cubes and depositing a cleaning (foaming) product into the disposal.
• Inspect or have tested your home fire extinguishers.
• Replace smoke alarm batteries.

Home Air Conditioning Equipment Maintenance

You wouldn't expect your car to run well without regular maintenance. But what about your home air conditioning?

It's a fact that all manufactures, utility companies, the EPA and most consumer protection groups recommend regular service of your heating and cooling system regardless of age. A precision tune-up will keep your air conditioner running at peak performance. If your equipment has not had maintenance performed on a regular basis, your HVAC system may be draining money right out of your pocket.

Changing or cleaning your filter regularly is imperative to maintaining healthy air quality in your home. You may be able to do this yourself, but regular visits by a professional are invaluable for extending the life of your AC equipment and preserving your product warranty. Certified maintenance technicians will perform detailed inspections of your home's air conditioning equipment, ductwork, insulation, refrigerant piping, electrical wiring, thermostat, condensate piping, flue piping, slabs, filter, driers, registers, grills, drain pans and evaporator coil.