How Do I…?
How do I clean my Electrostatic Air Filter?
Use a garden hose with good water pressure. The filter should have an arrow indicating airflow direction. First spray off the filter from the opposite side of the arrow. Then from the other side.You can repeat this process several times if needed. If the filter is very dirty, spray it with a detergent first and let soak for a few minutes. Then thoroughly spray off with water.
Just be careful not to use too much water pressure or damage could be done to the filter media. When the water runs clear and the filter is clean, simply shake off excess water, let it dry, then return to system.
How do I clean my Electronic Air Cleaner?
Routine maintenance of your electronic air cleaner is critical for proper performance and efficiency.
First, turn your air conditioning and heating system off. Then turn off the power to the Electronic Air Cleaner and make sure the power is off.
Wait 30 seconds, then remove the access door. Pull out the cells and the pre-filters, then replace the access door and keep it closed while cleaning. Visually inspect the cells and pre-filters. If they are dirty, then they are now ready to be cleaned.
Using a Dishwasher:
The only recommended washing methods for Electronic Air Cleaner cells are with soaps that are safe for use on aluminum, such as automatic dishwasher detergents.
Do not use Coil Cleaners or Contact Cleaners.
When placing the cells in a dishwasher, set four glasses upside-down to rest the cells on top of. This will protect the cells from the dishwasher spikes that may break ionizing wires, and bend collector plates.
You can place the pre-filters in the dishwasher as well.
Never allow the cells to go through the drying cycle. This will "bake on" any materials that were not removed during the wash cycle.
Be careful when removing cells after washing. The cells may be hot, and sharp edges may cause cuts.
After washing the cells, take a clean cloth and gently wipe down the ionizing wires.
Establish a regular schedule for washing your cells
Using a Tub or Bathtub
Dissolve approximately 3/4 of a cup of automatic dishwasher detergent per cell in a large plastic tub.
Let soak for 15-20 minutes.
Agitate up and down few times then remove.
Be sure to use a dishwasher detergent with sodium silicates which will protect the aluminum cells.
Using a Garden Hose
You can always set the cells and filters outside and wash them off using a garden hose with a spray nozzle attached. Use good pressure but be careful not to bend the collector plates. If they are very dirty, you can spray them with any household detergent and let soak for a minute. Then spray off.
After Cleaning:
Let the cells and filters air-dry. Try not to re-install until they are completely dry. Make sure the collector plates didn't bend during the cleaning process. Then re-insert pre-filters and cells into the unit, close cover and turn on power supply.
How do I Back-Flush my Plate Exchanger?
Back-flushing the plate exchanger, also known as the heat exchanger or a tankless coil for your Domestic Hot Water, is very easy to do. It is suggested that it should be done monthly, especially in hard-water areas. Back-flushing is important because the small passage ways inside the plate exchanger can become blocked with contaminants including rust or scale. This reduces the water pressure resulting in poor heating of the water and less flow to the faucets.
Normally, the domestic circulator [2], pulls the water from the bottom of the domestic storage tank [5], forces it up through the plate exchanger [4], and up and back into the top of the storage tank. To back flush the plate exchanger, force the water back down through the plate exchanger, in the reverse direction.
To back flush, first locate the ball valve [1], under the domestic circulator [2]. Close it by turning it 90 degrees. Next open the back flush valve [3], until the water runs clear and strong. Catch the water in a bucket to observe the material which may come out and the flow rate. It should be a strong flow. Usually 1 to 3 gallons is sufficient. Once finished, simply close the back flush valve, then re-open the ball valve.
The whole process should take less than 2 minutes. And by doing this monthly, it will keep your system working at peak performance and extend the life of the exchanger.
*Caution: The water coming out of the back flush valve may be extremely hot, enough to cause burns. Protective eye-wear and rubber gloves should be worn. Hooking up a small hose also helps, but hold onto it while draining.
How do I re-light my pilot light?
Pilot lights do go out occasionally. But if your pilot light goes out more than once per season, this could indicate a problem. Some people even shut them off for the summer. Every homeowner should know how to light his or her pilot. It isn't too difficult and there are usually instructions printed on the equipment itself. (Sometimes on the back of the furnace door.)
* Keep in mind, these instructions are for standing-pilot systems only! Most of today's systems no longer have a pilot light, they use a spark ignitor or electronic ignition.
Always follow the instructions for your appliance before anything else:
Turn off furnace, boiler, or water heater at thermostat or power switch.
Locate the gas valve and turn knob from “on” or “off” (depending where it was) to “pilot” position.
Hold down red button, which sends gas to the pilot burner.
At the same time hold match to pilot burner. (Just follow the small pilot tubing to end.) Sometimes a long match is needed, you can use needle nose pliers to hold match.
On some equipment, you may need to move a small metal door or panel for access.
Light the pilot but do not let go of button.
Continue holding button for 60 seconds.
Now let go of button, pilot should stay lit.
If not, you need to call for service.
Turn gas valve knob back to the “on” position.
Turn on appliance, turn up thermostat, main gas should light.
Remember to put back metal cover if your system had one.