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Humidifi ers
Optional fl ow-through humidifi ers add moisture to the air passing through
the furnace/air handlers. A furnace-mounted humidistat controls the amount
of moisture added.
Humidifi ers require regular maintenance. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions
for information on removing water mineral deposits.
A water shut off valve is included with a humidifi er option and will have been
shown to you during your new home Pre-Delivery Inspection.
Air Conditioners
Optional central air conditioners are sized for each home. The existing heating
device fan is used to distribute cool air through the duct work and air registers.
Even distribution of cool air throughout your home may require that you
rebalance air distribution. Further information is provided in the Furnace Section.
Air conditioners remove heat from the air inside your home and discharge the
heat through a heat exchanger and fan blower unit mounted on the exterior
of your home. Planting bushes or obstructing the fl ow of air from the exterior
unit may result in the compressor overheating and failing to operate.
When the air conditioner is operating, a small amount of moisture may form
on the evaporator coils, which are located in the heating device duct work.
The water eventually fl ows through the condensate pipe to the basement
fl oor drain. Setting the thermostat exceptionally low will not result in faster
cooling and will cause an excessive amount of water to form and freeze on
the coils. Ice build up will reduce the effi ciency of the unit and may require
professional servicing.
Air conditioner maintenance includes changing the furnace fi lter regularly
and arranging annual professional cleaning and servicing. Clean and cover
the exterior unit during winter months to preserve the metal housing.
Heat Recovery Ventilator
Heat Recovery Ventilators (HRV) provide a controlled exchange of stale
interior air with fresh outside air. The HRV extracts heat from the outgoing
stale air and preheats incoming replacement air.
If you invested in an HRV, the on/off switch is located on the main level of your
home near the thermostat with master controls on the unit. Operating the HRV
on low speed is suffi cient for normal activities.
During the summer months when humidity levels are unusually high, the
humidistat located on or inside the HRV should be turned to 100 percent.
Regular maintenance should be followed as recommended in the
manufacturer’s manual.