Ask Dave: Is water around outdoor unit dangerous?

Dear Dave:

We've had flooding this week with all the rain and we got water in our basement and around our outdoor unit.  Is that dangerous?

Dear Waterlogged:

It could be if it gets high enough.  3 or 4 inches shouldn't be a problem since all electrical connections are higher than that on both a furnace and an outdoor condensing unit.  If it gets higher than that you need to have a serviceperson check it out before turning it back on.  Don't forget, your heating and cooling equipment are electrical machines.  So anytime there is standing water near them, proceed with caution.

Here's hoping the sun comes out and stays out for awhile!

Sincerely,
David

Buy two get one FREE filters!

It is also now time to change the filter in your indoor unit.  We have a coupon in our Comfort News that is going in the mail today.  It is Buy Two Filters, Get One Free! Call us right now, however, as we are honoring it without the coupon in hand.You can stock up for the next year and finish up the allergy season with a fresh filter.

Finally, if you have a heat pump, be aware that when they are set to cool, a valve is activated in the outdoor unit.  When it's off you may hear a buzzing sound if you are standing near the outdoor condensing unit and that is normal.

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Should I keep my heat pump set tp emergency heat all winter?

Dear Dave:

My builder told me to always run my heat pump on emergency heat in the winter. Why?

Dear Customer:

Your builder must own stock in the electric company. What happens when you set your heat pump to emergency heat is that ONLY your indoor furnace works. Your outdoor heat pump is turned off. If you have a natural gas furnace that is o.k. If you have electric resistance backup or propane, that is a terrible idea. You will literally double the cost of heating your home. A heat pump takes free heat from the outdoor air and "pumps" it into your home. You only pay for the "pumping". The heat is free. Depending on the outdoor temperature it is 2 to 3 times cheaper than propane or an electric furnace. The reason I’ve heard from builders to turn it to "emer. heat" is so you always have real warm air from the registers. High efficient heat pumps have warm air. Usually 95-100 deg. Don’t "buy" into it. Any extra heat you feel is from dollar bills "burning". (Yours when you pay your bill!)

Sincerely,

David White