Glossary of terms   Frequently asked questions

Energy savings tips   Repair vs Replace?

 

 

      Frequently asked questions

• How often should I have my equipment serviced?
• Why should I have my equipment serviced?
• What does SEER mean?
• Do you sell and install other brands  than Carrier?
• Do you offer financing?
• Will a programmable thermostat reduce my utility bill?
• Can I save money by using ceiling fan with my system?

        How often should I have my equipment serviced?

Heating and air conditioning equipment should be serviced twice a year, once before each cooling season and once before each heating season.  

        Why should I have my equipment serviced?

You can easily have a problem with your system and not know about it, which can cause high utility bills and decrease the life of your system. Having a yearly maintenance plan gives you peace of mind and your system will give you peak performance for many years.

        What does SEER mean?

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. A measure of seasonal or annual efficiency of a central air conditioner. The higher the seer number, the more energy-efficient your system will be.

           Do you sell and install other brands than Carrier?

Yes, Trane, Comfortmaker and other quality systems. No matter what brand we install, our installations are done to our high specifications to insure each job is done right. 

          Do you offer financing?

Yes, we have financing plans suitable for all budgets.

        Will a programmable thermostat reduce my utility bill?

Yes, programmable thermostats may reduce your bill up to 30%, by programming your thermostat to be at a higher setting when nobody is home.

        Can I save money by using ceiling fan with my system?

Ceiling fans use very little electricity. By using ceiling fans you can raise your thermostat to a higher setting and still be comfortable, while using less energy.

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Glossary of terms

AFUE                       Annualized Fuel Utilization Efficiency is a measure of your furnace's heating efficiency. The higher the AFUE, the more efficient the furnace.

Air Flow                  The distribution or movement of air.

Air Handler              The indoor part of an air-conditioner or heat pump that moves cooled or heated air throughout the ductwork. An air handler is usually located in the attic or crawl space of your home or in a closet.

BTU                            British Thermal Unit. One Btu is the amount of heat required to raise one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.

Carbon Monoxide       An odorless, colorless, tasteless, poisonous and flammable gas that is produced when carbon burns with insufficient air.

CFM                              Cubic Feet per Minute. This measurement indicates how many cubic feet of air pass by a stationary point in one minute.

Compressor             The part of the outdoor air- conditioner or heat pump that compresses and pumps refrigerant to meet cooling  requirements.

Damper                   A movable plate, located in the ductwork, that regulates airflow.

Ductwork                     The method by which air is distributed from the furnace or air handler.

Energy Star®              An EPA ( Environmental Protection Agency) designation attached to HVAC products that meet of exceed EPA guidelines for high- efficiency systems.

Evaporator Coil           The part of the air conditioner or heat pump that is located inside the air handler or attached to the furnace. Its primary function is to absorb the heat from the air in your house.

Heat Exchanger           Located in the furnace, the heat exchanger transfers heat to the surrounding air, which is then pumped throughout your home.

Heat Pump                  A heat pump is an HVAC unit that heats or cools by moving heat. During the winter, a heat pump draws heat from outdoor air and circulates it through your home's ductwork. In the summer, it reverses the process and removes heat from inside your home and releases it outdoors.  

HSPF                                Heating  Seasonal Performance Factor is the heating efficiency rating for heat pumps. The higher the rating, the more efficient the heat pump.

HVAC                               Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning.

Merv Rating                   Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value rating of a filter describes the size of the holes in the filter that allow air to pass through. The higher the Merv rating, the smaller the holes in the filter, the higher the efficiency.

Package Unit               A heating and cooling system contained in one outdoor unit.

R 410A\ Puron®                           A chlorine- free refrigerant that meets the EPA's newest, most stringent environmental guidelines.

Refrigerant Lines       Two copper lines that connect the outdoor air-conditioner or heat pump to the evaporator coil.

SEER                                Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio is an energy efficiency rating for air-conditioners, the higher the SEER rating, the more you save.

Split System                   An HVAC system in which some componets are located inside the structure of the house and some are located outside.

Thermidistat               Monitors temperature and humidity and adjusts heating and cooling system to maintain desired levels.

Ton                            Unit of measurement for determining cooling capacity. One ton equals 12,000 Btuh.

Up flow                        When an air handler of furnace is installed in an upright position and circulates air through the side or bottom and out through the top.

Variable Speed              A motor that automatically adjusts the flow of warm or cool air for ultimate comfort.

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Energy Saving Tips 

60% of your utility bill comes from your heating and cooling system, making it the largest energy expense in your home. Listed below are a list of energy saving tips to help you save money on your monthly utility bills. 

Install a Energy Star® labeled programmable thermostat

Programmable thermostats automatically adjust your home's temperature settings, allowing you to save energy while you're away or sleeping. Saving you up to 30% on your utility bill.

Recommended thermostat settings

Set your thermostat to 78 in the summer months and 68 in the winter months.

Have your Ducts inspected for leaks and proper insulation

Ducts not properly sealed or insulated can cause heated or cooled air to escape in your attic or in a crawl space before it reaches inside your home, causing your system to work harder to achieve your desired temperature, which can raise your utility bill.

Inspect your filter every month  

Restricted air filters can cause your heating and cooling unit to waste energy and can shorten the life of your system. Check your air filter at least once a month and replace if necessary.

Make sure your registers or vents are not restricted 

Registers that are blocked by furniture, drapes, rugs or carpets can restrict airflow, causing your system to work harder to properly heat and cool your home.     

Use ceiling fans to help cool your home  

Since ceiling fans use very little electricity, you can raise your thermostat at a higher setting and still feel comfortable while using less electricity.

Install window treatments

Close curtains and shades in the summer months to block sunlight, open curtains and shades in the winter months to help warm rooms. 

Do not cover or block outdoor unit

Keep a minimum 12" clearance around your outdoor unit from vines, tall grasses, shrubs, etc. also, turn off your system when mowing or trimming around your outdoor unit to prevent grass clippings or other debris from accumulating on the sides or top of unit.   

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Repair vs Replace

Making the decision to either repair your old heating and cooling system or replace it with a new system is not easy. It's a decision homeowners just like you make everyday. We know you want to make a thoughtful, well- informed choice. That's why we've designed a checklist to help guide you through the decision-making process.  

There are five main questions that need to be considered when your HVAC system fails or you decide to replace a component of your system:

     1)  How old is your system? 

If your system is more than 10 years old, it may be wiser to invest in new, higher efficiency equipment, which could cut your energy costs by up to 40%.

     2)  What is the efficiency level of your current home comfort system?

Unfortunately, replacing parts of your old system will not improve the efficiency. If the energy savings of using a higher efficiency system will cover all or part of the cost of investing in new equipment, you should seriously consider replacement of the old system. 

     3)  What is the overall condition of your system?

If your system is in solid condition, it could be wiser to simply repair it. But if your system breaks down often, you should consider replacing it.

    4)  How often is your system operating?

If your system has been used extensively, it may be time to replace it.

    5)  Are you planning to move soon?

If you are moving within the next year or two and believe investing in a new home comfort system will improve the value of your home, you should consider making the investment. If you plan to live in your current residence for many years, it may also be wise to go ahead and invest in your future comfort.

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Repair or replace checklist