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Do you have a question that is not covered here? Give us a call! (610) 692-7960

What is a heat pump and how does it work?

A heat pump combines cooling and heating capability in one unit. When cooling, the heat pumps operates like an air conditioner, removing the heat from indoors and transferring it outdoors. In the winter the heat pump takes heat from the outdoors and transfers it inside your home. Even at freezing temperatures, there is still heat in the outdoor air that can be used to warm a home by using a heat pump. To augment the heat pump on very cold days, electric resistance heaters are installed in the indoor section of the unit.

What does SEER mean?

Season Energy Efficiency Ratio. It is a system for rating the efficiency of air conditioning equipment. SEER is calculated by dividing the cooling capacity in BTU/H, of a continuously operating air conditioner, by the electric power input, or watts, of power consumed. The higher your SEER, the less the unit will cost to operate.

What is HSPF?

HSPF stands for Heating Seasonal Performance Factor. This measures the efficiency of the heating portion of the heat pump. A higher number means the unit works more efficiently.

Tell me about AFUE

Furnace Efficiency is rated by its Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE). AFUE is the ratio of heat output divided by the heat input. This measures how completely the fuel, either gas or oil, is consumed to heat as the furnace heats your home. The higher the AFUE rating, the lower the fuel cost. Furnaces in the United States must have at least 78% AFUE.

How do I know what to buy?

Make sure the unit that you select is the correct size for your needs. Systems that are too large or too small can be inefficient. We would be pleased to provide an energy analysis to show you the true operating cost. We will help you understand your options. You should consider specific comfort issues in your home. If someone in the family has allergies, an air filtration system should be considered as part of the installation.

 

Some of the many variables to be considered in determining the system requirements are: square feet to be served, area climate, humidity, number of windows in the home, insulation, which direction your home faces, what heat producing appliances are installed, including home computers, and the number of people who will be in the home.

What else might be needed if I replace my old system?

Beside the installation of new equipment, other items need to be inspected and possibly replaced, such as, thermostat, ducts, refrigerant piping, electrical service, wiring, condensate piping, insulation, flue piping and terminations, chimney liner, slabs, filter, registers, grills, drain pans and evaporator coil.

What is Freon/R-22?

Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC), known as R-22 has been used as a refrigerant for more than 40 years by HVAC manufacturers. While HCFC's are considered safe for the environment they do contain chlorine which is classed as an ozone-depleting chemical. The Clean Air Act set a target date of January 1, 2010 after which HVAC manufacturers can no longer build products that use R-22. Manufacturers  of refrigerants will still be allowed to produce R-22 until January 1, 2020 after which time only recovery and recycling will provide R-22 for servicing older installed systems.

What is R-410A?

R-410A is a hydro fluorocarbon (HFC), which is an environmentally friendly refrigerant that is considered by most to be the likely replacement for R-22.

Why should I replace my existing furnace and/or air conditioning system if it is still functioning?

You should consider replacing your system if it is old, and therefore less efficient or if it might need repairing in the near future. Systems today can be 60% more efficient than systems built as little as 10 years ago. Normal wear and tear can reduce the efficiency of you system. If you are looking at large utility bills or are if you are faced with the prospect of an expensive repair, you may want to consider replacing your system. Going through another costly season of utility bills or paying for an expensive failed part can go a long way toward the cost of a new system.

Should I change my indoor coil?

When replacing your air conditioner or heat pump the answer is probably yes. Efficiency ratings are based on a matched system. If only the outdoor portion is changed the efficiency could be lowered and consequently your savings could be less.

What is a “zoned system”

Zoned systems eliminate "hot and cold spots" and can help save energy. Your house is split into areas with common heating and cooling requirements, and every "zone" is under the control of its own thermostat. Each zone is heated or cooled independently of the others. Electronically controlled dampers direct heated or cooled air. This can reduce energy bills as much as 30%.

How long should my unit last?

With proper maintenance, industry averages suggest that an air conditioner should last 12-15 years (high humidity/salt air applications may be less than that) and a gas furnace should last as long as 20 or 25 years.

How often should I change or clean my filters?

Dirty filters should be replaced to prevent equipment from working harder, resulting in energy waste and possibly causing damage to your unit. Filters should generally be replaced every month when the system is running. Filters should be replaced with the same kind and size as your original filter. If the filter is not disposable, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning it. The pre-filter and collection cells of an electronic air cleaner should be cleaned at least two or three times per year.

My furnace has an electronic ignition. Can that be replaced with an old-fashioned pilot light? If not, why can't this be done?

The control circuitry is controlled by the ignition board so much more than just the spark unit would need to be replaced. With the higher efficiency furnaces, spark ignition allows you to save 6 to 7 dollars per month which is the cost of operating a pilot.

I was told that my air conditioner has a slow refrigerant leak. Why can't they find the leak?

There are some leaks, very minor, that will not show up even with an ultraviolet detection. To find some of these minor leaks, the cost may be prohibitive due to the age of the equipment.

How close to the outdoor unit can I plant flowers or bushes?

Plants probably should not be closer than 18 inches. Air conditioners need air circulation to operate efficiently. If air cannot circulate, the unit could build up heat and break down. Also, when the unit needs normal maintenance, plantings closer that 18 inches make it more difficult to service the unit.

Should I cover my outdoor unit in the winter?

Covering the unit is not necessary. Air conditioners are built to withstand a wide range of climate changes. Rain even helps keep your unit clean. Since heat pumps run all year long, they should not be covered.

Should I set my thermostat fan to the "ON" position so the fan runs all the time?

There are advantages. One is full-time filtering of the air in your home. Another is that you can maintain a more even temperature throughout your home.

Should I be concerned about carbon monoxide in my home?

Yes. Carbon monoxide can cause serious health problems and even death. Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur in any home unless precautions are taken.

What is carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that is produced by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels. Appliances such as your furnace, space heater, water heater, stove, charcoal grill or gas dryer can be sources of carbon monoxide, especially if they are not in proper working condition, or have been installed improperly. Vehicle exhaust fumes from attached garages, and improperly operating fireplaces also can be carbon monoxide hazards. If your home has been tightly sealed for energy efficiency CO can be an even worse hazard.

What are some of the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?

Unfortunately, the symptoms caused by carbon monoxide poisoning are easily overlooked because they are often like the flu. With mild exposure, most people experience headaches, fatigue and nausea. Medium exposure can cause a severe throbbing headache, drowsiness, disorientation, confusion and an accelerated heart rate. Extreme exposure can lead to unconsciousness, convulsions, heart or respiratory failure, coma and possibly death.

How can I detect carbon monoxide in my home?

The best method of detection is to use a carbon monoxide detector in your home. It monitors the air for carbon monoxide and sounds an alarm if harmful levels are detected.

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