1Should I repair or replace my system?
There are five main questions that need to be considered when deciding to either replace or repair your heating and cooling system:
- How old is your system? If your system is more than ten years old, it may be wiser to invest in new, higher efficiency equipment, which could cut your energy costs by up to 40%.
- What is the efficiency level of your current system? What was efficiency when the system was new? 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.
- 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.
- How often is your system operating? If your system has been used extensively, it may be time to replace it.
2What is the average life of a system?
Most systems have a lifetime of 10 to 15 years. As your equipment gets older, its efficiency can decrease dramatically. You may notice that it gets noisier and needs repairs more often. If your system is over 10 years old, you should have your ductless mini split system checked for maintenance or replacement.
3What is a BTU?
BTU stands for British Thermal Unit, this unit of measure is used to measure cooling or heating capacity; 1 BTU is the amount of heat required to raise (or lower) the temperature of 1 pound of water 1 degree Fahrenheit.
4How often should I clean the filter?
The filter has a life span of 6 to 8 years and should be washed every 400 hours of use. The filter easily detaches to be washed with mild detergent. Some models of indoor unit will notify you when it is time to clean the filter. If the light is ignored, the unit will automatically shut down after 100 additional hours of use until the filter is washed.
We can help taking care of your new heating and cooling system. Enroll in our Service and Maintenance Program, and our Customer Care Specialists will send a technician to your home when it is time to clean filter. But wait, our technicians will also check the whole system per manufacturer’s guidelines to make sure it is safe to use and performs at peak efficiency.
5Can I install a ductless mini split system myself?
Installation of a ductless mini split air conditioner is more complicated that a window unit but far less complicated than installing central air. You will need to run refrigerant lines for the coolant, wires electricity, and condensate line drainage. Please follow manufacturer instructions carefully. You will also need a properly trained and licensed person to charge it with the right amount of refrigerant. Call us for a Certified Start-Up by one of our manufacturer trained technicians – we will make sure that the installation was done correctly, evacuate and charge refrigerant as needed for your particular installation, check and start the system.
6How noisy is a ductless mini split?
In general, the sound generated by a head is equivalent to whispering in a library (between 21 and 30 decibels). The sound from an outdoor unit is more like normal conversation (60 decibels) but is less than a conventional air conditioning condenser.
7What makes up a ductless mini split system?
A ductless mini split system is an indoor fan, referred to as the head, and an outdoor compressor unit. The head measures about 11 inches high, 34 inches long and 12 inches deep and connects with the compressor by copper tubing and electrical wiring that’s passed through a 3-inch hole. The compressor looks like a small central air condenser and can cool and heat one or more rooms.
8How does the GFCI work?
GFCI’s constantly monitor electricity flowing in a circuit. If the electricity flowing into the circuit differs by even a slight amount from that returning, the GFCI will quickly shut off the current flowing through that circuit. The advantage of using GFCI’s is that they can detect even small variations in the amount of leakage current, even amounts too small to activate a fuse or circuit breaker. GFCI’s work quickly, so they can help protect consumers from severe electric shocks and electrocution.
9What is a GFCI?
A ground fault circuit interrupter or GFCI, is an electronic device for protecting people from serious injury due to electric shock.
10What do I need to buy for a basic electrical tool kit?
We recommend the following:
- Needle-nose pliers
- Insulated screwdriver
- Combination tool
- Utility knife
- Keyhole sawv
- Continuity tester
- Neon circuit tester
- Fish tape
- Electrical tape
- Wire connectors
11What is a time delay fuse?
Time delay fuses are used on circuits where appliance motors have initial surges of electrical power when the motor starts. This initial surge might blow a regular fuse.
12What is a GFCI device or breaker?
GFCI stands for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter. In layman’s terms this device protects you from electrical shock. When it senses the slightest increase in resistance resulting from ground fault, (i.e., the use of electrical devices in or near water), it turns off to protect you.
13Why do I blow fuses or why does my circuit breaker trip?
Except in the case of ground fault interrupters, which are susceptible to moisture and/or weather conditions, fuses and circuit breakers should not trip. Check to see if some type of plugged in appliance is causing the problem.
14How do I reset my breaker when it has tripped off?
First, disconnect any additional devices that may have caused the breaker to overload and trip. Breakers are mechanical devices and must be turned all the way off before turning back on. Remember this is a mechanical device, so this may require several attempts. If this fails to reset the breaker, there may be a more serious problem. Call Hucker Electric.
15Can I plug any 110-volt device I wish into my regular 110-volt outlets throughout my house?
Yes. Though, if the device exceeds the capacity of the circuit, the breaker will trip off.
16When my air conditioner cycles on, I notice my lights blink. Is this normal?
Yes. This is a common occurrence when large motor/compressor loads start. These devices cause a minor momentary voltage drop, demonstrating itself as the blinking in your lights. This has no negative effect on the electrical equipment within your house.
17My smoke detector keeps chirping. What does this mean?
This could mean one of two things.
1. An intermittent chirp is probably an indication of a defective smoke detector.
2. A consistent chirp is probably an indication of a low battery condition and the smoke detector requires a new battery.
18I have low water pressure in my home. What can I do about it?
There are several things that could cause low water pressure, including a partially closed or malfunctioning shut off valve, a crimped water line, or deposits that gather in older galvanized pipes. If your neighbors have strong water pressure, the problem is most likely between the water meter and your home.
19Our faucet makes a banging noise when I turn it off and on. What’s wrong?
Most of the time when you hear a banging faucet it is actually a defective washer allowing the water increased water pressure through the pipes. For the homeowner, sometimes these are easy to fix, sometimes not.
20How can I prohibit leaking pipes?
Take the time every once and a while to inspect your pipes. If rust or lime is depositing on them, this may indicate a leak is starting.By performing an occasional inspection you could stop a small problem before it turns into a large and expensive one. Leaking pipes can damage floors and belongings and become much more costly than if the problem was detected early.
21Why does my drain get clogged?
Usually drains are clogged because people are not careful of what they put in them, especially in the kitchen. Other drains, like in the bathroom, get clogged because of the oil residue from soaps, shampoos and hair. It is recommended that you are conscious of what you put down your drains and treat them regularly with a drain cleaner such as Bio-Clean.
22How do I fix a leaky valve?
On almost every valve there is a packing nut (behind the handle). By opening and closing the valve the packing nut may become loose, needing to be tightened. Tightening the packing nut will stop the dripping in most cases.
23I have a jammed garbage disposal – what do I do?
To reset a garbage disposal if it is humming, push the red reset button on the disposal, located on the bottom underneath the unit, or use an allen wrench in center of disposal to unjam if no reset button is present. Unplug the unit first before using allen wrench. Plug it back in and check it out.
Next, check to make sure the power is on. If the power is on and the unit is still non operational call
24Can chemical drain cleaners take care of a clog?
Homeowners often turn to chemical drain cleaners that are available at retailers to take care of clogs. One disadvantage to using chemical cleaners instead of contacting a plumber is the fact that these cleaners pose a danger to children and pets because of the toxicity of the chemicals present. Chemicals can also erode pipes and cause damage that will need to be repaired by a professional plumber in the future.
25How can homeowners prevent pipes from freezing in the winter?
Pipes that freeze in winter often do so because they are located in unheated areas of a home or are exposed to cold winds. Homeowners can begin to ensure that pipes do not freeze by having a plumbing inspection by ServiceMark Heating, Cooling and Plumbing and place insulation where necessary.
26What causes water to become discolored?
Discolored water can be associated with a variety of different plumbing problems. Iron and magnesium buildups lead to black water. Although these minerals are not dangerous, homeowners can contact a company that specializes in water softening like ServiceMark Heating, Cooling and Plumbing to discuss how to filter these minerals out of their water. The water softener that is used in a home can also cause a discoloration if resin beads get into the water.
27What is a Air Handler?
An air handler is usually a large metal box containing a blower, heating or cooling elements, filter racks or chambers, sound attenuators, and dampers. Air handlersusually connect to a ductwork ventilation system that distributes the conditioned airthrough the building and returns it to the AHU.
28How Does a Ductless Split System Work?
A ductless split system starts with a simple outdoor compressor. Like a traditional air conditioning model or heat pump, the air compressor provides the cooling and heating power needed by the rest of your home. However, because it has no ducts, you can control where that cool air is transferred.
One or a series of indoor units and refrigeration lines are used to transfer the cooled air from the outdoor compressor to the indoor units of your choice. It works in reverse with heated air in the winter. Units can be placed in any rooms you like and because each unit is individual, you control the specific temperature in that room instead of needing to set one thermostat for the entire house. As a result, you save money by cooling or heating only the space you are using. Mini-split indoor units are enough to keep most bedrooms comfortable, but full split units are generally needed for larger spaces.
29How Do I Know What Type of Heating System Is Right For Me?
Hiring an HVAC contractor for professional advice is the best approach when you are in the market for a new heating system. Different types of heaters work better in some homes than others. For instance, if you need both heat and air, you may want to consider installing a heat pump rather than a furnace. However, an electric or gas furnace may be a better option for your particular home.
30How Can I Tell If My Heating System Is Working Efficiently?
When you schedule your regular maintenance visit with a qualified heating technician, they will test your system to make sure it is running at optimal levels. But there are some ways you can determine whether or not your system is working efficiently on your own. Abnormally high heating bills are one of the indicators that your system is running at low efficiency levels, but keep in mind that how well your home is insulated and sealed also plays a role in heating costs.
You can also tell by how warm your house stays throughout the winter. If some rooms are colder than others, or if you find that you are turning up the thermostat more often, your heating system may not be running very efficiently. Changing your filters and vacuuming your vents can help, but if you continue to have problems, call an HVAC professional to inspect and test your heater.
31When Should I Replace My Heating System?
There are a few obvious signals that let you know when it’s time to upgrade your heating system. Frequent repairs, recent spikes in utility bills, and inconsistent temperatures in the home are a few warning signs that it’s time for a new heater. But if you’ve had the same heating system for twenty years or more, it would be a good idea to talk to an HVAC contractor about having it inspected to determine if it’s time for a heater replacement. Even if your old heater has worked without problems for years, a professional heating technician is trained to detect any indication that it needs to be replaced. If you are concerned about your heating costs, you should talk to a heating professional about other options
32How Often Does My Heating System Need To Be Serviced?
It’s recommended that you schedule a maintenance service visit once a year with a licensed HVAC technician. This will prolong the life of your heating system and keep it running safely and efficiently throughout the cold season. A qualified heating technician will thoroughly clean and inspect all of your heater’s components and make any necessary repairs or adjustments. Not only does this ensure that your heater is performing at optimal levels, which helps to save on overall heating costs, but it also allows the technician to address any major problems or safety concerns.
33How much should a typical radiant floor heating system cost?
System costs will vary greatly depending on the installation requirements, control choices, and project size. Simple radiant heat systems in large slabs in temperate zones cost only slightly more than the alternatives. However, if you select the many options and features that radiant can offer your home, the first cost will be higher.
Remember that the principal advantages of radiant are comfort and lower operating costs. You should review your plans and requirements with your installing contractor to get a firm price on a turn-key system.
34Does a Radiant house take a long time to heat up from a cold start?
Most radiant floor heat systems take about a day to come up to full temperature. The reason for this is due to how the radiant heating system stores energy. Before a radiant floor can emit energy (heat) into a space, it first has to raise the floor temperature. Depending on the floor construction and the initial floor temperature, this start up time may be anywhere from a few hours to a few days. Slab on grade floors will see the largest start up time, mainly because they will have the highest mass value.
35What type of floor coverings can be used over a radiant heat system?
Most floor coverings can be used over a hydronic heating system, keeping in mind that the system is designed for that particular covering.
Tile is the most efficient, since it is the most conductive. Hardwoods come next, and then carpet and pad. Even vinyl or linoleum can be used. Typically the only design variance between these three common floor coverings is supply temperature.
36What type of floor construction should I use?
Any type of floor construction can be used with a radiant heat system. The most common will be a slab on grade, or a frame floor. Some variations of these may include a thin slab over a frame floor or a Sandwich application. The important thing to remember is to inform us of the exact construction of the floor. There will be design variations between a frame floor project and a slab on grade. Keep in mind, it is better to design the building for what is required structurally and let the radiant system be designed around the construction details.
37What are some types of Thermostats?
There are five basic types of automatic and programmable thermostats:
- Electromechanical
- Digital
- Hybrid
- Occupancy
- Light Sensing
38What is a Thermostat?
It is a temperature-sensitive switch that controls a space conditioning unit or system, such as a furnace, air conditioner, or both. When the indoor temperature drops below or rises above the thermostat setting, the switch moves to the “on” position, and your furnace or air conditioner runs to warm or cool the house air to the setting you selected for your family’s comfort. A thermostat, in its simplest form, must be manually adjusted to change the indoor air temperature.
39Is UV Light harmful?
UV light can be harmful just as the sun’s UV light can be when someone is exposed for too long a time. One should neither look at or touch a UV light bulb while it is on for any length of time. Fortunately, when the UV light system is installed in your HVAC system, there is no direct or harmful exposure to you or your family. Remember to power off your purifier before replacing the lamps and do not look directly at a lamp that is powered on.
40Do UV Air Purifiers produce increased ozone?
EPA: According to two studies, operating UV lamps installed in HVAC systems to irradiate the surfaces of air-handling units does not result in increased concentrations of ozone.
41What maintenance does a UV Air Purifier require?
Your UV Air Purifier requires little maintenance. Simply replace the bulb once per year, or once every two years depending on the model.
42What is the difference between UV Air Purifiers and air filtration?
Both products are effective at removing harmful elements from the air, but UV Air Purifiers focus on removing airborne germs, bacteria and mold while filtration focuses on removing harmful particulates that become airborne.
43The hot water supply from my combination boiler fluctuates. Is this correct?
Depending on heat output, combination boilers can only supply a one tap at a time. Turning on additional taps will reduce the flow of hot water. If the water is not hot enough you may have to reduce the flow (by turning the tap down) to increase the temperature. This may be necessary especially in winter when the water supply to the boiler is colder.
44What type of Boiler do I need?
The type of boiler you need will depend on the size of your house, plus your hot water requirements.
45How much does a replacement boiler cost?
You can ask your local plumbers’ merchants for prices. You will need to add the cost of installation. For an estimate of the total cost you should contact a Gas Safe registered installer.
46How often should I get my Boiler serviced?
Your boiler should be serviced annually (this is a legal safety requirement if you live in a rented property). The best time to do this is during the summer months when installers are not so busy. Any Gas Safe registered installer should be able to carry a service for you.
47What is a high efficiency Filter, and do I need a high efficiency filter if I have a high efficiency furnace?
Filter efficiency refers to the percentage of airborne particles that the filter removes. This is different from the fuel efficiency of your furnace (commonly measured as the AFUE). You can choose either a high-efficiency or a low-efficiency filter for your highly fuel efficient furnace. (Note, however, that failing to change / clean your filter regularly can reduce your furnace’s fuel efficiency.)
48How do I determine which Filter to buy for my particular model of Furnace?
Check the documentation that came with your furnace. However, sometimes those manuals seem like they were written by teenage chimpanzees
49Do I have to use a Filter that is manufactured by the same company that makes my Furnace?
Generally you can buy your filter from any source. Check with a filter vendor or the documentation that came with your furnace to be sure.
50How often do I need to change my Furnace Filter?
Check the documentation that came with your furnace. Recommendations vary based on a number of factors: the type of filter that you use, how many pets you have, whether anyone in your home has allergies, etc. If you use disposable fiberglass panel or electrostatic panel filters, you should change them anywhere from once a month to once every three months. Pleated filters generally last from 3 months to a year. Filters are relatively inexpensive and easy to change, so there is little reason to wait. If you don’t change or clean your filter often enough the filter can get clogged with dust and other airborne particles, forcing your furnace to work harder to maintain airflow. This will reduce your furnace’s efficiency and can cause damage.
51What is the purpose of a Furnace Filter?
Furnace manufacturers put inexpensive fiberglass filters into their furnaces to remove airborne particles that might damage the fan and the heating coil. Particle buildup can also decrease the efficiency of your furnace, as the furnace has to work harder to pull air through the intake. More expensive filters can also improve the air quality in your house by removing pollen, bacteria and mold spores from the air. This is especially important if you or someone in your family suffers from allergies.
52Will my new Furnace work differently than my old one?
Furnace technology has advanced significantly in recent years. Modern furnaces are designed to provide more even and efficient heating than past furnaces, which can impact both how your system operates and what you notice about your system.
To better regulate temperatures and airflow, modern furnaces move more air over the heat exchanger than older furnaces. The air that comes out of your furnace registers may not seem as warm as the air from your old furnace, but overall airflow is improved. Better airflow means higher comfort.
Also, new furnaces are designed to integrate with high-efficiency air conditioners, so furnace blowers are more powerful to accommodate add-on cooling. Since cold air is much heavier than warm air, your system needs an extra boost from the blower to deliver cool air throughout your home. If you have an older home, this performance boost could produce unfamiliar sounds because air duct systems were originally designed for heating only. To minimize sound levels, choose a variable speed product which automatically changes speeds to meet the airflow needs of both heating and cooling cycles.
53What are Furnace Ratings?
Furnaces are rated by the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratio, which is the percent of heat produced for every dollar of fuel consumed.
Like the miles-per-gallon rating on your automobile, the higher the AFUE rating, the lower your fuel costs. All furnaces manufactured today must meet at least 78% AFUE. If your furnace is 10 – 15 years old, it very well may fall below the current furnace minimum and waste energy.
This doesn’t mean that you should only select a furnace based on its AFUE rating. The efficiency rating is just one factor to consider when looking for a new furnace.
Furnaces use electricity to run fans and motors. The amount of electricity used varies greatly depending on the type of furnace. Be sure to check electricity usage prior to making a purchase decision.
54How much does a GSHP cost?
The initial investment for a GSHP system is greater than that of a conventional system. However, when you consider the operating costs of a geothermal heating, cooling, and water heating system, energy savings quickly offset the initial difference in purchase price.
55Are GSHP systems guaranteed?
Nearly all GSHP system manufacturers offer a warranty for major components that is equivalent to the warranties for conventional heating and cooling systems. Manufacturers of plastic pipe used for ground loops warrant their products for 50 years.
56How safe are GSHPs?
GSHP systems are safe and protected. With no exposed equipment outdoors, children or pets cannot injure themselves or damage exterior units. GSHPs have no open flame, flammable fuel or potentially dangerous fuel storage tanks.
57How much space does a GSHP unit require?
Most of a GSHP installation is underground. Inside the house, the heat pump units are about the same size as a traditional heating and cooling unit.
58How does a GSHP system heat water for my home?
Using what is called a desuperheater, GSHPs turn waste heat to the task of heating hot water. During the summer, when the system is in cooling mode, your hot water is produced free as a byproduct of the thermal process. In winter, with the heating mode, the desuperheater heats a portion of your hot water. Desuperheaters are standard on some units, optional on others. Stand-alone systems that will heat water all year around can be purchased.
59How efficient is a GSHP?
The GSHP is one of the most efficient residential heating and cooling systems available today, with heating efficiencies 50 to 70% higher than other heating systems and cooling efficiencies 20 to 40% higher than available air conditioners. That directly translates into savings for you on your utility bills.
60What is a MERV Rating?
MERV is an acronym that stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value.
What is a MERV Rating?MERV Rating is a filter comparison system designed by an industry group called the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). Simply put, it’s a rating scale designed to allow consumers to easily compare the performance of one filter to another.
Why is there a MERV Rating?It is designed to measure a filter’s ability to capture and hold particles and pollutants. The higher the MERV rating, the more particles – dust mites, pet dander, air allergens, etc – your filter will remove from the air. Of course, screening out more particles from your air makes your air handler work a bit harder, so you may see a modest increase in power consumption by your air conditioning or furnace unit when choosing a higher MERV Rating.
How a MERV Rating benefits you?Matching the right MERV rating to your needs will improve your home’s air quality and will extend the life of your furnace or air conditioner.
61What does MERV mean?
Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value, or MERV for short, is a filter rating system devised by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) to standardize and simplify filter efficiency ratings for the public. The higher the MERV rating, the higher the efficiency of the air filter. Simply stated, a MERV 12 filter will remove smaller particles from the air than a MERV 8 filter. For the consumer this means that you now have the ability to effectively compare one filter to another. In general, any MERV 8 or 11 filter will perform about the same as any other MERV 8 or 11 filter, respectively. The MERV rating only applies to efficiency. Additions such as carbon, Lysol anti-bacterial treatment and Arm & Hammer baking soda are value-added benefits and are not an expression of the MERV rating system. If allergies or asthma are your concern, we suggest you choose a MERV 8 filter or higher.
62What are the life expectancies of Filters?
Fiberglass filters last up to 30 days. Pleated filters can last up to 90 days. Washable filters should be washed every 30 days and last up to 5 years. Mini-pleated filters should be vacuumed every 60 days and will last up to one year. There is no “standard expectancy” for an air filter. It all depends on each home’s characteristics, how many people live there, if there are pets, if there are smokers, how much air pollution and pollen is in your town, etc… The best way to make sure you are changing your air filter on time is to be proactive and regularly check it. Mark it on your calendar, schedule it in your phone, or put a note on the refrigerator.
63How often should I change my Filter?
The life of your filter depends on your environment and the type of filter you have installed. To put it simply, there really is no concrete answer to this question. Certain things such as:
- the number of people who live in your home
- if there are pets in the house
- if there is a smoker in the house
- if you leave the windows open
- if you have pollen bearing trees or plants in the neighborhood
- if you live in an area with a lot of dampness
- if you live in an area that is dry or arid
- plus many others
If several of these factors sound familiar, you’ll likely experience a quicker loading of particles on your filters and will consequently have to change it more often. A good rule of thumb is to check every month. If you can hold the filter up to a light and not see through it, it is time to change your filter. At an absolute minimum, you should change your filter every three months. A clean air filter will also prevent dust and dirt from building up in the system, which could lead to expensive maintenance and utility bills.
64How do you change a Filter?
Modern central heating and air conditioning systems generally have the filter located as close to the blower unit as possible, in the cold air return duct. Remove the grill or box cover holding your filter in place.
Remove the dirty filter:
Dispose of the dirty filter in a bag to contain the dirt.
Install:
Install the new or cleaned and dried air filter with the air flow arrow pointing toward the blower. Record the date and wash or change the filter within the recommended period. If you experience higher dust levels in your home due to changes in outside air, construction or dry weather, you may need to change or wash your filter more frequently than the recommended period. For questions or concerns about the location or installation of the filter contact the HVAC manufacturer or a reputable HVAC contractor.
65Why do I need to change my Filter?
- Essentially your air conditioner filter is a collector of dust, dirt, grime and other nasty microscopic things that float around your home. When your heating or cooling system is turned on, it collects these particles to protect your system and clean your home’s air. Like the lint trap in your dryer, it accumulates a thick layer of these air borne particles as it circulates air throughout your home.
- Once it has trapped a certain amount, it becomes full and ineffective and gradually restricts the air flow moving through your system. This requires your system to work harder to keep you cool or warm, wasting energy and increasing your monthly bill. As air filters get dirtier, they also become less effective at capturing the airborne germs and pollutants that can irritate your family’s breathing. Stuffy noses, sneezing, allergies and even asthma are triggered. Your family inhales what your filter can’t handle any longer.
- An old and forgotten filter can eventually accumulate so much dirt and grime that it can totally choke off the air flow to the system causing a myriad of problems. In the worst case, the filter will be sucked into the blower motor and cause thousands of dollars in damage to your system.
66What is Air Purification?
An anti-fungus filter is used – this catches allergy-causing mites, smoke particles and odours, making the air in your environment clean and fresh.
67What manufacturer makes the best Air Conditioners?
Air conditioning is a matured technology so most of the popular brands work well. Many of them use parts made by the same manufacturers. So, the main considerations are the price, warranty, attractiveness, noise, etc. Some manufacturers offer a 3-5 year warranty on all parts while others offer only 1 year. Some units are unattractive and will not compliment your landscaping.
Whatever you decide, the most important consideration is the contractor you use. You may buy the best system in the world but if it is not properly installed, you will actually be buying nothing but a big headache for years to come. For your protection, make sure you use a specialised contractor.
68What are the benefits of Air Conditioning?
The benefits of Air Conditioning are to give a comfortable environment at work or at home throughout the seasons, Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter.
An Air Conditioning unit can have two functions – heating and cooling.With an auto changeover switch on most new units, you set the temperature and the unit will cool or heat as required automatically.
69How Long will my System Last?
Maintenance and service play a key role in the life-cycle of a heating or air conditioning system. If all recommended maintenance and service actions are taken, an air conditioner can last 12 to 15 years and a gas furnace 20 to 25 years.
70What goes into Installing a New System?
Putting a new system in a home that has not had central air and heat before will require the installation of ductwork, insulation, refrigerant piping, electrical service, wiring, thermostat, condensate piping, flue piping, flue terminations, chimney liner, slabs, filter, driers, registers, grills, drain pans and evaporator coil. Beyond equipment, the most important component installed with a new system, however, is the duct-work.
Duct-work is composed of two parts, supply and return. Supply duct is attached to the outflow of the new system, delivering air to each zone in a home. The amount of air reaching each zone is determined by the size of supply duct-work connecting it to your system. Your dealer will help you determine the size of all the supply duct-work in your home.
The second part of the duct-work, the return duct, attaches to the inlet of the new system and draws air out of the spaces to be heated or cooled. Attached to the return duct is the filter. The filter should be placed as near to the furnace or air handler as possible. Duct-work can be either fiberglass or metal and must be properly sized in order to evenly distribute the proper amount of air to each room.
71What is ENERGY STAR?
ENERGY STAR is a program that was created by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to help businesses and individuals make energy efficient purchases.
This program places the ENERGY STAR label, a small blue and white logo, on items that meet superior energy efficiency standards. This label provides an easy way for consumers to identify quality, high-efficiency products.
72What is S.E.E.R.
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. Electricity is purchased in a unit/measurement called Watts. Whereas the amount of air conditioning is expressed in BTUs(British Thermal Units). The SEER lets you convert watts to BTUs.
73What is a Heat Pump?
A Heat Pump is an all-in-one heating and air conditioning system that works year-round to keep you comfortable.
During warmer months, a heat pump works as a normal air conditioner. It extracts heat from inside the home and transfers it to the outdoor air. In colder weather, however, the process reverses—the unit collects heat from the outdoor air and transferring it inside your home.
Even when the air outside feels extremely cold, the air still contains some heat. The heat pump pulls the heat from this cold outdoor air and sends it inside to warm your home. When there’s not enough heat in the outside air to meet the demand of the thermostat setting, an electric heater supplements the outdoor air to warm the home. Extremely efficient, this process produces two to three times more heat than the energy it uses.
74What is the best Thermostat to use for my Cooling System?
Choosing the right Thermostat to control operation of your cooling system depends a lot on the equipment you have. There are a line of thermostats, both programmable and non-programmable models, each designed to maximize the performance of your heating system. Your Dealer will help you choose the thermostat best suited to your needs.
75Why is it important to have regular maintenance on my home comfort system?
You wouldn’t buy a brand-new car and expect to never have to put air in the tires, change the oil and check out any unusual noises, would you? In the same way that an automobile requires periodic maintenance for optimal performance, a home comfort system should be regularly inspected by a qualified technician.
76What does the Warranty Cover?
The warranty covers parts only. For complete details, refer to the warranty sheet provided with your unit. Your Dealer may also provide a labor warranty or, possibly, an extended warranty for your new equipment.
77What is Two-Stage Heating?
Two-stage heating means the furnace has two levels of heat output: high for cold winter days and low for milder days. Since the low setting is adequate to meet household heating demands 80% of the time, a two-stage unit runs for longer periods and provides more even heat distribution.
78What is Geo Thermal?
Geothermal energy is thermal energy generated and stored in the Earth. Thermal energy is the energy that determines the temperature of matter.
79What is Indoor Air Quality?
Indoor air quality (IAQ) is a term which refers to the air quality within and around buildings and structures, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants.
80What is HVAC?
HVAC (heating, ventilating, and air conditioning; also heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) is the technology of indoor and vehicular environmental comfort. Its goal is to provide thermal comfort and acceptable indoor air quality.
81How does an Air Conditioner work?
Air conditioners use chemicals that easily convert from a gas to a liquid and back again. This chemical is used to transfer heat from the air inside of a home to the outside air. The machine has three main parts. They are a compressor, a condenser and an evaporator.