WHAT DOES HVAC STAND FOR?
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC). Sometimes an “R” is added to the end (HVACR) which stands for Recycling.
WHAT IS A BTU?
A British Thermal Unit (BTU) is the unit of energy that’s required to raise the temperature of one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit. This is the standard measurement used for determining the amount of heat energy required to heat and cool a conditioned space.
WHAT DOES AFUE MEAN?
Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) is the rated efficiency of your furnace or boiler. If the furnace is 95% AFUE, then 95% of the heat generated will condition the home and 5% will be lost by the venting of the flue gases out of the chimney. The higher the AFUE the cheaper the furnace is to operate. Today’s minimum standard is 78% AFUE and maximum (although always increasing) is 97% AFUE.
WHAT IS A TON?
TON is terminology used when appropriately sizing an air conditioner. One TON is the equivalent of 12,000 BTU’s, therefore, a one TON air conditioner will remove 12,000 BTU’s of heat per hour.
WHAT DOES SEER MEAN?
The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is the rated efficiency of your air conditioner. The higher the SEER the less the air conditioner will cost to operate. The minimum standard today is 13 SEER and the maximum (although always increasing) is 26 SEER.
WHAT DOES EER MEAN?
The Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) is the rating of the cooling capacity of an air conditioner compared to the total electrical input in watts. The higher EER means a higher efficiency.
WHAT IS HSPF?
The Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) is the rating of heating BTU’s output by the total electrical input in watts. The higher the HSPF means a higher efficiency.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I HAVE MY HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT SERVICED?
Heating and Air Conditioning equipment are designed to be maintenance once a year prior to the peak demand season. Therefore, we recommend the furnace be maintenance in the Fall and the air conditioner be maintenance in the Spring. This will keep your equipment safe and efficient to maintain your comfort needs. Most manufactures will void their warranty if the equipment is not maintenance accordingly.
MY FURNACE AND AIR CONDITIONER ARE BOTH NEW, SHOULD I HAVE THEM MAINTENANCED
Absolutely yes! Even though your system is new, it still needs to have annual maintenance performed to keep it working properly. This will also help keep the warranty in effect.
SHOULD I BE CONCERNED ABOUT CARBON MONOXIDE?
Carbon monoxide is a deadly odorless and colorless gas that is produced by all gas burning appliances, including furnaces and boilers. Since this is a serious threat in some instances it is always wise to have your heating equipment maintenance prior to the heating season which a qualified technician will inspect for potential CO problems. It is also wise to have carbon monoxide detectors located in the proper areas of your home.
WHY IS THE UPSTAIRS OF MY HOUSE ALWAYS HOTTER IN SUMMER & COLDER IN THE WINTER?
Since heat rises, it is very common that a home is hotter upstairs and more uncomfortable. There are many reasons for this occurrence including wrong sized blower system or air conditioner, improperly sized or designed ductwork, poor insulation, poor windows, or simply the need for zoning.
WHAT IS ZONING?
Zoning refers to having more than one thermostat to adjust and set the temperature in any given area. Many homes may have one thermostat for the entire house, when in fact, the upstairs or rooms located on the perimeter of the house require more air than other spaces. Having multiple thermostats allow each room to be controlled independently of the other rooms.
