All Styles of filter should be changed monthly to
promote the removal of trapped dirt from the airflow
system as often as possible. Washable Filter should
be cleaned monthly also.
The Acronym SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency
Rating. These numbers are a grading schedule for air
conditioning and heat pump systems that allow customers
to understand the efficiencies of these pieces of equipment.
It is similar to MPG on cars in that the higher the
number (14, 16, 18, ECT) the more efficient or less
power it takes to run these pieces of equipment.
Replacing one’s comfort system in ether a home or
business is a large decision and investment that has
repercussions for up to 20 years depending on the decisions
and choices made. With that in mind we recommend that
a Comfort Consultant do a Complete System Analysis with
a scientific heat loss / heat gain calculations. This
analysis will allow the Comfort Consultant to assess
and design a Custom Comfort System to fit the exact
needs of each customer. Studies show that nationally
90% of air conditioning and heating system have one
or more energy robbing design problems that reduce the
efficiently of those systems by up to 25%. Do not let
guessing at the proper sizing of your system cost you
thousands of dollars over the life of the system.
All Air conditioning and heating systems should be
inspected at a minimum of once a year to maintain minimal
efficiency but maximum energy efficiency is achieved
by inspecting and maintaining systems twice yearly.
Great question…many answers. First and foremost is
MAINTENANCE. The equipment needs to be cleaned and serviced
by a licensed professional
at least twice per year. Studies have shown that lack
of proper maintenance can reduce equipment efficiency
by 5-10%. In addition, most of today’s filters need
to be changed a minimum of every 90 days, preferably
monthly, and don’t skimp on the filter. You should use
a filter that has a high efficiency rating to help keep
your air and equipment clean. After thorough cleaning,
our service technician will adjust the Freon levels
in your air conditioner to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Keep in mind that an over charged unit is just as bad
as an under charged unit when it comes to energy consumption.
On the heating side, the burners should be cleaned for
maximum performance, as well as adjusting the gas pressure,
and cleaning the blower wheel. We also recommend that
you leave your indoor blower running continuously. This
will ensure that the air in your home is being constantly
circulated to reduce hot and cold spots, while wringing
our every dollar of heating or air conditioning your
system can produce. You may also want to consider a
programmable thermostat to set back the temperature
while you are away or sleeping. However, you must use
your programmable thermostat sensibly. Short (less than
8 hours) or severe (more than 7 Deg. F.) set back periods
won’t save much energy, but may shorten the life of
the equipment while being stressful on your home and
furnishings.
First, get to know the company itself. If you get
a good feeling when they answer the phone and when talking
with them, you will be comfortable dealing with them.
Ask them if the employees are uniformed and have photo
IDs. If they are a local, family-owned franchisee you
know they have passed rigorous national training and
testing. You should be able to get a written price up
front for the work to be done. When the service professional
comes to your home, look for a clearly identified truck,
uniform, and photo ID. Good companies use floor protectors
to keep dirt and dust out of your home. Expect to pay
a few dollars more for a really qualified contractor
than you would for someone less desirable. The added
confidence and peace of mind is well worth the small
difference.
During the summer months I would recommend you set
your thermostat back during the day when you are not
home. However, I would not recommend that you go over
your desired temperature more than five to seven degrees.
Another recommendation would be that you have a programmable
thermostat installed that would automatically change
the setting for you once it was programmed. Our company
has had people save as much as 30 percent on their utility
bills just by setting the temperature back when no one
is home.
Heating
and Cooling Questions and Answers