The Key to Optimum Performance: Regular Maintenance
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Without regular maintenance an air conditioner looses about 5% of it's original efficiency for each year of operation. This means that the 12 SEER unit that you bought just a few years ago may be functioning like a 9 SEER unit today! The good news is that you can recover most of that lost efficiency through regular maintenance. Studies show that with regular tune-ups a unit will maintain up to 95% of it's original efficiency. This means that the cost of an annual tune-up is recovered very quickly in savings on your monthly electric bill and reduced repair costs. A properly serviced air conditioner will also do a better job of dehumidifying your home. |
Heat Pumps
Heat pumps can save as much as 30% to 40% of the electricity you use for heating
Heat pumps collect heat from the air, water, or ground outside your home and concentrate it for use inside. Heat pumps operate in reverse to cool your home by collecting the heat inside your house and effectively pumping it outside.
Heat pumps are used for both heating & cooling your home. It runs efficiently by using outside air, and actually supplies 2 to 3 times as much heat as it consumes.
In the cooling mode, a heat pump operates exactly like a central air conditioner, and its seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER) is measured similarly as well.
Federal efficiency standards require that conventional heat pumps have an HSPF rating of at least 6.8 and a SEER rating of at least 10.0. The most efficient air source heat pumps have an HSPF rating between 9.0 and 10.0 and a SEER above 14 or so.
Heating Equipment
Repair or Replace?
For most, this is a difficult question. If your furnace is still operating you are probably just looking to repair it. However, if your furnace is more than 15 years old, it was not designed with the same standards that they require today as it relates to energy efficiency.
An older gas furnace could waste up to 45% of the heat they generate. But today, furnaces can operate at as much as 97% Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (A.F.U.E.) that means instant cost savings in operation.
Our professionally trained technicians can explain repairs vs. replacement options. This will help you to make an educated decision about a new replacement.
Cooling Equipment
During the hot summer months, probably the single largest portion of your electric bill will be for your air conditioner. As your air conditioner gets older, it may not cool your house as efficiently, costing you more every month on your energy bills. Today, the standard for air conditioners is a minimum of 13 SEER and may use environmentally-friendly refrigerants. Combining these two features results in savings and better cooling throughout your home.
The compatibility of your home size, your lifestyle habits and the size of your cooling unit could be a major issue for proper cooling and humidity control of the entire home. Therefore, it is extremely important that you discuss your cooling options with one of our trained technicians to ensure that you are getting the right system for your home comfort.
Indoor Air Quality
Air Filters
There are several choices for air filters. The differences between each is the amount of pollutants they remove from the air.
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Box or 1" Pleated
Although not specifically designed for improving indoor air quality, they do assist in protecting the integrity of your equipment. They require no electrical hook-up. It is recommended that they be replaced every month. |
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Electrostatic
These air cleaners remove particles by electrically charging them and then attracting those particles to an oppositely charged plate. The allergens and pollutants are then trapped in the filter and do not get released back into the air. Electrostatic filters are considered highly efficient, affordable to operate and easy to maintain.
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HEPA High Efficiency Particulate Arresting
Considered to produce the best results, the HEPA filter requires a separate blower and replaceable media making the initial. However, it effectively removes a larger percentage of pollen and many asthma and allergy causing pollutants. The core to the HEPA air cleaner technology is a paper filter that has very small holes that limit the size of any particle than can pass though.
Speak to your technician to determine which filters are best for your needs. |
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Energy Recovery Ventilation
Several manufacturers make Energy Recovery or Fresh Air Ventilation systems that remove stale, used air from the home, while bringing in clean crisp air from the outdoors without a loss in heating or cooling efficiency. These systems can also be zoned to allow you to choose which rooms receive priority ventilation.
Dehumidifiers
A whole house dehumidification system can control the moisture in the air and results in a more comfortable home environment. Managing the in-home humidity levels can minimize the spread of airborne pollutants and allergens. Moisture in the home can cause various problems such as mold, mildew, dust mites and bacteria.
Humidifiers
In the colder winter months you can experience a loss of needed humidity in the air causing your home's air to become dry. There are many options for humidifiers, which can reduce dryness and static electricity in the air.
UV Lights
Excellent for reducing bacteria, fungi, and microbial growth on wet indoor cooling coil surfaces. Ideal when used with other indoor air quality products. |
