equipment basics
understand the nuts and bolts of heating and cooling equipment before you buy...
All heaters and air conditioners are not alike. When shopping for a new heating
or air conditioning system, there are many different factors to consider. Here are
some essential equipment terms, components and facts you should familiarize yourself
with before you buy a new heating or cooling system. Knowing these equipment basics
up front will save you time and money in the long run.
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SEER: SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) is the measure of
efficiency by which the air conditioning systems are rated. The higher the SEER
rating, the greater the efficiency – and therefore greater energy savings. Like a
MPG rating on your car.
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Single-Stage Compressor: Single Stage Compressors operate on a
basic on/off principle. Each time your thermostat calls for cooling, your air conditioning
system comes on at 100% capacity.
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Two-Stage Compressor: Two Stage Compressors are capable of two
levels of operation, a low stage and a high stage. Properly sized equipment will
operate 80% of the time in low stage, enhancing efficiency and comfort with lower
humidity levels and quieter operation. It’s like getting two air conditioners in
one system.
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Refrigerant: The chemical gases that are used in all air conditioning
systems. They are referred to by number R-22 (most people call Freon) and R-410a.
R-410a is an environmentally-sound refrigerant designed to not harm the earth’s
ozone layer. Federal law requires that all manufacturers phase out R-22 and other
ozone-depleting refrigerants in the next few years. R-410a refrigerant is approved
by the US Environmental Protection Agency as a replacement for R-22.
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Dehumidification: The process of varying air flow and compressor
operation to maximize humidity removal.
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AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency): Indicated as a percentage,
your furnace’s AFUE tells you how much energy is being converted to heat. For example,
an AFUE of 80 means that 80% of the fuel is being used to warm your home, while
the other 20% escapes as exhaust with the combustion gases.
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Combustion Air: Combustion air is the air required to properly
burn the gas for your heating system to get maximum capacity.
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Heat Exchanger: This is the part of a furnace that transfers heat
to nearby air; the chamber where fossil fuel is burned. An improperly sized heater
will cause expansion and contraction of the heat exchanger, which will lead to premature
aging and cracks.
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Single-Stage Gas Valve: Single Stage Gas Valves operate on a basic
on/off principle. Each time your thermostat calls for heat, your heating system
comes on at 100% capacity.
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Two-Stage Gas Valves: Two-Stage Gas Valves are capable of two levels
of operation — a low stage and a high stage. Properly sized equipment will operate
60-70% of the time in low stage, enhancing energy efficiency and comfort with more
even heating and quieter operation. It is like getting two heaters in one.
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Standard Blower: A standard blower delivers a specified amount
of air flow based on a fixed fan speed.
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Variable-Speed Blower: This high-efficiency blower is designed
to deliver a varying amount of air flow based on the desired outcome. These blowers
increase the effectiveness of humidification, dehumidification, air filtration and
balance of air flow.
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Indoor Air Quality: This refers to the cleanliness and healthiness
of the air in your home. Many factors affect air quality: smoking, pets, location
of the property, age of the home, tightness of the house, etc. Perhaps the biggest
enemies of indoor air quality are allergens – microscopic particulate matter, bioaerosols
and volatile organic compounds that can produce allergic reactions, impede breathing
or make you sick. Dust, pollen, germs, mold, and chemicals – all can be in the air.
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Air Filtration: Adding a high efficiency air cleaner can dramatically
impact your family’s health. Ask your Morrow Mechanical consultant which model will
benefit you most.
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Zoning: Zoning your homes heating and cooling system give you
the control you need to be comfortable in any part of your home without the worry
of changing temperatures in other rooms. While most people zone for the comfort,
proper zoning allows you to heat or cool only the zones that need it.
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UV Lights: Ultraviolet light work by killing mold spores and live
airborne bacteria by a shortwave light. This technology is used in most hospitals
and laboratories to obtain the cleanest air possible.
When you’re getting ready to replace an older heating or cooling system, it
is very
important for you to consider the air duct system. Heating and cooling equipment
has made great strides in terms of energy efficiency and reliability in recent years.
Unfortunately most homes still suffer from poor air distribution and utility overpayments
continue, because of bad air duct systems. Properly sized, designed and installed duct
systems are the key to improved system performance, comfort, indoor air quality,
and stopping utility overpayment.
A new air duct system will:
Ready to Install/Replace a Heater or Air Conditioner? Our friendly
and experienced team of Comfort Specialists know heating and air conditioning systems
inside and out. They will take the time to study your home, understand your heating
and cooling requirements, show you all of your options and assist you with finding
the quality home comfort system that best meets your family’s needs and budget.
Call us at 281-370-1566 to speak to a customer service representative and schedule
a FREE, no-obligation In-Home System Analysis with a Morrow Mechanical Comfort Specialist.