equipment basics
understand the nuts and
bolts of heating
and cooling equipment before you buy...
All heaters and air
conditioners are not al
ike. 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 much 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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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’s like getting two heaters
in one.
-
Standard Blower:
A standard blower delivers a specified amount of air flow based on a
fixed fan speed.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Zoning: Zoning
your home’s 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.
-
UV Lights:
Ultraviolet light work by killing mold spores and live airborne bacteria
by ashortwave 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’s 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, 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 knows heating and air conditioning systems inside and
out. They’ll 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 the numbers below to speak to a Customer Service
Representative and schedule a FREE, no-obligation In-Home System Analysis
with a Morrow Mechanical Comfort Specialist.