A/C Questions?

What is a SEER?
Air conditioning SEER is a standard of measurement of seasonal cooling efficiency under an average number of weather changes over a season.
SEER stands for "Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio".

How does SEER rating affect my power usage?
The higher the SEER number in Air conditioning, the more energy efficient the unit. Higher SEER rating air conditioners and heat pumps can pay for their cost many times over because they consume less electricity. And the savings continue year after year.

If I buy a more efficient air conditioning unit, can I buy a smaller one?
Probably not. A more efficient Air conditioning unit does not mean it will have more Air conditioning capacity. It only means that the new Air conditioning unit will operate more efficiently and with less energy cost when compared to the old Air conditioning unit.

What are the benefits of zone controllers?
Not all areas in your home need to be maintained at the same temperature. You can save money and get more control over your family's Air conditioning comfort by having a zone control Air conditioning system installed. Ask us about them.

Do programmable thermostats really make a difference in my air conditioner usage?
New programmable thermostats allow you to adjust heating and cooling to fit the time of day and even your vacation schedule. Should you replace your thermostats? Call us and ask.

How should I use a programmable thermostat?
It is most efficient to find the temperature setting that feels most comfortable to you and leave the thermostat set there. Although, a programmable thermostat allows you to set the desired temperature based on the time of day or your daily activities. As an example, if you are at work from 8 AM to 5 PM, you could set the thermostat to 84 degrees during those hours. If you want the house cooled down by the time you get home, program the thermostat to cool the house approximately one hour before you usually arrive home. Remember, a programmable thermostat may cost a little more than a standard thermostat but it can save you money in all seasons.

How do I know if I have adequate insulation?
We'll inspect your home to determine if more attic insulation could cut your monthly Air conditioning energy bills.

How is an air conditioning or heat pump system sized to a house?
The standard practice for sizing air conditioning and heat pump systems is to do what is called a heat load calculation on the structure. To do this, a manual called Manual J is used. Manual J will help the air conditioning company size the air conditioning equipment based on the outdoor design temperatures, attic and Wall insulation, window types and locations, elevation of the home, and other structural and environmental factors.

With the help of Manual J, the air conditioning contractor will look at the capacity at (or near) the design temperature, not the nominal rating.