System Analysis & Design By A Professional
If your present system is more than 10 years old, your dealer may perform an analysis that evaluates duct sizing, runs, and registers in your home. In addition, if you’ve made changes to your home since your last system was installed, these may affect your heating and cooling needs. Make sure your dealer knows about these changes.
Because heating and cooling requirements vary by building, geographical area, and the specific needs of the occupants, products are available in a wide range of capacities, performance options, and features. That’s why a trained, professional contractor should help you choose the right system for your home or business.
Energy Efficiency
By selecting products with the recommended efficiency ratings for your area, you can save on your utility bill. Compare the purchase price and operating costs of similarly rated products for an apples-to-apples comparison. Also, the Department of Energy (DOE) has established minimum efficiencies that require heating and cooling products to be significantly more energy-efficient than products manufactured prior to 1992. Click here to find out more about energy efficiency.
Return On Investment/Financing Options
Many times you can offset the investment cost by savings on your monthly utility bills. By estimating efficiency savings, you can approximate how long it would take for the new unit to pay for itself. For example, if it costs $3,000 to install, but saves you $65 every month, it will pay for itself in less than four years.
Furnace Basics
The thermostat calls for heat and the gas valve is energized by the control system. The burner ignites and the induced draft fan draws the flame into and through the sealed primary heat exchanger. Then, the hot flue gasses are pulled from the primary into the secondary heat exchanger, increasing efficiency. The variable speed blower moves another stream of air over the outside of both heat exchangers and brings the warm air into your home. Combustion products are safely vented outside.
How Air Conditioning Cools Your Home
There are two basic parts of an air conditioning system -- the condensing unit and the indoor coil. Refrigerant gas is compressed and cooled inside the condensing unit. The refrigerant is then pumped through refrigerant lines to the indoor coil. Room air is circulated through the cold indoor coil and then pushed back inside your home as cooled air.
