Frequently Asked Questions
What do rating numbers mean?
The U.S. government requires an efficiency rating of all air conditioning and
heating equipment. The rating reflects the percentage of energy used
efficiently, with a high rating indicating high-efficiency. The next two topics
address this issue in greater detail.
What is a SEER?
There are special names for the efficiency ratings of various types of
equipment. Air conditioning equipment is rated by the Seasonal Energy Efficiency
Rating, or SEER. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the unit.
What does HSPF stand for?
There are special names for the efficiency ratings of varying types of
equipment. Heat pump equipment in the heating mode is rated by the Heating
Seasonal Performance Factor, or HSPF. The higher the HSPF rating, the more
efficient the unit.
What does AFUE stand for?
There are special names for the efficiency ratings of various types of
equipment. Gas furnaces are rated according to their Annual Fuel Utilization
Efficiency, or AFUE. The higher the AFUE rating, the more efficient the unit.
Should outdoor units be covered in winter?
No. Heat pumps operate year-round and should never be covered.
Similarly, air conditioners that operate seasonally are built to withstand an
outdoor environment and should not be covered.
Should a thermostat be set to "auto" or "on"?
Preferably auto. That way, the fan operates only when the temperature
requires it. This is the most used and the most efficient setting. However,
there are advantages to using the "on" setting. Air is constantly filtered
through the unit's air filter, and the constantly circulating air results in an
even temperature throughout the house.
Can shrubs or flowers be planted around an
outdoor unit?
Yes. However, we recommend that plants be no closer than 18 inches to the
unit. This allows for plenty of room for air circulation in and out of the unit.
Without this room for air circulation, the unit could overheat, resulting in a
premature need for service.
If an outdoor unit needs replacing, should the
indoor unit be replaced too?
Yes. Air conditioning and heating units are designed to operate as a
complete, matched system. The efficiency rating is based on the entire system.
Replacing the entire system ensures the system will be reliable and efficient.
How do I know what size unit our house needs?
We can help you consider many factors before making a recommendation.
Factors like … size of the house, climate, the number and type of windows
installed, insulation, and even the number of people living in the house.
What is the difference between a split system
and a package unit?
A split system uses indoor and outdoor components to provide a complete home
comfort system. A package unit or self-contained unit requires no external
coils, air handlers, or heating units.
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