HVAC Terminology

1. HVAC/R – Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration – This term describes the entire indoor air quality and environmental comfort. HVAC incorporates the entire system, from the actual heating and air conditioning units to the duct system supplying the air throughout the structure.

2. SEER – Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating – This term defines the efficiency of the air conditioning unit, much like the “miles per gallon” on your car. The more efficient the unit (the higher the SEER), the less electricity/gas/fuel your HVAC system will use. The less electricity/gas/fuel your system uses, the lower your energy bill. Effective January 26, 2006, national law requires all HVAC systems manufactured to be a minimum of 13 SEER.

3. Zones – Larger spaces tend to have zones to differentiate the various areas being air-conditioned. For example, a house may be zoned by the floors or by various rooms in the house. 

4. Thermostat – This equipment controls and regulates the air conditioned space. There are many different models, including type, digital, programmable.

5. Humidistat – This equipment controls and regulates the humidity in the air conditioned space.

6. Filters – There are many different levels of filters. Disposable (or throw away) filters are the least efficient and should be replaced monthly. Electronic filters are more efficient and should be taken out and cleaned quarterly.

7. Central Duct System - Duct distributes air throughout the air conditioned space. There is also a grill for the return air delivery, which is directed back to the air handling system, which when installed correctly, balances the temperature throughout the space for maximum comfort.

8. Refrigerant – Refrigerant, or Freon, interacts chemically inside the entire system. The most common refrigerant is currently R-22; however, beginning in 2010, EPA guidelines have established a reduction in R-22 production to a complete cessation in 2020. The “new” Freon is R-410a, which is more environmentally friendly and is the wave of the future.

Residential Systems Frequently Asked Questions

WHY ANNUAL MAINTENANCE

ANNUAL MAINTENANCE ON YOUR HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEM WILL SAVE YOU MONEY $$$$…. $$$$…$$$

Heating and Air Conditioning systems are like vehicles, without regular maintenance they perform poorly, break down more frequently, and cost more to operate. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! A planned maintenance program or annual maintenance will help avoid breakdown, and prolong the life of your equipment.

Gillette Air Conditioning Co., Inc. will send out a qualified technician to test and inspect your system(s) for the winter season for proper operation. You will receive a written receipt of the inspection summarizing the condition of your system and if any repair(s) and/or maintenance are required, a 10% discount on all parts and labor associated with any type of repair or maintenance. All work shall be paid for upon completion.

DECIDING WHETHER TO REPAIR OR REPLACE

To repair or replace is always an essential question that homeowners should ask when having their heating and air conditioning system serviced or repaired. A homeowner should always consider the age and condition of the system. While repairing your system is always, in the beginning, a lot less expensive, replacing your system will save you in the end.

With the new technology and efficiency that manufacturers offer today and the new requirement in January 2006 with a minimum 13.00 seer requirement newly replaced air conditioners could use 30% – 50% less energy to produce the same cooling as air conditioners manufactured and installed 25 – 30 years ago. Many manufacturers seasonally offer rebate programs to help homeowners purchase high efficiency systems. Your local energy company may also provide a homeowner with a rebate incentive as well. Let us choose a system for you that is affordable and efficient.

When replacing your system, first choose a qualified, licensed and bonded contractor. Secondly, Gillette Air Conditioning offers choices for every ones needs and comfort and will customize an equipment package to meet your needs. Ask for referrals, commitment, how long in business, compliance with city codes and regulations, finance packages, annual maintenance, warranties, replacement parts and think about how long you intend to stay in your current home. Always keep in mind when remodeling or changing out windows or doors that this will affect your air conditioning and heating needs.

USE OF CEILING FANS

Utilizing Your Ceiling Fans for Year Round Savings

We all know that using ceiling fans in the summer time helps circulate stagnant air, making us feel cooler and more comfortable.

Did you know your ceiling fans could be useful energy-savers in the wintertime as well? During the colder months, when running in a clockwise rotation, ceiling fans effectively move the heated air trapped near the ceiling down into the living areas.

To make your fans work most efficiently this winter, locate the slide switch near the fan motor that allows you to change the direction your ceiling fans rotate and set it to move the blades in a clockwise direction set on a low speed. When the weather warms up again, switch to a counter-clockwise spin.

With continuously rising costs to heat and cool our homes, it pays to use every tool available to reduce our energy consumption.

CARBON MONOXIDE

Winter is the season for carbon monoxide (CO) awareness. As HVAC service professionals we take the lead in educating consumers about potential carbon monoxide poisoning. Many government, non-profit, and consumer minded groups do their part to raise awareness.

As a rule, every combustion appliance should be maintained and inspected semi-annually.  A CO detector should be placed on each floor of the residence that is occupied. A good CO detector or alarm should be able to alert at low levels. It should have a display that reads out the level of CO in PPM. Low-level CO poisoning is a common occurrence that rarely gets reported to health workers. Having a detector that can alert homeowners before CO gets to dangerous levels is important.

What is SEER?

SEER stands for ‘Season Energy Efficiency Ratio’. This is a rating system used by the US Government to establish the efficiency level of cooling equipment. The higher the SEER rating, the less electricity the equipment uses and the more efficient it is. SEER is determined by dividing the cooling capacity, measured in BTUh, of a continuously operating air conditioner by the electric power input, measured in Watts of power consumed. The current standard for equipment in the United States is that they must function at a minimum of 10 SEER.

Why is 13 SEER the right thing to do?

NOTE: With the new technology and efficiency that manufacturers offer today and the new requirement in January 2006 with a minimum 13.00 seer requirement newly replaced air conditioners could use 30% – 50% less energy to produce the same cooling as air conditioners manufactured and installed 25 – 30 years ago. 
Using higher efficiency units saves you more money on monthly electricity bills. The same higher efficiency units reduce harmful pollutants in the environment, and conserving energy is important, especially during an energy crisis.

Is 13 SEER technology already available?

13 SEER air conditioners have been produced for several years. Every manufacturer, large and small, makes 13 SEER units today.

What is the difference in energy efficiency from 10 to 13 SEER?

The 13 SEER unit is 8% more efficient than a 12 SEER unit and 30% more efficient than a 10 SEER unit, the current minimum since 1992. Minimum requirement in January 2006 is 13 seer!

Why should I purchase a new heating or air conditioning system?

At Gillette, we realize that purchasing a heating or air conditioning system is no small matter. However, if your existing system is old, in need of repair or simply inefficient, purchasing a new unit, one which can be as much as 60% more efficient than a system purchased just 10 years ago, can turn into a long term benefit. Rather than continuing to pay for ongoing maintenance and costly monthly bills, invest in a new system today that will save you money for years to come.

How can I find the system that's right for me?

There are many heating and air conditioning systems to choose from today. By using Gillette Air Conditioning Co., Inc. for your consumer direct central air replacements you have access to a vast degree of heating and air conditioning knowledge and experience to help you decide on the system that best fits your specific needs. The size and age of your home, as well as the number of rooms, climate, local and regional utility costs, degree days and utility incentive rebate programs are all factors that will affect the functionality and, therefore, selection of your system. Manufacturers are utilizing the latest technology; consider these factors and, most importantly, your input while assisting you in choosing the best system for your home.

Consumers seeking to replace an existing system often choose a new unit with equal or higher efficiency ratings as compared to their previous system. Replacing a unit that is greater than 10 to 15 years old may reduce natural gas or electricity costs from 30 to 50%. Contact Gillette Air Conditioning Co., Inc. will help you to define your initial cost, warranty protection, service options, maintenance options and operating cost. Once you have chosen a system it is important to remember that proper installation is a major factor in maximizing its operating efficiency and your comfort level.

How do I determine the size, or capacity, of my HVAC system?

Factors affecting the size of your new system include the climate in your region, humidity levels, the number of windows in your dwelling, total square footage of your home, the direction your home faces, the number of heat producing appliances in your home, the type of insulation you have and the number of people that live in your residence. Unless you have simply just been uncomfortable over the years then you may go up a half of a ton from what you currently have while replacing however, many times, the system that is currently installed is the proper size, it is just old and inefficient. It simply needs to be replaced with the same size. Bigger is not better with central air conditioning and heating.

What happens when I replace my old system or install a new one?

Beyond equipment, the most important component installed with a new system is the ductwork.  Ductwork is composed of two parts, supply and return. Supply duct is attached to the outflow of the new system, delivering air to each zone in a home. The amount of air reaching each zone is determined by the size of supply ductwork connecting it to your system. Gillette will help you determine the size of all the supply ductwork in your home. The second part of the ductwork, the return duct, attaches to the inlet of the new system and draws air out of the spaces to be heated or cooled. Attached to the return duct is the filter. The filter should be placed as near to the furnace or air handler as possible. Ductwork can be either fiberglass or metal and must be properly sized in order to evenly distribute the proper amount of air to each room.

What happens when I replace my old system?

To install the most efficient HVAC system in your household, Gillette offers detailed inspection. Gillette will include, as a minimum, the inspection of your home's ductwork, insulation, refrigerant piping, electrical service, wiring, thermostat, condensate piping, flue piping, flue terminations, chimney liner, slabs, filter, driers, registers, grills, drain pans and evaporator coil.

How long will my systems last?

Maintenance and service play a key role in the lifecycle of a heating or air conditioning system. If all recommended maintenance and service actions are taken, it is believed that an air conditioner should last 12-15 years and a gas furnace should last from 20 to 25 years.

Do I need to change my indoor coil?

It is generally a good idea to replace the indoor coil if you are also replacing your air conditioner or heat pump. There is a correlation between the efficiency of your heating or cooling system and the performance of the indoor coil. So when you change the outdoor side of the system, you should also change the interior side of the system as well in order to maximize the efficiency and savings potential of the total system. 

Where can I locate my air handler or furnace system?

The system can actually be located in several different places. A system with up-flow application might be located in the closet, while a system with a horizontal application may be found in your attic. A self-contained, or single package unit could be located outside on a slab or on the roof. Your garage could house an up-flow, down-flow or horizontal application system.

What is a heat pump?

A heat pump is a device used for either the heating or cooling of a space by transferring hot and cold between two reservoirs. A heat pump can act like an air conditioner, transferring heat from inside to out, or like a heater as it transfers exterior heat to the interior. A winter day with a temperature of 32? Fahrenheit still produces enough heat to warm a space when the air is transferred by heat pump.

What can I do to control the humidity levels in my home?

Operating a variable speed air handling system in your home can reduce humidity levels. Variable speed units run longer, at lower speeds, allowing air to constantly circulate against the cooling coil and remove more moisture. Variable speed motors also use less electricity than regular motors, reducing your energy costs.

What can I do before calling someone to service my system?

Gillette Air Conditioning Co., Inc. suggests the following:

• Disconnect your indoor and outdoor switches.
• Make sure your circuit breakers are in the ON position.
• Make sure your filters are clean.
• Open supply and return vents and make sure they are unobstructed.
• Double check both indoor and outdoor disconnect switches.
• Check the settings on your thermostat.
• Make sure the system switch is on the appropriate COOL or HEAT setting.
• Have the FAN switch on for a continuous vent.

What is AFUE?

AFUE is the abbreviation for ‘Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency’ ratio. AFUE is used to rate furnace efficiencies by dividing the ratio of heat output by heat input. This measurement describes how well fuel; gas or oil is consumed to produce heat by a furnace. As the AFUE rate increases, the efficiency of your furnace also increases, lowering your fuel costs. Furnaces manufactured in the United States are required to have at least an 80% AFUE.

What is HSPF?

HSPF is the abbreviation for the ‘Heating Seasonal Performance Factor’. This factor rates the efficient operation of the heating portion of the heat pump. As the HSPF increases, the unit functions at a more efficient level. New units in the United States have HSPF ratings from 7.0 to 9.4.

What is Fern or R-22?

R-22 is the common name for hydro-chlorofluorocarbon (HCFC). HVAC manufacturers have used R-22 as a refrigerant for over 40 years, but studies in the past decade have shown that HCFC’s contain chlorine, an ozone-depleting agent. For this reason, the United States Clean Air Act has set a target date for January 1, 2010, on which HVAC manufacturers must cease the production of products that use R-22.

What is R-410A or Puron?

R-410A/Puron is the common name for an emerging hydro-fluorocarbon (HFC) that is being used as a refrigerant in the HVAC industry. R-410A/Puron is more environmentally friendly than R-22 and is being seen as the most likely replacement for R-22 by HVAC manufacturers. At the beginning of 2010, the use of alternate refrigerant will be required in HVAC manufacturing.

What is ENERGY STAR?

ENERGY STAR is a program that was created by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to help businesses and individuals make energy efficient purchases. This program places the ENERGY STAR label, a small blue and white logo, on items that meet superior energy efficiency standards. This label provides an easy way for consumers to identify quality, high efficiency products.  For more information about the Energy Star program, please view their website at www.energystar.gov

Preventative Maintenance Tips

Gillette wants you to save money on your central air and heat. Not throw it away. In today’s economy, it is nice when the homeowner along with regular maintenance can perform general maintenance issues in the home twice a year with an Annual Maintenance Agreement. It is easy to do! Call Gillette today to sign up on our program – 210/735-9235.

Why should I perform preventative maintenance?

Heating and cooling systems work incredibly hard to perform their functions for your household. The constant stopping, starting and continual operation can wear down a machine quickly and unexpectedly if the proper care and maintenance is delayed. However, by performing preventative maintenance, or servicing your system regularly, you can maximize the lifecycle of your heating or cooling unit and guard against many unexpected failures

Preventative maintenance inspections performed on a regular basis can uncover leaks, rust, rot, soot, frayed wires and corroded electrical contacts. 
What equipment requires preventative maintenance?
It is best to check your residential air conditioner and overall heating systems at least twice a year. Annual Service Agreements are available and will provide greater efficiency to the heart of your home.

Inspections on boiler and furnace systems should include ductwork, pipes, dampers, valves, the chimney, registers, radiators, pumps, blowers, fuel lines, the gas meter, oil tank and every part of the actual furnace and boiler. Meanwhile, heat pump and air conditioning unit inspections should also include inspections of the fan, compressor, indoor coils, outdoor coils and refrigerant lines.

What is a low blow?

When servicing the distribution side of a forced-air system, you begin with the blower. In this phase, the axle will be lubricated, blades cleaned and the lower motor checked to ensure that your system is not being unnecessarily burdened. During a low blow, the fan belt should be adjusted to deflect no more than one inch when pressed and all accessible duct joints should be sealed. Ducts running outside heated spaces should all be insulated.

What type of filter should I use?

Standard furnace filters work well to keep your system and its ductwork clean, but they don’t really improve indoor air quality. To do that you need a filter media. The filter media rests between the main return duct and the blower cabinet and will improve dust and particle removal by seven times that of a standard furnace filter. However, upgrading to a pleated media filter will remove everything from insecticide dust to airborne viruses from the filtered air. A media filter can have a life exceeding one year, and its only drawback is that its tight fiber weave can cause your furnace to have to work harder to blow air through the house. Always choose a filter that matches your blower’s capacity.

What are the preventative maintenance measures for my ducts?

Although modern technology has made significant advances in air filters over the past decade, a fractional amount of dust still finds its way past heating and cooling filters and into your home ducts. As this dust accumulates throughout your home, it creates the perfect environment for the growth of mold, mites and harmful bacteria. To check your ducts for dust buildup, pull off several supply and return registers and see how much dust has accumulated in the system. If you choose to clean your system, your best option is to contact a professional duct cleaner. Although duct cleaning has little effect on the actual air quality, it will eliminate a house-wide breeding ground for harmful bacteria and mold in addition to helping your heating and cooling system operate more efficiently. If you are installing a new system, you should consider cleaning the ducts at the same time. New systems are often more powerful than old systems and can stir up dust that is sitting in the existing ductwork.

What is the most efficient way to run my heating and cooling system?

Here are several tips to help you keep your system running at its most efficient level:

• Keep your thermostat at a constant temperature; the recommended temperature is 78 degrees, even when no one is home.
• Change your filters every month.
• Check the outside condensing unit regularly
• Look for any grass clippings or leaves stuck to the coil.
• If it is dirty - disconnect the power at the circuit breaker FIRST!
• Use a shop-vac with a brush attachment to vacuum off the debris.
• Run water from a garden hose through the coil until the water passing through it is clear.
• Turn the power back on.

If you are unable to do some of these things then it would be advised to call Gillette Air Conditioning Co., Inc., your trusted local service company. Gillette has serviced many friends and neighbors, providing referrals and the quality service team to fit your needs.  Call Gillette Air Conditioning Co., Inc. at 210/735-9235 today!