Comparing Apples to Apples: Understanding Government Ratings

by AC & Heating Experts | Nov. 12, 2012

Air conditioners, furnaces and heat pumps all have different regulations and different rating criteria. It is important to keep these ratings in mind when you are comparing various systems from different manufacturers as they will tell you the true performance characteristics of each. Because these can be confusing to read, below is a brief summary on the ratings and what they mean.

SEER – This stands for “Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio” and is simply the average efficiency at which your central air conditioner will run during various conditions. An average is used because the efficiency performance will change from the hottest summer months to the warm spring or fall months. The U.S. currently has a minimum SEER rating of 13 for all central air conditioners. High efficiency systems are rated above 16 SEER and deliver the most energy savings throughout the year.

EER – This stands for “Energy Efficiency Rating.” This is a peak load rating, which tells you how efficiently your air conditioner will perform on the hottest days. This rating is important to consider if you live in very hot, dry areas that remain hot most of the year as the system will be at or near peak load more often. EER’s range from 8 to more than 15 and should not be confused with SEER ratings. An EER rating over 12 is excellent. Some systems have very good SEER ratings, but are compromised on their peak load performance. If you live in a hot area you should evaluate both SEER and EER to keep your electricity bill low in the summer. If you are in a more moderate climate zone it would be better to focus on the SEER ratings.

HSPF – This stands for “Heating Seasonal Performance Factor” and is a rating used to describe a system’s heat pump efficiency. These ratings range from 8 to more than 13 HSPF. As with SEER and EER, a higher number represents a more efficient system. If you’re using a heat pump with another heating source, such as a gas furnace, the HSPF will only be reflective of the heat pump and not the duel system capacity.

AFUE – This stands for “Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency” and is the standard efficiency rating for furnaces that burn fossil fuels like natural gas or heating oil. AFUE ratings are expressed in terms of efficiency percentages where the lowest efficiency equipment might have AFUEs of around 70% and the highest efficiencies are more than 90%.

You may not realize it, but the United States has some of the highest minimum efficiency standards for air conditioning in the world. These standards were put into practice over the past 20 to 30 years as the adoption of central air conditioning in the U.S. was expanding rapidly. These regulations were required to make sure the increase in power used for air conditioning did not put too much stress on the electric power grid, and also to help reduce environmental impacts.

Do you know the SEER or AFUE rating on your current air conditioner or furnace?

Starting the Conversation with Customers About Refrigerants

by AC & Heating Experts | Nov. 12, 2012

As more systems require replacement due to age, or repairs that make it more economical to replace, one of the questions likely to come from a homeowner is about refrigerants. Homeowners can find a mix of confusing information online so following the guidelines below can help provide clear, concise answers when talking to your customers.

1. Start with an overview on refrigerants

You don’t need to give a history lesson on refrigerants, but it’s important to convey the main reason for the transition from R-22 to R-410A was environmental and that it was an international effort related to maintaining the ozone layer around the earth. Using analogies can help customers relate to the information. An example would be saying the transition is similar to better emissions standards in your vehicle.

2. Talk about the improved efficiency of R-410A

The newer R-410A refrigerant is a more efficient substance and can be used in higher efficiency systems. Introduce them to SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) ratings and highlight higher efficiency means less energy consumption – which also means lower energy bills.

3. Highlight higher cost of R-22

While R-22 can still be purchased and installed for repairs, less of it is being manufactured as regulations require the continued phase out. With less supply, the costs will rise making repairs or recharges much more expensive and potentially making it more economical to replace the entire system. The cost of R-410A is decreasing as more systems are installed and supply increases.

4. Outline future availability of R-22

It can be helpful to talk about potential future issues, since a new system can last up to 12 years or more. There are some important dates your customers need to be aware of: As of January 1, 2010, no new systems could be manufactured containing R-22. The U.S. must reduce its use of R-22 by 90% as of January 1, 2015. Starting in 2020 R-22 companies will no longer be allowed to manufacture R-22 at all.

5. Don’t just try to sell a new HVAC system

When it comes to talking about refrigerants with your customer it shouldn’t sound like a sales pitch. This is an opportunity to provide them with value-added information that can help them make a smart decision. Making sure they understand the information above can help them evaluate the costs/benefits of their decision and ultimately position you as a trustworthy advisor.

Many customers tell us the best experiences they have with contractors is when they feel they are learning something without being sold. Is this how you approach customer education? What ways do you help them make good decisions?

Copeland Climate Technologies – By Degrees

by AC & Heating Experts | Nov. 11, 2012

An overview of how Copeland’s focus on technology and efficiency is taking the lead in the future of smart systems.

How do I know which HVAC contractor to hire?

by Karl Zellmer | Nov. 8, 2012

Discover the right AC & heating questions to ask

One of the most important factors in achieving satisfaction with your air conditioning replacement is the selection of the right contractor. Even the best equipment will not provide you comfort if it is not sized and installed properly. There are several organizations which certify AC technicians like NATE and ACCA. Verifying through these organizations that the technicians are trained and certified is essential. Also, while most contractors carry several different brands of equipment, not all of them carry the brands you might want. It’s usually best to start off asking what kind of features and comfort level you want and then identify a brand that can fill your need. Third-party websites like Angie’s List also provide user-experience feedback on a wide range of contractors. Unless you know and are satisfied with a contractor you have used in the past, we recommend getting quotes from several different contractors. And if you get multiple quotes, it’s essential to make sure they are all quoting similar types of equipment so you’re comparing apples to apples. They should also be able to validate their experience installing the type of equipment you have selected. The best contractors are the ones who take the time to make sure you understand what they are recommending. Ask a lot of questions and go with a qualified contractor that makes you feel comfortable about your choices.

Should I invest in a programmable thermostat?

by Geoff Godwin | Nov. 8, 2012

One of the quickest and simplest ways to reduce energy costs is to use a programmable thermostat. There are many varieties of thermostats available today with a host of features, but the one that provides the bulk of the energy savings is the programmable feature. This allows you to dial back the heating and cooling automatically for times when you know you will not need it – while you are at work, away from home, etc. There are more advanced models that can regulate the cooling based on other factors like humidity and changes in outdoor ambient temperatures which can improve comfort as well as energy savings without you having to lift a finger. You might actually have a programmable thermostat now and not know it. Our research has shown that a surprising percentage of people actually own these programmable thermostats but don’t use the programmable feature. So check your thermostat and if you decide to buy one of the programmable models be sure to use it and see the savings add up!

Should I replace my furnace if I replace my air conditioner?

by AC & Heating Experts | Nov. 8, 2012

Find out how much furnaces and AC systems go hand-in-hand

In many cases, your original air conditioner and gas furnace were installed as a matched set. When one needs to be replaced it doesn’t necessarily mean you have to replace both, but it’s a good time to start thinking about your options. You might consider upgrading to a heat pump system or a dual fuel system which can reduce energy costs during the spring and fall heating seasons. If you call a contractor to come out and evaluate your options for repair or replacement it’s a good time to ask about long-term solutions in addition to the quick fix. A qualified contractor should be able to tell you about the usable life remaining in your system and provide you with several recommendations for short, mid and long-term solutions based on your needs and preferences. It’s also a good idea to ask about scheduled maintenance solutions which can help keep your system running longer and in better condition.

Are there unique needs in my region of the country?

by AC & Heating Experts | Nov. 8, 2012

The air conditioning needs of the muggy, humid southeast summers require different methods for sizing and equipment selection than the hot, arid summers in the southwest. In certain parts of the country, the quality of electric power distribution causes brown-outs or worse. These areas often require special added equipment to deal with certain power sags. Some areas of the country have other unique problems like airborne pollen or pollution which can cause respiratory issues. Coastal regions near the ocean can have special problems with corrosion from salt spray. If you have just moved to a new area and are not sure about what unique issues your region faces you should consult with a contractor who can explain the best ways to deal with these problems before purchasing your new AC system.

Is there really anything new in air conditioning?

by Frank Landwehr | Nov. 8, 2012

Discover the latest in AC technology and trends

Because air conditioning systems tend to last for more than a decade most people don’t have a need to keep up with the latest trends. But today’s available systems may be more sophisticated and efficient than the one currently in your home if it is more than 6-8 years old. If you’re looking at a replacement you should consider the following options that have grown in popularity over the last few years. Geothermal systems use the consistently cool temperature underground to cool your home instead of the normally hot air outside. Geothermal systems are some of the most energy efficient available. Another system that is catching on across the country is a heat pump which can work as an air conditioner in the summer and can the run in reverse and act as a heater in the winter. These systems have long been used in southern states, but with advances in technology now providing better heating and cooling options these reversible heat pumps are now being used more frequently in the upper Midwest and northern states. These systems are also popular in areas where electricity costs and availability provide better economics than burning gas, propane or fuel oil. Ductless mini-split air conditioners are also gaining in popularity for certain applications. Rather than moving cool air around your house as part of a central system they condition one room at a time. These are usually mounted on a wall or ceiling and are ideal for a room addition or to add cooling to a garage. As you can see there are many more options than just buying cold air. It’s worth the time to explore your options and if you have questions, ask a contractor!

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Comparing Options for Cooling Your Home

Do I really need to cool the whole house all the time?

by Sarah Taylor | Nov. 8, 2012

Find out if you need to cool your entire home

There are inherent benefits to cooling the whole house including better air circulation, filtration and the elimination of cold or hot spots. However, there are times when cooling the upstairs bedrooms don’t make sense if no one is sleeping in them. There are two real options to successfully zoning your cooling space. The first is to invest in a second air conditioner and have one cool the most active space and the second be on ‘standby’ for the lesser used space. This requires the rerouting of your duct work but can provide additional controls for times when both spaces are used. The second option is to use a high efficiency system which can provide cooling modulation to adapt its power output based on which zones need to be cooled. Because the high efficiency systems are able to throttle up or down they are able to maintain humidity control and air flow and thus, overall air quality and comfort won’t be negatively affected. If you try to shut off rooms with a single, lower efficiency, fixed capacity system it can lead to moisture/humidity problems as well as spikes in temperature to make you uncomfortable. You could also severely damage the system if you shut off too many vents. Zoning is an excellent way to save on energy costs, but your contractor should help you select the right equipment to support that approach.

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What is SEER and Why is it Important?

Do I want something more than just “cold air”?

by Sarah Taylor | Nov. 8, 2012

Your AC unit can do more for you than just keep you cool

Women Relaxing in Chair With a Cold AC
Just about every basic central air conditioner on the market will produce cold air throughout your home if it’s installed and sized correctly. However, there are some features of high efficiency systems that are often worth the additional price when you take more than just the initial purchase cost into consideration. For example, because higher efficiency systems use less energy, they can reduce your monthly electric bill, and over the life of a system it can easily pay for the upfront cost difference. Because your AC and heating system accounts for roughly 60% of your overall home energy costs each year, those numbers quickly add up to real savings. This is even more important if you live in an area where the electricity rates are high. These energy saving systems also often qualify for local utility rebates or other government incentives which makes them more affordable. Comfort is another important factor to consider. Some of the higher efficiency systems available today provide an added benefit from both maintaining the temperature within a more precise range to controlling humidity – both significant factors of overall comfort. While it’s relatively easy to get cold air, consider the long-term financial and comfort factors before making a purchase decision.