What is the SEER Rating?
The SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) is how the efficiency of your heating and cooling equipment is measured. The SEER is the amount of cooling your system will deliver per dollar spent on electricity, as compared to other systems. For example, a 3-ton unit may have a SEER efficiency rating of 13, 14, or 15. The higher the SEER rating, the more energy efficient the system will be.
Why is the SEER rating on the Energy Guide different than what my dealer quoted?
Each split system cooling unit has a nominal SEER rating. This rating can be increased with the upgrade of the same series indoor unit. The SEER rating of a system is derived based on the combination of equipment installed in the home. The outdoor equipment (heat pump or air conditioner), as well as the indoor equipment (evaporator coil and furnace, or air handler), play a vital role in the total rating.
Why should I have regular maintenance? And how often should I have it performed?
Your heating and cooling systems work incredibly hard to perform their functions for your home everyday. The constant stopping, starting, and continual operation can wear down any machine if the proper care and maintenance is delayed. However, by performing regular maintenance, you can maximaze the lifecycle of your heating or cooling unit, and guard against common equipment failures. Regular maintenance inspections performed on a regular basis can incover leaks, rust, rot, soot, frayed wires, and corroded electrical contacts that the naked eye may not notice. You should have maintenance done on your system regularly (twice per year) to ensure maximum efficiency, and prevent possible problems that may occur in the near future.
What equipment requires regular maintenance?
At least one a year, heat pumps and air conditioners require a professional tune-up. Because gas-fired equipment functions with better efficiency, they only need to be serviced once a year. Inspections on boiler and furnace systems should include ductwork, pipes, dampers, valves, registers, radiators, pumps, blowers, fuel lines, the gas meter, oil tank, and every part of the actual furnace and boiler. Heat pump and air conditioning unit inspections should include the fan, compressor, indoor coils, outdoor coils, line kits, and refrigerant lines.
What are the advantages of a programmable thermostat?
Since they are electronic, programmable thermostats are more accurate and efficient than thermostats that contain mercury. With programmable thermostats you can control the temperature in your home at different times of day without ever touching your thermostat. Everything is automatic so you will never forget to change the setting on your own.
What type of filter should I use? And how often should I replace it?
Standard filters work to keep your system and its ductwork clean, but they don't improve indoor air quality significantly; for that, you would need a media filter. The media filter rests between the main return duct and the blower cabinet and will improve dust and particle removal by seven times that of a standard filter. However, upgrading to a pleated media filter will remove everything from insecticide dust to airborne viruses from the filtered air. Always choose a filter that matches your blower's capacity. For optimum efficiency and filtration, Glenmont recommends that you replace your disposable filters at least once a month. If you have washable filters, they should be cleaned once a month.
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