Resources

Glossary of Comfort Terms

AFUE
Annualized Fuel Utilization Efficiency is a measure of your furnace’s heating efficiency. The higher the AFUE percentage, the more efficient the furnace. The minimum percentage established by the DOE for furnaces is 78.

Airflow
The distribution or movement of air.

Air Handler/Coil Blower
The indoor part of an air conditioner or heat pump that moves cooled or heated air throughout the ductwork of your home. An air handler is usually a furnace or a blower coil.

Bioaerosols
Microscopic living organisms that grow and multiply in warm, humid places.

Btu
A British thermal unit is a unit of heat energy. One Btu is the amount of heat required to raise one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. The higher the Btu rating, the greater the heating capacity of the system.

Btuh
British thermal units per hour.

CAE
The Combined Annual Efficiency is a measure of the amount of heat produced for every dollar of fuel consumed for both home and water heating.

Central Air Conditioning System
System in which air is treated at a central location and distributed to and from rooms by one or more fans and a series of ducts.

Compressor
The part of the outdoor air conditioner or heat pump that compresses and pumps refrigerant to meet household cooling requirements.

Condenser Coil
The outdoor portion of an air conditioner or heat pump that either releases or collects heat, depending on the time of the year.

dB
A decibel is a unit used to measure the relative intensity of sound.

DOE
The Department of Energy is a federal agency responsible for setting industry efficiency standards and monitoring the consumption of energy sources.

Ductwork
The method by which air is channeled from the furnace or the blower coil throughout your home.

EER
Energy Efficiency Ratio- This is the same concept as SEER but test results are noted at 95 degrees instead of 75 degrees (temperature SEER is tested at).

Electronic Air Cleaner
An electronic device that filters out large particles and bioaerosols in indoor air.

ENERGY STAR®
A label attached to HVAC systems that meet or exceed the EPA guidelines for energy efficiency.

EPA
The Environmental Protection Agency develops and enforces federal environmental regulations. The EPA oversees the nationwide Energy Star® program.

Evaporator Coil
The part of the air conditioner or heat pump that is located inside the air handler. Its primary function is to absorb the heat from the air in your house.

Heat Exchanger
Located in the furnace, the heat exchanger transfers heat to the surrounding air, which is then pumped throughout the home.

Heat Pump
A heat pump is an HVAC unit that heats or cools by moving heat. During the winter, a heat pump draws heat from outdoor air and circulates it through your home’s air ducts. In the summer, it reverses the process and removes heat from your house and releases it outdoors.

Horizontal Flow
A type of furnace, installed on its side, which draws in air from one side, heats it and sends the warm air out the other side. Ideal for attic and crawl space installations.

HSPF
The Heating Seasonal Performance Factor is the heating efficiency rating for heat pumps. The higher the rating, the more efficient the heat pump. There is no legislated minimum HSPF rating.

Humidifier
An indoor air quality device that introduces moisture to heated air as it passes from the furnace into the ductwork for distribution throughout the home.

Humidistat
An automatic device used to maintain humidity at a fixed or adjustable set point.

HVAC
Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning.

ISO 9000
A family of international standards for quality management and assurance.

MERV Rating
The MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) rating of a filter describes the size of the holes in the filter that allow air to pass through. The higher the MERV rating, the smaller the holes in the filter, the higher the efficiency.

Micron
A unit of measure equal to one millionth of a meter, or one thousandth of a millimeter.

Odors/Chemicals
Air contaminants in the form of gases.

Particles
Any substances measuring less than 100 microns in diameter. The EPA has found that small particles (less than 2.5 microns) are responsible for the health effects of greatest concern.

Programmable Thermostat
A thermostat with the ability to record different temperature/time settings for your heating and/or cooling equipment.

R410A Refrigerant
A chlorine-free refrigerant that meets the EPA’s newest, most stringent environmental guidelines.

Refrigerant
A chemical that produces a cooling effect while expanding or vaporizing. Most residential air conditioning units contain the standard R-22 refrigerant, or Freon.

Refrigerant Lines
Two copper lines that connect the outdoor air conditioner or heat pump to the indoor evaporator coil.

Scroll Compressor
A specially designed compressor that works in a circular motion, as opposed to up-and-down piston action.

SEER
The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio is an energy efficiency rating for air conditioners. The higher the SEER, the better the energy performance, the more you save. The DOE’s established minimum SEER rating for residential cooling is 13.00.

Single Package
A heating and cooling system contained in one outdoor unit.

Split System
A combination heat pump or air conditioner with indoor components, such as a furnace or blower coil. Split systems should be matched for optimal efficiency.

Thermidistat
Monitors temperature and humidity and adjusts heating or cooling system to maintain desired levels.

Thermostat
Usually found on an inside wall, this device operates as a control to regulate your heating and cooling equipment, allowing you to adjust your home comfort at the touch of a switch.

Ton
Unit of measurement for determining cooling capacity. One ton equals 12,000 Btuh.

Two-Stage Operation
Provides two levels of heat output for greater temperature control and humidity removal.

Upflow
A type of furnace that draws cool air from the bottom and blows the warm air out the top into the ductwork. Designed for basement or closet installations.

Variable Speed Motor
Automatically adjusts the control of airflow for ultimate comfort and greater levels of dehumidification .

Ventilator
A system that exchanges stale, recirculated indoor air with fresh, filtered outside air (ERV).

Zoning
A method of partitioning a home into independently controlled comfort zones for enhanced comfort and efficiency.

Extended Warranty

Ask us about extended warranties which can be 10 year parts only or 10 year parts and labor inclusive.

Finance Information

Ask us about extended warranties which can be parts only or parts and labor inclusive.

Maintenance Tips

What to do indoors

Replace the indoor unit's air filter monthly:

Old/Dirty filters cause equipment to work harder, resulting in energy waste and possible internal damage. If you have a reusable/washable filter, make sure that it has completely dried prior to reinstalling.

Inspect the blower compartment of your furnace or blower coil:

Use a vacuum to remove any dirt or dust, which can result in improper performance and low efficiency. Make sure that the coil is dry prior to vacuuming.

Remove clutter from around the furnace or blower coil:

Items stored near the furnace are fire hazards. They may also obstruct combustion air supply. This could cause complete combustion and the production of carbon monoxide gas. Your furnace or blower coil could be located in a closet, attic or basement. Removing clutter applies to your equipment no matter where it is located.

Check the chimney or flue pipe connections for tightness, blockages or loose connections:

Your gas furnace flue pipe must remain tightly connected and free of blockage for the furnace to operate correctly. If repairs are required, contact us to schedule the repairs.

Set the thermostat on “HEAT” and move the temperature setting above room temperature:

Listen for any unusual sounds and call us if you suspect problems.

Keep return registers/grilles clear of obstructions:

The return register/grille must remain free of obstructions such as furniture, lint, dust or pet hair for the system to operate properly.

Clean humidifier reservoir regularly:

If your home comfort system includes a humidifier, it may be necessary to clean the water reservoir to prevent mold or mildew buildup.

What to do outdoors

Trim brush and shrubbery near outdoor units to prevent airflow obstruction:

It is important to provide unrestricted airflow to the outdoor unit. Leaves, trash or shrubs crowding the air conditioner or heat pump cause the unit to work harder and use more energy. Also remove any debris that may have collected around the unit.

Clean outdoor coil:

The outdoor coil on an air conditioner or heat pump can sometimes become obstructed by grass clippings, leaves, dust, etc. If this happens, using a garden hose, gently run water over the coil, removing unwanted obstructions.

Make sure outdoor unit remains level:

Ground shifting or settling can cause an air conditioner or heat pump to sit in an uneven position. If this happens, re-level the unit to make sure water/moisture drains from the cabinet properly.