FAQs

No. We have financing available with approved credit so you can pay over time.

It stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. It is a way that the government has of assessing the energy consumption of air-conditioners. A higher SEER will mean lower power bills. It can be compared to gas mileage. The lowest available right now is 13 SEER and they are always increasing the efficiency of the newest models.

R-22 is the common name for hydro-chlorofluorocarbon (HCFC), which has been used as a refrigerant by HVAC manufacturers for over 40 years. Studies in the past decade have shown that HCFCs contain chlorine, an ozone-depleting agent. The United States Clean Air Act has set a date of January 1, 2010, when HVAC manufacturers must stop production of products that use R-22.

R-410A is the common name for an emerging hydro-fluorocarbon (HFC) that is being used as a refrigerant in the HVAC industry. R-410A is more environmentally friendly than R-22 and is the most likely replacement for R-22 by HVAC manufacturers. Beginning January 1, 2010, the use of alternate refrigerant will be required in HVAC manufacturing.

ENERGY STAR is a program created by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to help businesses and individuals make energy efficient purchases. The ENERGY STAR label is placed on systems that meet superior energy efficiency standards. This is an easy way for consumers to identify quality, high efficiency products. For more information about the Energy Star program, visit the website at www.energystar.gov.

If you have any questions not answered here or you would like a free no obligation in home energy survey please Contact Us.

STRAIGHT AC does one thing; it removes heat from your home and only operates when the thermostat is set to cool. A heat pump has a reversing valve that will do the opposite during heating season. The refrigerant flow reverses, pulling heat from outdoor air and then delivers it inside your home. In our climate, heat pumps are an excellent and efficient choice.

Variable speed air handlers and furnaces move air at more than one speed. They ramp up slowly providing for virtually silent operation. By converting AC current to DC current they increase energy savings since they operate at a fraction of the energy required by single speed units. Variable speed units coupled with certain thermostats have the ability to automatically switch to a lower speed after the temperature setpoint has been satisfied to pull more humidity out of the air without additional cooling. By reducing humidity, you increase comfort, energy savings and remove a critical source of indoor microbial growth and dust mites.

Static pressure is the blood pressure of your HVAC system. Our bodies circulate blood through our veins and arteries. HVAC systems circulate air in much the same way through the duct system. If there is a blockage in the duct system, the static pressure increases, signaling a problem just like high blood pressure does in our bodies. Once we determine high static pressure, we have other tests that follow to isolate and correct the problem. If static pressure is either too high or low, your system is not able to deliver the air required to properly heat and cool your home. It will also indicate problems that can drastically increase your energy costs.

The frequency of air filter replacement depends upon several variables. If you have a heavy concentration of dust, say from local construction in your neighborhood, it may need to be changed more frequently. It is important to keep in mind that the more efficient your air conditioner filter is the more often it will have to be cleaned or replaced. For most people pleated filters will do an adequate job. These filters are ten to sixty percent more efficient and some manufacturers claim even higher efficiencies.

It all depends on your comfort level. The more you fight against the outside elements the more energy your HVAC system will consume. Texas summers can be brutal. Setting your thermostat for 78* for the times you are home and even higher when the house is unoccupied is the most common recommendation. A programmable thermostat is a good investment for helping keep your system functioning at optimum temperature while reducing your energy use.