HVAC frequently Asked questions
What is SEER and EER?
Since January 2006, all residential air conditioners sold in the United States must have at lease a 13 SEER. SEER is the abbreviation for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and it is a U.S. government standard energy rating and reflects the overall system efficiency of your cooling system. An EER is short for Energy Efficiency Ratio and does not take into consideration the time of year, but rather the system's evergy efficiency at the peak operating use. Both ratings should be considered in choosing cooling products. The rating is a ration of the cooling output divided by the poser consumption and measuresf the cooling performance of the system. The Federal government developed an ENERGY STAR program for high efficiency central air conditioning systems that in order to qualify must have a SEER of at least 14.
Why should I replace my working air conditioner?
Although your present air conditioner may be working, if it is more than 5 years old you should consider replacing it with a new high efficiency system. A new air conditioning system could save up to 50 percent on energy costs, and save you money in the long run on repairs. While you save money on your utility bills, you will also enjoy a better degree of comfort within your home.
What is meant by a "ton" of refrigeration?
Confusingly, the unit has little to do with weight, as used in everyday language. One ton of refrigeration is the term used to refer to 12,000 B.T.U.s/hour (British Thermal Units/Hour) of cooling effect. Thus, a condensing unit with a cooling capacity of 60,000 B.T.U.s/hour is said to have a capacity of 5 tons.
Why can't you ad coolant to my system without checking for a leak or repairing an existing leak?
Since July 1, 1992 it is illegal to release refrigerants into the atmosphere, either intentional or accidental, because they can cause sever damage to the ozone layer. When refrigerants such as Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are removed, they should be recycled to clean out any contaminants and returned to a usable condition.
