Indoor Air Pollutants: Radon (Rn)

Sources: Earth and rock beneath home; well water; building materials.
Health Effects: No immediate symptoms. Estimated to contribute to between 7,000 and 30,000 lung cancer deaths each year. Smokers are at higher risk of developing radon-induced lung cancer.
Levels in Homes: Based on a national residential radon survey completed in 1991, the average indoor radon level is 1.3 picocuries per liter (pCi/L). The average outdoor level is about 0.4 pCi/L. Steps to Reduce Exposure: 

• Test your home for radon, it's easy and inexpensive. 
• Fix your home if your radon level is 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) or higher. 
• Radon levels less than 4 pCi/L still pose a risk, and in many cases may be reduced. 
• If you want more information on radon, contact your state radon office, or call 800-SOS-RADON.

Can I Move the Thermostat on My Heat Pump Up and Down Like Other Heating Systems?

During the heating season, we recommend a setting that is comfortable for your household. Once your thermostat is set, the best policy is to leave it alone. Raising the thermostat as little as 2 ° F may cause the supplementary heat to come on, thereby increasing your energy usage. Although night setback is recommended during the winter for most types of heating systems, to save energy and reduce costs, it is not generally recommended for a heat pump unless a programmable thermostat designed expressly for a heat pump is used. When you have a heat pump, and raise the house temperature in the morning, the supplementary heat may come on using more electricity than you save during the night. Reduce the thermostat temperature setting for weekend trips or vacations during the heating season.

What Are Some Ways to Help Control My Heating and Cooling Costs?

Once the thermostat is set, it should be left alone. However, programmable thermostats are commonly installed on systems to setback the house temperatures while you are away from your home. The air filters inside the system need to be checked, cleaned, or changed each month. The outdoor fan should not be covered or obstructed, so it can receive proper air flow. Precision Tune Up checks should be performed which include refrigerant level checks, indoor/outdoor coil inspections (cleaning, if needed) and duct inspections. Duct inspections are very important. A poorly performing duct system can cause air comfort problems, high utility bills, and could become hazardous. We can measure your entire system's performance and show you how to get the most out of your heating and cooling system.

Why Should I Invest in a 13 SEER or Higher Unit?

There are 13 reasons why you should purchase a heat pump/air conditioner carrying a 13 SEER rating or higher:

1. 13 SEER or higher units are 20% to 50% more efficient than 10 SEER units, saving you energy dollars through every season of the year. 
2. They are much quieter than 10 SEER units, which makes your home a more pleasant place to live. 
3. They have a 5 to 10 year compressor warranty and up to five years full parts, labor, materials and freon warranty, which ensures that the costs to run this unit are low. (Ask your contractor for details)
4. They are built better and have a much nicer fit and finish. 
5. 13 SEER or higher units are fitted with much better controls and protective devices to protect the unit if a problem occurs (bad power, refrigerant loss, etc.) 
6. 13 SEER or higher units have a new high tech scroll compressor which is extremely reliable and provides warmer feeling heat. 
7. They have a 5 minute time-delay to keep heat from turning on and off during storms, or if someone is tampering with the thermostat. 
8. They have commercial grade service valves to keep service costs down and equipment life high.
9. They have compressor sound and fan insulation systems that are attractive and significantly reduce the sound of the outdoor unit. 
10. They have a much better blower than the standard system which enhances performance and comfort. 
11. They have an expansion valve that adjusts the refrigerant flow which allows the unit to provide a higher level of comfort and better humidity control. 
12. 13 SEER or higher units have an accumulator which catches extra refrigerant and helps protect the compressor. 
13. And lastly, the Department of Energy says so!! Oh yeah! In January 2006, the DOE is raised the minimum cooling efficiency on residential air conditioners and heat pumps to 13 SEER from its older minimum of 10 SEER. Questions? Ask a Sales Consultant.

Is The Heat Pump An Economical Or Expensive Way Of Heating And Cooling, And How Does It Operate?

A heat pump may actually provide more than three units of heat for each unit of electricity used. If a kilowatt-hour of heat is needed for comfort, it can be supplied by a one thousand-watt electric heater. To provide the same amount of heat the heat pump might use as little as 330 watts in an hour. This is a ratio of three to one. The ratio is referred to as the Coefficient of Performance (COP). Electric resistance heaters have a COP of 1 because they are using electricity to create heat. A heat pump moves heat from the outside to the inside of the home and vice versa, not using energy to create heat. We recommend. a COP of at least 1.8 at standard test conditions of 17 ° F dry bulb and 15 ° F wet bulb.

I am sure that explanation was as clear as mud. Let's look at it this way. Gas and fuel oil prices are going through the roof. It looks like the heat pump is becoming a better option.