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? 

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.

Should The Outdoor Unit Run Continuously?

Below the balance point, around 30 ° F it is normal for the outdoor fan to continually run. If the outdoor unit continually runs during normal heating (30 °-50 ° F outside), possible problems are:

• Thermostat set too high
• Thermostat needs adjustment
• Low refrigerant level in unit
• Thermostat exposed to cold draft
• Outside unit coil is blocked by snow, ice, etc.

If the outdoor unit continually runs during normal cooling, possible problems are:

• Low refrigerant level in unit
• Very warm weather (over 90 ° F)
• Thermostat located near heat source, such as appliances, TV, etc.
• Dirty filters or too many registers closed limiting air movement
• Improperly designed duct work
• Unit may be undersized

Why Should I Care about Energy Efficiency?

The total cost of any appliance (including an HVAC system) has three components - the purchase price, the cost of repairs and maintenance, and the cost to operate the appliance. The more energy efficient an appliance is, the less it costs to run and the lower your utility bills. Using less energy is good for the environment too; it can reduce air pollution and conserves our natural resources.

Why Does The Air At The Supply Grill Feel Cooler In The Heating Mode Than Other Types Of Heating Systems?

The accelerated movement of the supply air varies from 85 ° to 106 ° F in the winter. Air movement causes some evaporation of skin moisture causing the sensation of coolness. By setting the proper supply air speed on a heat pump it will provide comfortable air temperatures.