FAQs

What qualities should I consider before purchasing a new gas furnace?

The most important component in a gas furnace is the heat exchanger.  The heat exchanger is what separates combustion gases (flame) from the atmospheric air in your house.  Typically, when the heat exchanger develops a crack, the furnace needs to be replaced, thus determining the life of the furnace.

The best heat exchanger is made of 409 stainless steel.  This type of heat exchanger is more expensive but will outlast the alternative, (aluminized steel) by typically 10 years.

What size furnace/central air system should I purchase?

Capacity of a furnace/central air system is determined by a number of factors.   Heat loss/gain of your house is the first to consider, however duct size & layout is also a consideration.  It is best to have a trained HVAC professional determine the proper size.

What efficiency should I get?

With the continuous change in energy costs, it is best to plan for the future and go with high efficiency equipment.  For a gas furnace, 95% efficiency is considered high efficiency.  For an electric appliance, anything that is energy star rated is considered high efficiency.  The added cost to go with high efficiency equipment is generally offset by available rebates & tax credits.  The cost of the equipment is also a big factor.  If the cost of the equipment outweighs the payback period, the less efficient system may be most cost effective option.  Check out www.energyexperts.org to calculate a personalized system comparison.

What refrigerant is best in a new central air system?

In 2008 equipment manufacturers of central air systems where required to switch to the newer “environmentally friendly” 410 A refrigerant.  The older R-22 refrigerant is still available to recharge existing systems but is scheduled to be phased out by the year 2020.  As of now some R-22 systems are still available but if you are changing your entire central air system it would be best to go with a system that has the 410-A refrigerant.

What qualities should I consider before purchasing a new central air system?

Central air systems of higher quality generally have more safety controls that protect the compressor. If a condition exists that would normally cause damage to the compressor these added controls will turn the compressor off before damage occurs. Generally manufacturers extend equip. warranties if these controls exist with the equipment. Compressor analyzers are typically included with these controls.

What is a heat pump?

A heat pump is similar to an air conditioner.  It is a mechanical refrigeration device that can provide either air conditioning or heating in a building. Which of the two is actually provided, depends on the direction in which the refrigerant flows through the system. A heat pump as well as an air conditioner does not produce cooling or heating. It simply moves heat from one place to another.

There are two types of heat pumps: Ground Source and Air to Air.

-Ground source systems transfer heat from the ground. These systems are typically more costly and require a large area for excavation. Ground source systems can provide heat year round regardless of the outside air temperature.

-Air to air systems transfer heat from the outside and are very efficient, but are only effective down to about +25°F (outside). At this temperature it is necessary to operate a secondary source of heat (usually electric resistance heat). New thermostats that sense outdoor temperature have made this transition very easy. At times both the heat pump and electric resistance heat may operate at the same time.

Air to Air systems are more common and typically more cost effective.  Visit www.energyexperts.org to do a personalized comparison.

With the new tax credits and rebates that are available, heat pumps have become very affordable. In fact after deducting these incentives from the installation cost, a heat pump typically costs the same or  less than a conventional system. Tax credits generally amount to $1500.00 and rebates average around $500.00. Visit www.amana-hac.com/TaxCredits/tabid/656/Default.aspx to see a list of qualifying equipment.