Frequently Asked Questions
Investing In High Efficiency 
Seasonal Maintenance
Winter Check-Up: Your Heating System
Even New Equipment Needs Maintenance!

Q: There are so many contractors selling so many brand names, how do I know who to choose to install my new unit?
Q: Why do prices differ from contractor to contractor on the exact same unit?
Q: What is this thing called SEER?
Q: Why should I invest in a 12 SEER or higher unit?
Q: What is this thing called H.S.P.F.?
The Importance of A Properly Matched Coil
Investing In High Efficiency    
     Your heating and cooling equipment accounts for approximately 60% of your total utility bills. If your utility bills total just $150.00 a month, you could be spending as much as,$1,100.00 a year to heat and cool your home. Would you like to cut your bills by up to $500.00 a year? If so, then read on... The average air conditioner or heat pump made 10 years ago had an efficiency rating of 8 SEER (and that is when it was brand new). New units today have an average efficiency rating of 12 SEER. That's over 40% more efficient! Now imagine the additional energy savings if your unit is more than 10 years old. The savings are just as dramatic if you also have a gas furnace in your home. Most furnaces older than 15 years were rated at 60% efficient. New furnaces start at 80% efficiency and go as high as 95%. Some homeowners wait until their heating and cooling equipment dies before they replace it. They end up spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars in excess utility bills. Don't wait until your heating and cooling equipment dies. Start saving now! Call Bruce Thornton Air Conditioning at 745-7944  now to see how quickly your new heating and cooling equipment will pay for itself.

Seasonal Maintenance
One of the most important things you can do to protect your investment in your heating and cooling system is to arrange for seasonal maintenance of your equipment. Just like your car, your heating and cooling system needs a "tune-up" as seasons change. This will ensure that it will not only keep you comfortable, but run to its highest efficiency. There are many different services performed during a seasonal "tune-up" for your heating and cooling equipment. Let's take a look at some of the most important features and learn the benefits of each one.
Winter Check-Up: Your Heating System
  • Inspect the Heat Exchangers
    Heat exchangers will be inspected for cracks and deterioration. That's because they can develop cracks with age. If cracks exist, there is a risk of serious illness from the fumes emitted.
  • Check Air Filters
    Dirty air filters can increase your system's operating costs. Dirty air filters should always be replaced.
  • Clean the Burners and Check All Components
    Dirty burners or defective com- ponents cause poor combustion. You may pay for useful heat that "goes up the stack".
  • Clean and Check Ignition Components
    Weak or dirty ignitions can easily cause ignition failure and shut the unit down.
  • Check and Adjust Fan Switch
    A fan switch that is not properly adjusted can waste energy and cause nuisance fan cycling.
  • Inspect and Tighten Unit Wiring
    Loose connections or weak fuses can lead to motor or control failure.
  • Check Safety Controls
    Safety controls that do not operate can cause dangerous problems.
  • Clean Blower Wheels and Lubricate Motors
    The motor will last longer and the temperature will be more comfortable.
  • Check Fuel Line and Shut Off Valves
    These are checked for possible leaks. Undetected leaks waste energy and could become dangerous.
  • Inspect Flue Pipes Flue
    pipe corrosion or leaks are dangerous.
  • Secure All Panels
    Loose panels can increase operating costs.
  • Check and Calibrate the Thermostat
    Defective or improperly calibrated thermostats affect comfort and operating costs.
  • Record the Performance of the System
    An accurate record of vital data can indicate potential problems. By reviewing this data, problem areas can be identified and repaired.

Even New Equipment Needs Maintenance!
  1. Some air conditioning and heating problems can double operating costs without reducing comfort.
  2. A refrigerant undercharge of only 10% can increase operating costs by almost 20%.
  3. A dirty evaporator, condenser and blower could increase air conditioning heat pump electrical usage by 50% or more.
  4. Just 100th of an inch of dirt or film on an evaporator coil can reduce its efficiency by 5%.
  5. Proper care of your equipment can save you real dollars in energy savings.

Smart Investing
Commonly Asked Questions About Investing In A Heating & Cooling System
Q. There are so many contractors selling so many brand names, how do I know who to choose to install my new unit?
A: Consumers MUST purchase from the contractor they trust the most. Installing heating and cooling systems properly requires significant expertise. The contractor who provides the best solution, proves that his staff is capable and has a track record of responding after the sale, is the one you should select to install your new system. Because the manufacturer transfers system responsibility to the dealer after it leaves the factory, your contractor is your only advocate and will be directly answerable for your satisfaction. In summary, choose the contractor in whom you believe and who is able to prove to you that he has the capabilities to cement a long term relationship with you, the customer.
Q. Why do prices differ from contractor to contractor on the exact same unit?
A: When consumers decide to buy toaster ovens, televisions and trash compactors, the process is typically to go out, check prices and buy the product with the best price. Price shopping makes the purchase easy . . . the price tells us who to buy from. But, when it comes to buying a heating and cooling system, price may get you into deep trouble. Many consumers ask: How can the price be different . . . all three contractors are quoting the same unit?? The answer is easy and difficult at the same time. Heating and cooling systems are not toaster ovens. They do not just come out of the box, plug in and operate. When a contractor estimates a system, the equipment itself is only 40% to 500% of the price. The balance is in design, labor, parts, materials, warranty, wiring, controls and other components. So, when the consumer is presented with the price, they must know that a significant portion of the total bill is for things other than equipment. It's a fact that, when there is a difference in price on heat pump systems, there is always a difference in the scope of the job. Consumers must take great care in educating themselves on the contractor and his sales representative, because bottom line, you are NOT buying a heating and cooling system, you are buying a contractor. Always buy from the contractor in whom you have the most confidence. Period. Be sure that your contractor gets to know you and takes the time to discover how you live, your comfort problems and your plans for your home. All of this information will help him or her in the process of designing the system that is just right for you.

Q. What is this thing called SEER?

SEER = Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. The seasonal energy efficiency rating (SEER) of your heat pump or air conditioning unit is to these pieces of equipment as miles per gallon (MPG) is to cars. It is a measure of the air conditioning performance of the system, where the higher rating is the better. The basic formula for SEER, or how this number is assigned, is BTU's of the air conditioning unit divided by the wattage needed to run the unit (BTU/WATT). The consumer must beware, however, because many companies are currently producing budget grade 12 and 14 SEER units that are not built to high quality standards. Be certain to always review the specifications and features of a unit with your sales rep- resentative to ensure that you are getting what you expect. Remember to ask questions about SEER, your air conditioning's miles per gallon.
Q. Why should I invest in a 12 SEER or higher unit?
A: There are 12 reasons why you should purchase a heat pump car- rying a 12 SEER rating or higher:
  1. 12 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. 12 SEER or higher units are fitted with much better controls and protective devices to protect the unit if a problem occurs (bad power, freon loss, etc.)
  6. 12 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 mucli better blower than the standard system which enhances performance and comfort.
  11. They have an expansion valve that adjusts the freon flow which allows the unit to provide a higher level of comfort and better humidity control.
  12. 12 SEER or higher units have an accumulator which catches extra freon and helps protect the compressor.
Q. What is this thing called H.S.P.F.?
A: H.S.P.F. = Heating Seasonal Performance Factor. The heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF) is a measure of heat pump heating performance. Like the SEER rating, it is similar to the miles per gallon (MPG) of your automobile . . . the higher, the better. The HSPF rating number is derived by taking an average of performance at many different outdoor temperatures. Because HSPF is the best way to judge how efficient a heat pump is, it is important to review this rating with your sales representative as you consider specifications on your new system.

The Importance of A Properly Matched Coil

When it's time to replace your central air conditioning system or your heat pump, you'll be happier with the end result if you get all the facts up front. For instance, did you know that your air conditioner or heat pump system consists of two parts, an outdoor unit and indoor unit . . . and that if these units are not properly matched, you could sacrifice comfort and risk the failure of your system? It's a little like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole.
All central air conditioning systems and heat pumps consist of two parts; an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. These two parts are specifically designed to fit together as a team to provide top performance and maximum efficiency and comfort. Since both components are necessary for a working system, both parts of your existing system were originally installed at the same time. So, if you install a new outdoor unit without installing an equally efficient indoor unit to match, you won't have the right "fit".
Replacing the outdoor unit without replacing the indoor unit may offer you the lowest price, but keep in mind it won't give you the best value. In fact, your system could be up to 15 percent less efficient than stated. That will hit home when you have to pay higher utility bills. With unmatched components, your system may still work, but the reduced efficiency will also mean you're less comfortable. Ultimately, components that aren't properly matched can create undue stress on your system, resulting in unnecessary premature failure.
Installing a matched system makes sense when you consider the sacrifices and added costs of repairing or replacing an unmatched system. You'll get higher energy efficiency, greater reliability and more comfort. Now that's a bargain that "fits"!