What does HVAC stand for?
HVAC is an acronym for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. It’s an abbreviated way of describing the services we offer.
What is central cooling?
The most common central cooling system is a split system, which includes an outdoor cabinet containing a condenser coil and compressor, and an indoor evaporator coil, usually installed in conjunction with your furnace or air handler. The compressor pumps a chemical called refrigerant through the system which, due to its unique properties, is able to transfer heat from one place to another.
How does central cooling work?
Once warm air inside your home blows across the indoor evaporator coil, its heat energy transfers to the refrigerant inside the coil. That transfer, in turn, cools the air. The refrigerant is pumped back to the compressor where the cycle begins again. The heat absorbed by the refrigerant is moved outside your home while cooled air is blown inside. Moisture that contributes to humidity is also condensed out of the air. Your cooling system is usually combined with your central heating system because they share the same ductwork for distributing conditioned air throughout your home.
Central heating systems have a primary heating appliance, such as a furnace, typically located in your basement or garage. All furnaces consist of four main components: 1) burners that deliver and burn fuel, 2) heat exchangers, 3) a blower, and 4) a flue that acts as an exhaust for gaseous by-products. Depending on your situation, region, and needs, you can choose from heating systems running on either gas or oil as fuel, or a hybrid packaged system that can use both fuel types.
What is central heating?
Combustion gases are generated by the burners in your furnace and passed over a heat exchanger. Air from your home blows across the heat exchanger to be warmed. It is then blown through a system of ducts that distribute the warmed air throughout your home.
Another option for heating is a heat pump which essentially functions as an air conditioner in reverse, moving heat from outside to inside during colder weather.
An independent Trane dealer can help you decide which central cooling and heating system is right for you. Trane matched systems provide a range of energy efficiency ratings and can be customized with cooling and heating units that best meet your needs.
How does central heating work?
What does AFUE mean?
Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) is a furnace rating that represents the percentage of heat produced for every dollar of fuel consumed. The current minimum is 78% AFUE.
SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) is the measure of efficiency by which the cooling process of air conditioners and heat pumps is rated. The higher the SEER number, the greater the efficiency, which translates into greater energy savings. Today, U.S. regulatory agencies require all new models in our area to have a 14.00 SEER rating or better. Most major manufacturers offer a line of air conditioners and heat pumps that range from 14.00 SEER to 20.00 SEER.
What does SEER mean?
HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) is the measurement used to gauge the efficiency of the heating mode of heat pumps. Again, the higher the number, the greater the efficiency. Today's models are required to have a minimum 8.2 HSPF.
What does HSPF mean?
An Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) is the ratio of the cooling capacity of an air conditioner in British Thermal Units (BTU) per hour to the total electrical input (in watts). The higher the EER rating of an air conditioner, the lower your utility bills.
What does EER mean?
What is a BTU?
This is an acronym for British Thermal Unit. It can be used to describe the energy content of different heating fuels. However, we use BTU to describe the power of heating and cooling systems.
What is load calculation?
Manual J-Load determines a building's heat gain and heat loss to ensure installation of properly sized air conditioning and heating equipment.
Why do contractors need to size my system?
The purpose of sizing is to maximize comfort and efficiency. This is just one way we figure out how much BTU “power” your home’s heating and cooling system needs.
What is a condenser?
Typically used when referring to the entire outdoor component and houses both the condenser coil and compressor.
What is Two-Speed Air Handling?
Today's air conditioners are adaptable to indoor comfort demands and outdoor weather realities. Two speed air handling ensure that you are getting optimum efficiency, humidity control, and comfort whether it is 78°F or 98°F outside by operating at two speeds.
Unlike a single speed unit that runs at 100% capacity no matter what the outdoor temperatures are, a two-speed air handler runs at about 70% of the unit’s full capacity most of the season. However, when temperatures outside grow more extreme and the first speed is not sufficient to maintain comfort levels, the unit kicks into maximum gear, providing the additional requirements.
What is Variable-Speed Air Handling?
Even more fine-tuned than a two-speed air handler, a variable speed unit runs almost continuously during the heat of the day, varying its output minutely in order to maintain a consistent temperature year round. Not only is this more energy efficient, it’s also healthier as air is continually passed through the HVAC’s filters and cleaned of dust and allergens.
Though a variable-speed may cost more up front, the savings in lowered utility bills quickly make up for the difference. In addition, these types of systems create a more comfortable environment due to their superior dehumidification capability as well as their ability to sustain more consistent temperatures.
Can I just replace the outdoor unit on an older system to save money?
In some specific cases, where the indoor components are almost new, this is possible. However, it is impossible to derive accurate energy efficiency ratings for these types of installations because the components have not been tested together. Also, there are refrigerant differences between older components and new equipment. In general, it is better to replace all parts of the system simultaneously to take advantage of efficiency gains, warranties and peace of mind.
How do I select a contractor?
Look for a contractor who is licensed and insured and technicians who are trained and certified. Find a company with an excellent reputation and good references that makes you feel comfortable.
Why should I purchase a service agreement?
A dirty HVAC unit can double operating costs. Just 100th of an inch of dirt or film on an evaporator coil can reduce cooling and heating efficiency by 5%. That’s why all leading manufacturers recommend regular maintenance to keep your unit at peak performance.
Our years of field experience has proven to us the benefits of regularly scheduled maintenance. Proper care of your equipment keeps utility bills lower, improves the performance of your air conditioner, and extends its life, and the Pullen Comfort Program offers premium maintenance at reasonable rates to further lower the cost of caring for your HVAC unit.
How can I reduce allergens in my home?
With a high efficiency air cleaner like Trane CleanEffects or AirScrubber Plus, you can remove up to 99% of the pollen and spores that find their way into the home. These products also reduce household dust, dirt, smoke, and other air pollutants. Your indoor air will become cleaner and fresher while reducing the allergens and dust that circulate throughout the house.
How can I control the humidity in my home?
Dry indoor air contributes to itchy skin, scratchy throats, static electricity, and damage to your furnishings and woodwork. With a whole house humidifier, you can relieve these irritating problems while increasing your comfort.
A humidifier can also reduce the cost of high energy bills. Since humid air feels warmer than dry air, you can set the thermostat lower while maintaining the comfort you want during cold winter months. A lower thermostat setting will reduce the cost of your energy bill.
On the other hand, a central dehumidifier removes excess moisture and helps control the humidity inside your home, which is useful during New Orleans’ sweltering summers. Dehumidification is one of THE major factors in comfort control. Trane’s new TruComfortⓇ Variable-Speed models are specially designed to combat high humidity and deliver maximum comfort.