Cooling 101

What you should know about the indoor cooling process

This is general information that you will find helpful when working with us.

Central Air Conditioning

A Residential Split System Central Air Conditioning system keeps your entire home cool in the warmer months, while it helps lower indoor humidity levels.

System elements include a compressor, a fan, condenser coil, evaporator coil, and a refrigerant. The unit extracts heat from indoor air and transfers it outside, leaving the cooled indoor air to be re-circulated. The efficiency of central air conditioning systems is shown using SEER ratios (see below).

Three elements make up a central air conditioning system with electricity as its power source. They are:

• An outdoor section (the condensing unit).
• A matching indoor gas or oil furnace with coil, or air handler.
• A series of ductwork to transfer the cooled air throughout the home.

Electric Heat Pumps

A Residential Split System Heat Pump is a year 'round comfort system. In the summer it draws heat out of your home to keep it cool, and in the winter it draws heat from outside air into your home to keep it warm. Many heat pump installations have a booster electrical resistance heater that automatically supplements heat brought in from the outside. Outside air always has heat in it - even at very low outdoor temperatures.

Just the central air conditioning system, an electric heat pump includes a compressor, a fan, outdoor coil, indoor coil, and refrigerant.

The efficiency of Heat Pumps is rated using SEER (for cooling efficiency) and HSPF (for heating efficiency).

A Heat Pump uses electricity as its power source, and requires:

• An outdoor Heat Pump section.
• A matching indoor gas (natural or propane) or oil furnace with coil or air handler.
• A series of ductwork to transfer the heated or cooled air throughout the home.
  

SEASONAL TIPS

These guidelines will help you to get maximum comfort and efficiency from your HVAC system.

Maintenance

• Follow your manufacturer's routine maintenance directions.
• Have entire system checked TWICE a year by a qualified service technician.

What Homeowners Can Do:

Check Filters

• Permanent - Clean with mild detergent every 30 to 60 days, per manufacturer's recommendations.
• Replaceable - Replace every 30 to 60 days (1" filter) or annually (air cleaner filter).

Windows and Doors

• Keep closed when system is running.
• Caulk and weather-strip to close air gaps
• Close drapes and shades over windows facing sun.

Activities

• During the cooling season, don't wash/dry clothes during warmest times of day (late morning and afternoon).
• When cooking, use exhaust fan only as needed.
• Keep thermostat at desired setting.