HB's F.A.Q Page

This page was intended to aid individuals in the decision making process of purchasing a new or replacement Heating, Ventilation, and/or Air Conditioning system.  We hope this will help answer some of the difficult questions you have about HVAC equipment.

HEATING:

Efficiency

AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) details how efficiently a heating unit burns fuel either gas or oil.  Generally speaking, the higher the AFUE rating the less fuel consumed during the heating process.  78% is the minimum allowable efficiency rating and some furnaces break into the 96% efficiency bracket. 

As with most products the higher efficient models are more expensive but the energy savings could pay for those extra expenses over time.  Once these savings have recouped the initial expense the paybacks would be rewarded to your pocket book. 

Variable-Speed Furnaces

Variable-speed models can increase comfort and save you money!  The operation characteristics require the internal fan to push air at a slower speed upwards of 90% of the time.  Only when extremely cold temps outside or the individual calls upon the furnace to heat up the home more rapidly will the fan increase its speed.  While saving energy costs it creates a more constant climate throughout the home not to mention a quieter heating system.

     What is ENERGY STAR?       

Have you ever seen a refrigerator, TV, dishwasher or VCR with an Energy Star label affixed to it?  The Energy Star label indicates that the product is a high-efficiency, energy-saving product. 

The U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, product manufacturers, local utilities, and retailers are working together to promote more efficient products through a voluntary partnership.  When you see the Energy Star label, you can be assured that the product not only has the same features as standard products, but also has additional energy-saving components and technology.

Heating and cooling equipment can also be labeled with an Energy Star.  You can find Energy Star products at Hartman Brothers.  As a participating Bryant® dealer, Hartman Brothers can also provide you with Energy Star financing the next time you upgrade your heating and cooling equipment.

       COOLING:

Efficiency

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) calculates cooling system performance based on real world measurements.  The SEER of an air conditioning system varies anywhere from 8 (older models) to 17.  The higher the SEER rating the more efficient the system will be.

Basic Operation

Today's systems use Freon*-22 Refrigerated Cooling which are powered by electricity.  They incorporate a compressor that is the main component of the system.  This device pumps refrigerant as a high pressure gas to the condenser coil (outside), which gives up heat thus allowing the refrigerant to liquefy.  The refrigerant is then forced through a metering device that lowers the pressure and temperature.  From here it travels to the evaporator (indoor) coil where the heat is removed from the indoor air and given to the compressor or outdoor unit.

Future Outlook

As some of you may know governments worldwide have decided to eliminate Freon*-22, which is the refrigerant in most of today's cooling systems.  There is no need for panic!  Though the government has began phasing-out production of Freon*-22, there is still nearly an endless supply of this product.  However, this has spurred the manufacturers of central air units to come up with a new solution to Freon*-22.  Introducing "Puron" refrigerant, which is a chlorine-free environmentally sound refrigerant that meets upcoming government regulations.  This refrigerant offers higher levels of energy efficiency along with protecting our environment.

VENTILATION:

Indoor Air Quality

Did you know...

Standard fiberglass filters are only 7% efficient in stopping dirt, dust, and pollen. (ASHRAE)  Nearly half of all illnesses are created or aggravated due to poor indoor air quality. (ACA) 1 out of 6 individuals suffering from allergies do so because of fungi, molds, and bacteria in their ventilation system. (Total Health & Better Health Magazine)  Children are more likely to suffer from polluted indoor air than adults. (DCA)  Majority of individuals spend 60-90% of their lives indoors. (ALA)  Indoor air is found to be up to 70 times more polluted than outdoor air. (EPA)

Solution

Hartman Brothers has put together a "Clean Air Package", which brings together three of the industries top pollutant destroying products:  Aprilaire High Efficiency Air Cleaner, Aprilaire Humidifier, and the Healthy Climate Ultra-Violet Germicidal Light.  These combined products help to eliminate pollen, spores, dirt & dust, reduces dry nose & skin, and destroys micro & macro organisms such as fungi, bacteria, viruses and common household odors.