Comfort. Energy savings. Safety. Value.
Selecting an air conditioner or heating system for your home is a big decision.
It’s an important investment today that will impact the value of your home over years to come. It will play a key role in your home energy expenses for years to come. And when the summer heat is at its worst or the winter cold is keeping you indoors, you’ll want your family to have the best, most reliable system possible to insure your comfort and keep your energy expenses in check.
Here are a few things to consider:
How can I be sure my unit is the right size?
We at Hometown Comfort know that an air conditioner that’s too small won’t keep your home sufficiently heated or cooled. But what you may not know is that a system that is too large for your home will turn on and off (cycle) too often, which wastes expensive energy and could create undue strain on the compressor.
What is the life expectancy of a new HVAC system?
On average the units installed today last 10-12 years. This is something that will have many different variables such as proper installation, maintenance, and service. The preferences of the homeowner and the climate the equipment is located in are also factors in the life of your system. A proper professional installation is key to getting the most longevity out of your system. After installation the life of your equipment is dependent on how well you maintain and service the system.
How long can I expect my system to last and what can I do to help prolong the life of my system?
The life of your HVAC system GREATLY depends on how well it is cared for and maintained. With a certified technician looking over your system and checking to make sure all components of the system are working at 100% efficiency to keep operating cost down and preventing any possible problems.
How can I lower my utility costs?
Studies have shown that the installation of an energy-saving programmable thermostat can cut as much as a third off your utility bills. We also recommend changing the filter in your return at least once a month and having each system cleaned twice a year by a certified technician.
What do good central air and heating units have in common?
Efficiency. Effectiveness. Reliability. The best systems are efficient, operating on minimal electricity to keep your utility bills as low as possible. They provide steady, dependable performance year after year when properly maintained. And, of course, good systems are quiet, long-lasting and low in service needs.
Are some air conditioners and heaters built better than others?
Absolutely!! You want to take into consideration the quality of your unit and the reputation of the manufacturer when you make this important purchase. (Ruud has been voted Consumer Report’s Most Reliable Brand)
For air conditioners, the compressor is the heart of the unit. On a hot day, it works hard. For example, Ruud uses the highly advanced scroll compressor in every unit they produce. Scroll Compressors are recognized by the industry as the leader in reliability, efficiency and quiet operation.
How do I know how energy efficient my unit is?
Today’s air conditioner manufacturers are required by law to evaluate and rate their equipment according to its energy efficiency. This rating is known in the industry as a SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. The higher the SEER rating the more efficient the equipment.
Most new homes come with central heat and air and are equipped with a standard builder’s model. However, when replacement becomes necessary, property owners can upgrade their systems by specifying a more energy-efficient system.
High SEER models are generally more expensive, but can easily make up the difference by reducing your home energy bills over the long run.
What does the word “ton” mean when it comes to air conditioning?
A ton is the unit of measure for an air conditioning system’s capacity. Residential air conditioners usually range from one to five tons.
