The SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) measures the efficiency of your air conditioner or air-source heat pump. The SEER is the cooling output over a particular season divided by the total energy used in that same period. The higher the SEER, the greater the efficiency level of that cooling system.
Each split system cooling unit has a nominal SEER rating. This rating can be increased with the upgrade of the same series indoor unit. The SEER rating of a system is derived based on the combination of equipment installed in the home. The outdoor equipment (heat pump or air conditioner), as well as the indoor equipment (evaporator coil and furnace, or air handler), play a vital role in the total rating.
Your heating and cooling systems work incredibly hard to perform their functions for your home everyday. The constant stopping, starting, and continual operation can wear down any machine if the proper care and maintenance is delayed. However, by performing regular maintenance, you can maximize the lifecycle of your heating or cooling unit and guard against many common equipment failures. Preventive maintenance inspections performed on a regular basis can uncover leaks, rust, rot, soot, frayed wires ,and corroded electrical contacts that the naked eye may not notice. You should have maintenance done on your system regularly to ensure maximum efficiency and prevent other problems.
At least once a year heat pumps and air conditioners require a professional tune-up. Because gas-fired equipment functions with greater efficiency, they need to be serviced every year. Inspections on boiler and furnace systems should include ductwork, pipes, dampers, valves, the chimney, registers, radiators, pumps, blowers, fuel lines, the gas meter, oil tank, and every part of the actual furnace and boiler. Meanwhile, heat pump and air conditioning unit inspections should also include inspections of the fan, compressor, indoor coils, outdoor coils, line kits, and refrigerant lines.
Since they are electronic, programmable thermostats are more accurate and efficient than thermostats that contain mercury. With programmable thermostats you can control the temperature in your home at different times of day without ever touching your thermostat. Because everything is automatic, you will never forget to change the setting on your own.
Standard filters work to keep your system and its ductwork clean, but they don’t really improve indoor air quality. To do that you need a media filter. The media filter rests between the main return duct and the blower cabinet and will improve dust and particle removal by seven times that of a standard filter. However, upgrading to a pleated media filter will remove everything from insecticide dust to airborne viruses from the air. Always choose a filter that matches your blower’s capacity. For optimum efficiency and filtration, Kearney & Sons recommends that you replace your disposable filters at least once a month. If you have washable filters, they should be cleaned once a month.
The filter shipped with your unit is made from higher-quality materials than those of the disposable filters found in retail stores. For that reason, replacement filters can only be purchased through a dealer. However, keep in mind that some filters are reusable, and can be washed by hand in cold water.
There are many factors that affect the sizing and specifications of your system, including square footage, insulation, window surface and configuration, geographic location of your home, duct sizing and arrangement, and many others. Kearney & Sons, Inc. can perform an in-home load analysis to determine which equipment combinations will perfectly suit your home and your family’s needs. The only way to ensure the size of the system you purchase will be large enough to cool your home, but not any larger than you need, is to have your home’s individual heating and cooling needs evaluated by a licensed professional.
Under the standard factory warranty, parts that fail during the warranty period are covered. The warranty does not cover labor. A warranty certificate was included with your homeowner information packet, and is specific to the model numbers, serial numbers and installation dates of your products. If you cannot find your warranty certificate,
Kearney & Sons will also be able to provide you with the information.
