Lewisville Air Conditioning Repair FAQS 972-874-1001

a. Is geothermal air conditioning and heating a viable alternative for residents of Lewisville, TX?

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Geothermal heat pumps for  air conditioning and heating uses the ground itself as a heat sink and source depending on the conditions. It’s an updated version of the traditional heat pump, which uses heat in the outside air to keep the temperature of the air in a building at a comfortable temperature. Geothermal heating and air is considered to be much more efficient, since beneath the surface the earth tends to be about the same temperature and thus it requires less energy to heat the air in winter and cool the air in the summer. It is a viable alternative for most houses, provided they are a certain distance above the water table.

b. What is zone heating and cooling?

Zone heating and cooling is when a system only applies heat or cool air to a specific part of a building in order to save resources. This is becoming increasingly popular in modern houses constructed in Lewisville, which have heating and cooling ducts and dampers to allow airflow to be turned off in rooms which are not in use. It can be automated by the use of multiple thermostats, but it is also possible to arrange manually by opening and closing vents.

c. What does Energy Star rating mean on HVAC equipment?

The “Energy Star” rating is established by the Federal Government in regards to energy efficient equipment. Any appliance with an Energy Star rating means that it meets or exceeds energy use requirements for appliances in its class. This is not only good for the environment, it leads to a lower operating cost for the machine, since it consumes much less electricity. An Energy Star rated device generally costs more, but it may offer energy savings of up to 75%, allowing the machine to pay for itself through reduced energy bills in a matter of years.

d. What does SEER rating on air conditioners mean?

“SEER” stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It is determined using the ratio of watts of power consumed to the number of BTUs of heat dissipated by the radiator. It is a manner in which a particular aid conditioner is rated on how efficiently it can turn electricity into cooling power during the summer months. The higher a SEER rating is, the more efficient it is. The SEER rating is limited by thermodynamics, but air conditioners with ratings in the mid-teens and low 20s are considered to be exceptional.

e. What does HSPF rating on heat pumps mean?

HSPF stands for Heating Seasonal Performance Factor and is an efficiency rating for heat pumps. It is related to the number of BTUs of heat the pump can put out for each watt of power used. The higher the rating, the more effective the heat pump is at condensing outside heat into energy that will heat the house. Any unit with an HSPF of eight or greater is considered to be exceptionally efficient and may in fact entitle the purchaser to a tax refund as part of energy efficiency incentive programs.

f. What does AFUE rating on furnaces mean?

The letters AFUE stand for “Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency.” It is a rating that shows how much of the fuel burned per season is actually converted into heat by your furnace in Lewisville. Even the best furnace will tend to waste a lot of heat by burning inefficiently or releasing hot air back into the environment. A high AFUE means that heat is converted efficiently, but it may not indicate that a cost saving is present. Most electric heaters have an extremely high AFUE rating because it is easy to convert the electricity into heat. But this process requires a lot of electricity, and depending on cost, it may actually be cheaper to burn fuel oil or natural gas in order to heat a building.

g. Are pre-season check up for my air conditioner and furnace really necessary?

A pre-season check up involves nothing more than a cursory inspection and is generally inexpensive. Some retailers may offer free inspections for a number of years on a

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unit that they sell and installed. It is usually a good idea to have such equipment checked out during each pre-season since most heating and cooling units degrade most heavily when they are not in use. It is during these periods that rust, dirt and occasionally pests such as rodents are most likely to contaminate the system. By solving such problems before the unit needs to be used, it can be possible to avoid having the unit fail when it is most essential, such as the coldest day of January or the hottest day of July.

h. What HVAC equipment is needed to improve indoor air quality?

The most important way one can improve indoor air quality is through the use of HEPA-rated filters. These filters will remove all particles the size of bacteria and larger. This will not only help to alleviate pollen and mold allergies; it will keep germs from spreading through the building via the HVAC system. These filters will need to be cleaned or replaced once a year, or more often in an environment with a lot of pollution, pollen or mold.

i. What is a heat pump?

A heat pump is a heating device that takes thermal energy from the outside, condenses it, and then uses that thermal energy to warm a house. It involves a complex application of the laws of thermodynamics, but even on the coldest day there is enough thermal energy to keep a house warm. Heat pumps work best in areas that do not get too cold, as it takes much more energy to heat a house on a very cold day than it does a mildly cold one.

j. How do I qualify for federal energy savings tax credits and utility company rebates if I purchase a new heating and cooling system?

These rebates are almost automatic, but must be applied for through the agency after purchase of the item. Most retailers will advertise which units will receive rebates and tax credits. It is also a good idea to contact your utility or the EPA and inquire about specific models that will give credits.

k. What is the cheapest thing I can do to reduce my heating and cooling bills?

Call the Frost Brothers heating and air team to install a programmable thermostat. This can automatically adjust your home’s thermostat when you are asleep and away from home. For less than $100 in most cases, you can cut your heating and cooling bills without cutting back on lifestyle. The savings are immediate and can add up to hundreds of dollars per year.