Q: What is a SEER rating?

A: It’s easy to think of SEER like MPG in a vehicle. The higher the SEER rating the more efficient the unit is, meaning less power is used. This is good for the environment, decreases air pollution, and greatly decreases your utility bills. In case you’re wondering, SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. The minimum SEER currently required by the U.S. government is 13. Airco offers several units exceeding 20 SEER.

Q: What is the right size air conditioning system for my house?

A: Having the right size system is extremely important. Even one that is too large is a big problem: It will cool your house too quickly (satisfying your thermostat before removing sufficient moisture), leaving a humid environment and potential mold problems. It will also cycle on and off more frequently decreasing efficiency dramatically. Of course, a system that is too small simply can’t get the job done.

Determining the size of a system involves a lot more than matching square footage to the right unit. Every house is different. Factors such as floor plan, types of walls, windows, orientation, sunlight/shade, attic conditions and much more affect the required size. It is best to have an experienced HVAC technician thoroughly inspect your home before making any decision on what size unit to install. Airco Joe will perform this evaluation entirely free of obligation and at no extra charge.

Q: Do air purifiers, like the ones for sale in malls, work to improve indoor air quality?

A: Yes and no. They improve indoor air quality, but in a very limited fashion. The types of purifiers you find in retail stores are extremely limited in range. They only help the room in which they are used as opposed to the whole house. Even in that one room they are far less effective in comparison to air cleaners that are a part of your home’s ventilation system.

Improved filter systems and air purifiers that are embedded in your heating and air conditioning system work on all the air that is circulated through your house. Recent technology has led to products that are more than 100 times more effective than standard filters.

Q: What if my heat and AC equipment are fairly new? Are there other ways to increase energy efficiency?

A: Certainly. Your home’s insulation, ductwork, window sealing and much more impact how often your equipment needs to run. Improving these aspects of a home is often called weatherization. It can also include solar screens for windows and new programmable thermostats. Airco Joe will perform a whole-home weatherization inspection for free with any service call.