Energy Efficiency 101: Vocabulary

Let us decode a few words related to energy efficiency and explain how using these terms can help you get the system that matches you and your home, whether you are considering a new air conditioner or furnace.

First things first: We’ve noticed one trend across the board with these terms. The higher the number, the higher the efficiency. This typically will result in a larger energy savings for you, ultimately reducing cost.

AFUE Rating – This stands for the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency Rating. Why is this important? This tells you how efficient your furnace is, meaning how much fuel your furnace actually uses versus what percentage is wasted. This is helpful to know as the higher the number, the more money you are likely saving.

COP – This one means the Coefficient of Performance, and is used to measure your heat pump’s efficiency when it is in heating mode. Geothermal products tend to have this type of rating associated with them.

EER – Energy Efficiency Ratings are a source of interest for those with geothermal systems, air conditioners, or air source heat pumps. It measures cooling efficiency.

HSPF – This term deals with the efficiency of heat pumps while in heating mode. You want a high number, like with all of these figures. The industry required minimum for the Heating Seasonal Performance Factor presently is a 7.7

SEER – Defined as the measure of how the cooling process of air conditioners and heat pumps are rated, the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio is another number that can help you be more efficient with your energy and help you save more money.

These elephants find their way to keep cool...learn the terms and find a way to keep cool for you!

Let's talk air quality

Do you have questions about air quality? We have answers!

Indoor air quality is one of the Environmental Protect Agency’s top 5 environmental health concerns. It’s not fun to hear, but the EPA states that the air inside your home is anywhere from 2 to 5 times dirtier than air outside (source). Scary, right?

However, don’t be afraid! There are plenty of air-quality solutions that exist today, such as humidifiers or purifiers. Using one of these can eliminate pollutants and get rid of pesky nuisances like bacteria, dust mites, mold, and mildew. Good indoor air quality is controlled by humidity and temperature.

The EPA has many resources for you to use regarding this topic. This guide provides information about mold in your home, and they also have an entire area of their site dedicated to indoor air quality in homes. Take a virtual tour of a house that the EPA has available online to help you learn about indoor air quality.

Preventative Maintenance . . . It's Important!

You may ask yourself, "Why should I keep up on preventative maintenance for my air conditioning or heating system?" Well, I can tell you, there are plenty of good reasons for this!

1. It’s a good investment. Think of preventative maintenance in terms of the metaphor of say, a car. If you keep up on your maintenance by getting regular oil changes and checking your brakes, etc., your car will most likely work longer, and look nicer. It will also be a better investment in the long haul, when it comes to resale of said car (or home).

2. Catch problems before they become bigger problems. This goes along with the above – by keeping up on preventative maintenance, you will be catching problems before they become big problems. Therefore, you are likely saving yourself stress and money.

3. Preventative maintenance can help your system run more efficiently since during a maintenance visit, HVAC professionals will check the following as needed:

A more efficient system means you are likely saving money. 

4. You fix the issues on your schedule. With preventative maintenance, you not only will likely have fewer repairs, but you also are able to schedule the preventative maintenance on your schedule. This is convenient as products seem to break at the most inconvenient times possible; this way, you are setting the schedule.

5. Looking for someone to help you with your preventative maintenance? Leave the maintenance to our professional staff of technicians while you sit back and relax. Click here to learn more about our Preventative Maintenance Home Comfort Program. Even better? Mention the promo code BLOG10 and receive $10 off.

Real People Drive Real Sober

To ensure a safe way to bring in the new year, remember to arrange a ride or drive sober from your New Year's Eve festivities. General Heating and Air Conditioning wants everyone to be safe every day of the year, so that's why we have been sponsoring this influential Real People Drive Real Sober campaign since 1999!

 

Have a great New Year and we'll see you in 2015!

 

GHAC TV - New Media

The marketing team at GHAC has been working hard this fall season on two new commercial concepts that have recently started airing in the Dane County area.  This first one is called "Noises" and is a slightly humorous take on the noises a furnace can make.

Below is the second, featuring a smug neighbor who knew way ahead of time that it was a good idea to have his furnace checked before it's cold and bitter and has been watching his neighbor who isn't quite as far ahead of the game.



Think General Heating and Air Conditioning year round for all of your air conditioning and heating needs!