Frequently asked questions
How often should filters be
cleaned or replaced?
Standard filters should be inspected and replaced/cleaned as necessary at least
once per month. Many "high efficiency" air filters have a longer
useful life. Allowing a filter to become clogged with dirt will
raise the operating costs of the system and can actually cause damage to the
compressor.
How
long can I expect a new air conditioner or heat pump to last?
If you have a qualified
technician perform regular preventative maintenance and service suggested for
your unit, industry averages suggest that an air conditioner should last 12-15
years (sea coast applications may be less).
What
is SEER?
There are special names for the efficiency ratings of various types of
equipment. Air conditioning equipment is rated by the Seasonal Energy Efficiency
Rating, or SEER. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the unit.
Think of it like miles per gallon on a car. The current minimum on new air
conditioners is 13 seer.
What is EER?
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) is a measure of how efficiently a cooling system will operate when the outdoor temperature is at a specific level (95oF). The higher the EER, the more efficient the air conditioner. Both SEER and EER are included in the ENERGY STAR specification because each rating indicates the energy efficiency of the product under different operating modes. SEER rating more accurately reflects overall system efficiency on a seasonal basis and EER reflects the system’s energy efficiency at peak day operations. Both ratings are important when choosing a product.
What
does HSPF stand for?
There are special names for the efficiency ratings of varying
types of equipment. Heat pump equipment in the heating mode is rated by
the Heating Seasonal Performance Factor, or HSPF. The higher the HSPF rating,
the more efficient the unit.
What is a scroll compressor?
Instead of a piston, like reciprocating compressors have, a scroll compressor has two spiral shaped mechanisms. One is stationary, and one orbits around the stationary one. The orbiting motion creates a series of gas pockets traveling between the two scrolls. On the outer portion of the scrolls, the pockets draw in gas, and then move into the center of the scroll, where the gas is discharged. As the gas moves into the increasingly smaller inner pockets, the temperature and pressure increase to the desired discharge pressure.
Scroll compressors have several advantages over reciprocating (piston) compressors. Some of the advantages are:
To view how the scroll mechanism works, click here.
Return to ICAC Air Conditioning and Heating Home Page
ICAC Air Conditioning and Heating Inc. P.O. Box 245 Crystal Beach, FL 34681
(727) 455-0930
