Frequently Asked Questions

What you always wanted to know!  What you always wanted to ask someone.

WHAT DO ALL THOSE HEAT PUMP AND AIR CONDITIONER RATINGS MEAN?

It's easy to feel overwhelmed by the array of efficiency ratings, abbreviations and acronyms used to describe or explain heat pumps and air conditioners!  In this fact sheet, we'll tell you what they all mean and how you can use the knowledge gained to make a more informed choice on your comfort needs.

EFFICIENCY RATINGS
SEER - Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. This is a system for rating the efficiency of cooling equipment. It is calculated by dividing the cooling capacity of a continuously operating air conditioner by the electric power input. The higher the SEER, the less your unit will cost to operate.

HSPF - Heating Seasonal Performance Factor.  This measure is similar to SEER, but it measures the efficiency of the heating portion of your heat pump.  Like the SEER, HSPF industry minimums have risen in recent years. The current industry minimum is 6.80 HSPF.

SOUND RATINGS
In recent years, HVAC equipment has not only gotten more energy efficient, it has gotten quieter. Although sound does not affect the efficiency of a unit, it can certainly affect your comfort.  If your unit has a low sound level, you (and your neighbors) will hardly notice when it is operating.

db - Decibel.  A term used to describe the relative loudness of a sound. Typically, heat pumps and air conditioners are between the sound of a voice (70 db) and a blender (88 db).

SRN - Sound Rating Number. A unit based on ARI tests. Average sound ratings range from 74 to 80 db.  The lower the SRN rating, the quieter the unit.

GENERAL INDUSTRY TERMS
HVAC - Heating ventilation and air conditioning. This term applies to both the heating and cooling industry and to the products they manufacture.

ARI - Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute. A non-profit, voluntary organization comprised of HVAC manufacturers.  ARI publishes standards for testing and rating heat pumps and air conditioners and insures a level of quality within the industry.

DOE - The Department of Energy.  This is the federal agency that sets the HVAC industry efficiency standards.

BTU - British Thermal Unit.  This is the amount of heat that will raise of lower the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit.

BTUH - British Thermal Units per Hour. A measure of heat transfer rate.

 

IS THERE REALLY THAT MUCH DIFFERENCE IN OUTDOOR UNIT SOUND LEVELS?

The answer is most definitely YES! Until recently, noisy air conditioners and heat pumps were accepted as the norm.  High noise levels were even associated with the "power" of HVAC systems. But today's technology lets you choose a system that is not only efficient, but also very quiet.

HOW IS SOUND MEASURED?
Sound is measured in decibels. A decibel describes the relative loudness of a sound.  Heating and cooling equipment is rated in bels: a bel is equal to 10 decibels.

ARE ALL NEW SYSTEMS QUIET?
Most systems manufactured today are quieter than those made in past years. But there is still a great difference in the sound levels of models on the market today.  Be sure to compare sound ratings when you shop for a new system... your good night's sleep depends on it.

 

SHOULD I BE CONCERNED ABOUT CARBON MONOXIDE IN MY HOME?

Carbon monoxide can be an invisible threat to your family's health and safety.  Though more commonly associated with fires and automobile emissions, carbon monoxide poisoning can accumulation any home unless certain precautions are taken.  That's why Lennox is getting the word out that carbon monoxide poisoning is preventable.

WHAT IS CARBON MONOXIDE?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that is produced by the incomplete combustion of fuels such as wood, natural gas , gasoline, diesel, kerosene, coal and charcoal. It is caused by lack of oxygen or a disruption in the burning process. household appliances such as your furnace, water heater, stove, space heaters, charcoal grill or gas dryer can be sources of carbon monoxide. Vehicle exhaust fumes from attached garages, as well as improperly operating fireplaces also can become carbon monoxide hazards, particularly if your home is well-sealed for energy efficiency.

WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF CARBON MONOXIDE ON THE HUMAN BODY?
When we breathe, carbon monoxide combines with the red blood cells in the blood and displaces the oxygen our bodies need to survive. Carbon monoxide combines with the red blood cells 200 times more easily than oxygen ad creates a condition known as carboxyhemoglobin saturation. Carbon monoxide then gets carried to the vital organs through the bloodstream instead of oxygen. Our organ tissues require oxygen; without it, our bodies start to asphyxiate or suffocate. It takes the body much longer to eliminate carbon monoxide than to absorb it, which is one reason why exposure can be so dangerous.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING?
Unfortunately, the symptoms caused by carboxyhemoglobin saturation are easily overlooked because they are often flu-like. With mild exposure, most people experience headaches, fatigue and nausea.  Medium exposures can cause a severe throbbing headache, drowsiness, disorientation, confusion and an accelerated heart rate. Extreme exposure can lead to unconsciousness, convulsions, cardiorespiratory failure, coma and possibly death.

As always, when in doubt, call a professional. We are available to answer your questions both over the phone or by e-mail.