1” filters should generally be replaced every month when the system is running. Replace filters with the same kind and size as the original filter. If replacing a 4” media, check monthly and replace every 6-12 months. If your filter is not disposable, follow the manufacturer instructions for cleaning.
SEER(Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating) is the rating of a unit’s cooling output in BTU (British thermal unit) during a typical cooling-season divided by the total electric energy input in watt-hours during the same period. The higher the unit’s SEER rating the more energy efficient it is.
HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) is a heat pump’s estimated seasonal heating output in BTU’s divided by the amount of energy that it consumes in watt-hours. New heat pumps manufactured after January 1, 2015 are required to have an HSPF of at least 8.2. The most efficient heat pumps have an HSPF of 13.
AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) is the measure of seasonal or annual efficiency of a residential heating furnace or boiler. It takes into account the cyclic on/off operation and associated energy losses of the heating unit as it responds to changes in the load, which in turn is affected by changes in weather and occupant controls.
Humidity is a problem in many areas. The best way to control excessive humidity is to have a system that runs longer at lower speeds. Variable speed air handling equipment runs at very low speeds, which keeps that air circulating against the cooling coil and removes much more moisture than conventional systems. At these low speeds, the variable speed motor uses much less electricity than conventional motors.
There are a couple of advantages. One is that you get constant filtering of the air in your home. The other is that because the air is moving, you have a more even temperature throughout your home.
Manufacturers generally agree that plants should not be closer than 18”. Air conditioners need to take in and exhaust air to operate efficiently. If air can not circulate, the unit could build up heat and require service.
There are many things that determine the size (capacity) system your home requires. Some of these include square footage to be cooled, climate, humidity, number of windows, insulation factors, which direction your home faces, heat producing appliances and even the number of people living in the home. Butler can do an energy analysis on your home and help you decide what your particular needs are for your lifestyle.
MERV stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. Or in English, “how effective is your air filter?” MERV ratings range from 1-16. The higher the MERV rating on a filter, the fewer dust particles and other contaminants can pass through it. The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers designed the MERV scale to represent a filter’s worst possible performance at removing particles .3 to 10 microns in size.
