Choose the Best HVAC System for Your Home

can be extremely overwhelming. Use this guide to better understand terms and concepts and to help you find the best system for YOUR home.

HVAC RATING SYSTEMS

AFUE, SEER, HSPF… What do they all mean?

Hint: The higher the rating the greater the efficiency and cost savings.

AFUE – Average Fuel Utilization Efficiency

So if your furnace has a 70% AFUE rating, your furnace efficiently converts 70% of fuel to heat. The remaining 30% is lost out the flue.

Min

Max

78%

for gas and oil furnaces
AFUE measures fuel efficiency

98.5%

SEER – Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio

A higher SEER rating means it consumes less energy, saves you more money and is better for the environment.

Min

Max

13%

14%

30%

SEER measures energy efficiency for air
conditioners and heat pumps.

HSPF – Heating Seasonal Performance Factor

A higher HSPF rating means that your heat pump will be more efficient and cost effective to run.

Min

Max

7.7

8.2

HSPF measures heating efficiency for
heat pumps

DECIDING ON AN HVAC UNIT

So what exactly should you consider when purchasing a heating or cooling system?

COST CONSIDERATIONS

PRICE

the system to purchase and install Covers the initial cost

COST

Covers the monthly cost to operate, maintenance/repair costs, and the lifespan of the system

Higher energy efficient products cost more upfront, but save you more $$$ in the long-run

HEATING

In cold states, 35-50% of annual
energy costs go to heating the home

COOLING

In warm states, 50% of annual energy
costs go to cooling the home

CHOOSING A CONTRACTOR

Great contractors don’t just complete the job, they:

Know the perfect size of equipment for your home

Practice current installation practices

Find and fix potential problems in your home

QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE BUYING

What size unit do I need for my home?

Who will install the unit?

Do I want to save money now, or in the long run with energy efficient equipment?

Does my home require any special ratings or equipment?

Should I replace my entire system at the same time?

WISH YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT?
WE CAN GRANT THAT. CALL US TODAY!

Air Conditioning 101

Saving money and staying cool

Of the average home’s energy use goes to cooling.

Of American homes have AC systems.

2/3

Is how much it costs homeowners to run those AC systems.

$29B

20-50%

FUN FACT:

You can reduce your energy consumption by up to 50% just by upgrading to high-efficiency air conditioners and taking action to lower your energy use.

QUICK TIP:

Start saving money right now by regularly cleaning and replacing your cooling system’s air filters.

HOW AIR CONDITIONERS WORK

Evaporator – Cooling coils remove heat and humidity from the air.

Blower – Moves the now cooled air into the ducts.

Condenser – Hot coils disperse heat into the outside air.

Compressor – Moves refrigerant around the system to cool the air.

Fan – Blows air over the condenser to disperse hot air.

Filter – Removes particles and allergens from the air.

Thermostat – Controls your entire AC system telling it when to heat or cool.

TYPES OF AIR CONDITIONERS

Central Air
Life Span: 15-20 Years

Room Unit
Life Span: 10-15 Years

Ductless, Mini- Split Life Span: 12-15 Years

Evaporative Cooler Life Span: 15-20 Years

Cost

$$$

$$$$

Advantage

Provides even cooling throughout the home and a great option if you already have ductwork.

Affordable and a great option if your home doesn’t already have an AC unit.

Highly efficient, provide heating and cooling, and work in all climates.

Great option for arid climates and a cost effective option to cool the home.

Pro

Quiet, easy to operate and more efficient than a room unit.

Inexpensive to operate and efficient in cooling single rooms.

Cheaper than central air and easy to install. Can also be installed in buildings that don’t allow central air.

Half the price of central air to install and is 25% more efficient.

Con

Can be expensive timely to install if you do not have ductwork already.

Improper installation leads to air loss and can reduce its efficiency by 10%.

Not a cost effective option if your home already contains ductwork.

Requires frequent maintenance and only recommended for low humidity areas.

Tip

Make sure all duct work is sealed and insulated for higher efficiency.

Use rigid form panels and duct tape to effectively install the unit and stop air leaks.

Keep the outdoor unit clean and free of debris to maintain high efficiency.

Regularly clean and drain your unit to ensure a long life and maintain efficiency.

FUN FACT:

Excess humidity in the air keeps our bodies from naturally cooling themselves.

Air conditions remove excess moisture from the air allowing us to better regulate our body temperature.

VENT YOUR SPACE

PROPER VENTILATION IS THE MOST COST EFFECTIVE WAY TO COOL A HOME.

Opening windows creates a cross breeze that naturally moves warm air out of the home.

Fans circulate air throughout a room to create a wind chill effect and keep air from feeling stagnant.

Whole house fans pul in air from outside and expel indoor heat into the home’s attic.

How to Maintain Your AC

Regular maintenance saves you money in the long run by prolonging the life of your unit and avoiding costly repair bills.

Replace or clean your air filters regularly. Clean air filters reduce energy costs by 5-15%.

Check the evaporator coils every year and clean them if necessary shut down your system before cleaning.

Bent coil fins can lead to costly repairs an inefficient operation. You can straighten them with a “fin comb”.

Clean debris, and leaves from the fan on any outdoor unit to keep things running smoothly and efficiently.

Cleaning out drainage lines and panels regularly stops unintentional water damage.

Inspect window seals regularly on window units to keep air from escaping.

Always hire a professional if you’re not sure what to do or hear and see odd things.

COMMON AC PROBLEMS – AND HOW TO SOLVE THEM

THE UNIT ISN’T COOLING PROPERLY

REFRIGERANT

Check refrigerant levels and look for leaks. Call a professional for repair.

SENSOR PROBLEMS

In a window unit, the thermostat sensor could be misaligned

THERMOSTAT ISSUES

Compare your thermostat reading to other rooms in the house and adjust accordingly.

DRAINAGE PROBLEMS

Make sure the drain is not clogged. Clean it if necessary.

DIRTY FILTER

Dirty filters restrict airflow and stress the entire system. Change air filters regularly.

YOUR UNIT ISN’T TURNING ON

ELECTRIC FAILURE

Check the circuit breaker first. If resetting the circuit doesn’t solve the issue, contact a professional.

THERMOSTAT

If your thermostat isn’t working, it may just need new batteries.

LIMITED AIRFLOW

DUCTWORK PROBLEMS

If your ducts look dirty or you notice restricted airflow, Call a professional to schedule service.

DIRTY FILTER

Dirty filters restrict airflow and stress the entire system. Change air filters regularly.

MONEY SAVING TIPS:

Install a programmable thermostat to save up to 10% on your monthly bill.

Using ceiling fans with your AC running allows you to raise the thermostat by 4 degrees.

Insulate your attic and walls and reseal your doors and windows to keep air from escaping.

Insulating and sealing your ductwork reduces air loss by 30%

On super hot days, try not to use your appliances, cook outside and run dishwashers and dryers at night.

Install energy-efficient blinds that block heat from entering your home.

ENERGY STAR AC units conserve energy by 15% on average, saving you money in the long run.

Always use fans when showering or cooking to remove humidity and heat from your home.

A Brief History Lesson in Home Heating

OUR HISTORY IN HEATING

Wood

Coal

Oil

Geothermal energy

Electricity

Solar power

Natural gas

The only form of
heat is the sun

BEGINNINGS OF TIME

First evidences
of fire

1000000 BCE

Fire used under
human control

400000 BCE

Fire used to heat
Neanderthal
buildings

42000 BCE

Neolithic settlements
used open hearths for
smoke ventilation in
present day Turkey

7500 – 5700 BCE

Braziers used in
Romania

3000 BCE

Under floor heating
used in present day
North Korea

1000 BCE

Greek and Romans use
under floor heating

500 BCE

First use of fireplace
chimneys

12th Century

Chimneys become common
and coal is introduced as fuel

16th Century

The Franklin stove is invented
and burns fuel far more efficiently

1741

Russia invents the radiator

1855 – 1857

The first electric heater is
invented by Thomas Edison

1883

The US uses its first
solar water heater

1896

Robert C. Webber builds
the first ground source heat
pump

Late 1940s

SolarWall is created –
inventing solar air
heating

1990

First ultra low energy
building built in Germany

1990

Micro-CHP systems
introduced to the market

Early 2000s

Solar Water
Heaters

Can lessen annual energy requirements by 50%

This could lower the average home’s annual CO2 emissions by 10%

Micro-CHP (combined
heat and power)

Can reduce anbual carbon emmisions by 20%

A single Micro-CHP manufacturer has already:

Produced 2 billion kilowatt hours of electricity

This is enough energy to power 454,000 homes

A Beginner’s Guide To HVAC

Heating, Ventilating & Air Conditioning

BASIC ELEMENTS OF HEATING AND COOLING

YOUR ENERGY BILL BREAKDOWN

AND COOLING
45% HEATING

15% OTHER

11% WATER HEATING

10% WASHER & DRYER

2% DISHWASHER

2% TV, VCR, DVD

MONITOR
2% COMPUTER &

6% REFRIGERATOR

7% LIGHTING

The average U.S. home spends over

$2,000

a year on energy

50% of that is spent on heating and cooling alone

Just as water flows downhill, heat flows from high temperatures down to low temperatures

HIGHER TEMPERATURE

ENERGY
FLOW

LOWER TEMPERATURE

COOLING 101

Air conditioners don’t just simply supply cold air into your home. Rather, they draw warm air from inside your home, cool it and send it back in a constant cycle.

AIR FILTERS

Clean the air in your home by trapping dust, pollen and other air pollutants

HUMIDITY REDUCTION

Your AC unit draws moisture out of the air to lower humidity levels in the home

THE COOLING CYCLE

1. Warm air is drawn out of the home.

2. A cooling agent cools the warm drawn air.

3.The now cool air is distributed throughout the home.

COST CONSIDERATIONS

3. The liquid now runs through an expansion valve
that turns it back into a cool, low-pressure gas.

4. This cool gas runs through coils that cool down the air being sent into the building.

2. This now hot gas runs through coils to dissipate its heat, condensing it to a liquid.

1. A compressor turns cool, low-pressure
Freon gas to a hot, high-pressure gas.

HEATING 101

Heat pumps are efficient systems that move heat from one location to another instead of creating heat. This is highly energy efficient and is successful in heating and cooling.

Cooled
air

Outside air

Heated air

Cooled air

WINTER

Heated
air

Outside air

Cooled air

Heated air

SUMMER

VENTILATION 101

Ventilation is a way of providing and maintaining good air quality to reduce
the risk of inhaling pollutants.
There are two methods to ventilate your home:

NATURAL VENTILATION

By using open windows and doors are is naturally moved through the home to reduce pollens and pollutants that build up over time.

MECHANICAL VENTILATION

By using a fan, air is forced throughout the home to circulate the air. This method also reduces stale, static airin the home.

HOW TO KEEP ENERGY COSTS LOW

HVAC units are rated on efficiency according to the SEER (seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) system. The higher the SEER rating, the great the efficiency. You can save a great deal of money over time with a high-efficiency system. Additionally, The average heating and cooling units are only efficient for 10-12 years, operating them beyond their lifespan will only raise your energy bills and maintenance costs.

PROPER SEALING AND INSULATING

Without proper sealing, your money could be going out the window. Literally.

Check your doors, windows, and walls for air leaks and seal them properly.

REGULAR MAINTENANCE

Schedule maintenance at minimum, once a year. Twice a year before summer and winter is even better.

Regular maintenance saves money on energy costs and helps avoid costly repairs.

Change your air filters every month to keep air fresh and moving freely.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Only use your AC when necessary.

Lower the temperature when you are not home.

Keep all doors and windows closed when the unit is running.

Avoid using high-heat items (oven, dishwasher, dryer) during the daytime in summer months.

Invest in a programmable thermostat for better efficiency and temperature regulation.

YOUR MONEY SAVING GOALS:

Reduce your energy consumption as much as possible.

Replace old heating and air conditioning units.

Turn down your AC or heat when you are asleep or not at home.

THE BEST HVAC SYSTEM FOR YOUR HOME

Improper installation and the wrong size unit are two leading factors to poor energy efficiency. Make sure you choose a trusted contractor to install your new HVAC system.

AN HVAC
TOO LARGE

Will never run at optimum
efficiency.

AN HVAC
TOO LARGE

Will never run at optimum
efficiency.

ALWAYS CHOOSE EFFICIENCY

GEO-THERMAL HEATING AND COOLING UNITS

Geo-thermal heating and cooling units (GSHP) are highly efficient. They heat the home using natural heat in the ground, saving you hundreds in energy costs.

Geo-thermal units are Energy Star rated. Energy Star rated units can save you as much as $200/year on your energy bills.

They are environmentally friendly. Geo-thermal units are an extremely efficient method to heat and cool your home. The EPA highly recommends them for their “green” properties.

Geo-thermal units are a great alternative to conserve energy. Users experience as much as 50% on their annual energy costs. They also have a much longer life than traditional HVAC units making them a great investment.

GSHP – Uses underground pipes to draw heat naturally. Liquid in the pipes warm or cool (depending on the season) in the ground and then return to the unit to change the temperature of the air.

The Magic Number

How much is your HVAC system costing you for comfort?

An outdated or poorly maintained HVAC system can cost you $500 per year. Check out this neat-o chart to learn energy saving skills and also see if your system needs upgrading.

HVAC COMPONENTS

Take a look at what keeps you cool in the summer and cozy in the winter.

THE FURNACE

Heats your home in the wintertime and runs on oil or natural gas and electricity.

A/C UNIT

Cools down your home in the summer by removing warm air and replacing it with cold air.

VENTILATION DUCTWORK

Moves air throughout the home. 20% of air can be lost here due to holes, cracks, and gaps.

THERMOSTAT

Controls the temperature in your home. A faulty Thermostat can cost you big bucks when you’re not at home.

AVERAGE HVAC SYSTEM LIFE SPAN

10 -15 YEARS. If your system is more then 10 years old, it’s time to upgrade.

WHAT CAUSES HVAC SYSTEMS TO FAIL?

Time – Nothing lasts forever

Improper Installation

Improper Maintenance

Prices can vary in different areas and also depends on the quality of system and type of fuel it will use.

OTHER COSTS TO CONSIDER:

Maintenance costs

Monthly utility bills

Efficiency ratings

INVOICE:

COMMERCIAL

$15,000 for smaller units. Not including installation.

RESIDENTIAL

$6,000 to $12,000 for smaller homes (1,000 square-feet). Larger homes and complex setups, expect the price to be much higher.

EFFICIENCY

Optimize your HVAC system and save more money – like magic!

A new, ENERGY STAR qualified HVAC System can save you big bucks – Up to $400 a year.

Improve your systems efficiency by 20%or more by sealing and insulating your ducts.

A programmable thermostat saves MONEY AND ENERGY when you’re not home.

OTHER AREAS IN THE HOME TO CONSIDER

WINDOWS

Upgrade to ENERGY STAR double pane windows and save $100-$500 a year.

INSULATION

Doubling your insulation can save up to $150 a year for every 1,000 square-feet of ceiling

SEALING

A 12% loss of air happens around windows and doors. Install weather-strips and re-caulk to avoid this

REBATES & TAX DEDUCTIONS

There’s big savings to be had in the form of rebates, financing offers, and loans to homeowners who upgrade to new, energy efficient systems.

Why?

They reduce our dependence on foreign energy

They reduce greenhouse gas emissions

They reduce energy consumption

MAINTENANCE

It may come to a point when you need to decide if it’s financially practical to keep up your old HVAC system. If it’s costing you more to maintain your system than it is to run it you may want to consider a new system.

It is recommended that your HVAC system be serviced TWICE a year.

Over a 10-year period the cost of a new HVAC system could be 50% less than maintaining and repairing old equipment.

Air filters should be changed every 60-90 days. Clean filters lower electricity use by 5-15%.

If your ratio is off, it may be time to upgrade. The recommended ratio for HVAC maintenance is:

Preventative
Maintenance

Corrective
Maintenance

How Does that Air Conditioning System Work Anyway?

AIR HANDLER / EVAPORATOR COIL

Uses the refrigerant from the compressor (1) to cool the warm air that came from the blower motor (2). Now the cooled air comes out of a supply (B) and into your home

OUTDOOR COILS AND FAN

Expels heat from the refrigerant that warmed up in the evaporator coil (3) to repeat the cycle all over again

BLOWER MOTOR

Pulls hot air from inside your home from a return (A) and sends it to the evaporator coil (3)

SUPPLY

Cold air from the evaporator coil (3) comes out here.

RETURN

Warm air from inside the house enters here and heads to the blower motor (2)

CONDENSER

With help from the compressor, it pumps cool refrigerant fluid to the air handler/evaporator coil (3) and back in a continuous loop

Cool House Big Savings

Beat the Heat Save Some Money

2016 was the 2nd

HOTTEST SUMMER

on record and it’s going to keep getting hotter.

TIPS TO SAVE CASH AND KEEP YOUR A/C COOL

Clean air filters can reduce energy consumption by

15%

Seal your windows and doors to keep cold air from

escaping

Set your thermostat correctly. 78 is the magic number to save cash in the summer

Set it to 72 and pay 47% more to keep your home cool!

Keep heat producing appliances away from your thermostat to save $$

MYTH – Setting You’re A/C lower than an intended temperature will not cool your home faster. FACT – It will cost you unnecessary $$$

ADDITIONAL HEAT BEATING, MONEY SAVING TIPS

PLANT SHADE TREES

Planting trees to shade your house and block the sun can save you 30% on your bill

USE YOUR FANS

Using ceiling fanswith your A/C set to 80 will make your home feel like 78 and reduce your bill by 25%

Have questions? Call your local Price Fixer and speak to an HVAC expert today

The Magic Behind Your HVAC System

Understanding your HVAC system and learning basic maintenance techniques can help you save big money in the long run. Let’s take a look at how your system runs, key components, and how to keep everything running happy.

AIR RETURN

This is where the ventilation cycle begins. Air is drawn in through the return vent, passes through a filter and then sent into the system to be heated or cooled. This is a major dust collection point and can bog down your system when dirty – dust it regularly to keep your air filter clean and system running smoothly.

FILTER

Change your filter every 2-3 months. Many HVAC problems can be solved or prevented by maintaining a clean filter.

OUTDOOR UNIT

The fan in this unit is the heart of your HVAC system. It’s good practice to keep the unit clean and clear of plants or bushes. If it stops running, so does your heat or A/C.

EXHAUST OUTLETS

A hindered exhaust outlet can be a serious hazard to your health and to your home. It’s advised to check your chimney flue or vent stacks yearly for any obstructions.

DUCTS

Air ducts are another gathering point for dust and debris. It’s recommended to have your ducts cleaned every 2-5 years

ELECTRICAL ELEMENTS

Your thermostat is the brain of your HVAC system. If your system isn’t running, this is a great place to start looking. Check for dead batteries in the unit or a tripped breaker. This could save you an expensive service call.

COMPRESSOR

The compressor moves refrigerant around your system and is a part of the outdoor unit. It contains the most moving parts of all the components, so if your system goes down, this is a likely candidate.

COILS

The coils are responsible for keeping you nice and cool on those hot summer days. As warm air passes over the coils it is cooled and sent back into your home. Low refrigerant levels and dirty air filters can damage this part of your system.

BLOWER

The blower moves air through your entire HVAC system. If you notice week airflow, this could be your problem. Consistently cleaning your vents, ducts, and replacing your air filter keeps the blower in top shape.

PRICEFIXER TIP

Low refrigerant can be an indicator of a leak and can lead to larger, more costly issues. If you notice low refrigerant levels contact your local Price Fixer HVAC specialist for an immediate consultation.

Test

Understanding your HVAC system and learning basic maintenance techniques can help you save big money in the long run. Let's take a look at how your system runs, key components, and how to keep everything running happy.

AIR RETURN

FILTER

Change your filter every2-3 months. Many HVAC problems can be solvedor prevented bymaintaining a clean filter.

OUTDOOR UNIT

The fan in this unit is the heart of your HVAC system. It's good practice to keep the unit clean and clear of plants or bushes. If it stops running, so does your heat or A/C.

EXHAUST OUTLETS

A hindered exhaust outlet can be a serious hazard to your health and to your home. It's advised to check your chimney flue or vent stacks yearly for any obstructions.

DUCTS

Air ducts are another gathering point for dust and debris. It's recommended to have your ducts cleaned every 2-5 years

ELECTRICAL ELEMENTS

Your thermostat is the brain of your HVAC system. If your system isn't running, this is a great place to start looking. Check for dead batteries in the unit or a tripped breaker. This could save you an expensive service call.

COMPRESSOR

COILS

BLOWER

GENIE'S TIP

Discover a better way to buy HVAC today.

Build Your System

Choose the Best HVAC System for Your Home

HVAC RATING SYSTEMS

AFUE, SEER, HSPF… What do they all mean?

AFUE – Average Fuel Utilization Efficiency

SEER – Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio

HSPF – Heating Seasonal Performance Factor

DECIDING ON AN HVAC UNIT

COST CONSIDERATIONS

PRICE

COST

HEATING

COOLING

CHOOSING A CONTRACTOR

QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE BUYING

What size unit do I need for my home?

Who will install the unit?

Do I want to save money now, or in the long run with energy efficient equipment?

Does my home require any special ratings or equipment?

Should I replace my entire system at the same time?

WISH YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT? WE CAN GRANT THAT. CALL US TODAY!

Air Conditioning 101

FUN FACT:

QUICK TIP:

HOW AIR CONDITIONERS WORK

TYPES OF AIR CONDITIONERS

FUN FACT:

VENT YOUR SPACE

How to Maintain Your AC

COMMON AC PROBLEMS – AND HOW TO SOLVE THEM

THE UNIT ISN’T COOLING PROPERLY

REFRIGERANT

SENSOR PROBLEMS

THERMOSTAT ISSUES

DRAINAGE PROBLEMS

DIRTY FILTER

YOUR UNIT ISN’T TURNING ON

ELECTRIC FAILURE

THERMOSTAT

LIMITED AIRFLOW

DUCTWORK PROBLEMS

DIRTY FILTER

MONEY SAVING TIPS:

A Brief History Lesson in Home Heating

OUR HISTORY IN HEATING

BEGINNINGS OF TIME

1000000 BCE

400000 BCE

42000 BCE

7500 – 5700 BCE

3000 BCE

1000 BCE

500 BCE

12th Century

16th Century

1741

1855 – 1857

1883

1896

Late 1940s

1990

1990

Early 2000s

Solar Water Heaters

Can lessen annual energy requirements by 50%

This could lower the average home’s annual CO2 emissions by 10%

Micro-CHP (combined heat and power)

Can reduce anbual carbon emmisions by 20%

A single Micro-CHP manufacturer has already:

A Beginner’s Guide To HVAC

Heating, Ventilating & Air Conditioning

BASIC ELEMENTS OF HEATING AND COOLING

YOUR ENERGY BILL BREAKDOWN

HIGHER TEMPERATURE

ENERGY FLOW

LOWER TEMPERATURE

COOLING 101

AIR FILTERS

HUMIDITY REDUCTION

THE COOLING CYCLE

COST CONSIDERATIONS

WISH YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT?
WE CAN GRANT THAT. CALL US TODAY!

Solar Water
Heaters

Micro-CHP (combined
heat and power)

ENERGY
FLOW

AN HVAC
TOO LARGE

AN HVAC
TOO LARGE