Vol. 5: Issue #10: Letter #85 (Previous newsletters available in archives on web site)

     Our newsletter in early April warned of what we felt to be the most frequent mistake people make by (not) taking care of their HVAC systems. This email will try to address the costliest mistake people make re their HVAC systems. In order to do that, a brief review is in order.

     Despite the fact that most HVAC contractors will tell you approximately 70% of all repairs to HVAC systems could be avoided if properly maintained, nearly 50% of all homeowners still provide no regular maintenance to their HVAC systems and a whopping 18% have never even had the filters changed on their system.

     And even those smart enough to realize that everything mechanical requires service (yes, even air conditioners) if they are to keep the mechanical equipment (their air conditioners) running efficiently so they can save energy dollars and avoid costly breakdowns, were apt to fall prey to the siren call of a low price.

     But even with the best maintained system, there are two times when it no longer makes sense to try and repair the system. The first is when a major component in an air conditioner or heat pump fails (like a compressor), there's little that can be done except replace the unit, thus setting the stage for the costliest mistake of all…and the same culprit (the seductive call of a low price) is to blame.

     Replacing an existing heating or cooling system (or installing a new one) is not an every day occurrence for most people. Not too many people are even aware for example, that central air conditioners (and heat pumps) have two major components. They are the indoor evaporator coil and the outdoor condensing unit (compressor), and that when either fail, they can not be easily "fixed".

     The Government mandated method by which manufacturers of HVAC equipment use to establish the capacity ratings of their equipment is called SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) in air conditioners and HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) in heat pumps. It consists of all of the specific components (coils, compressor, controls, piping etc) which a manufacturer assembles, and when properly installed, will produce specific results.

     Using all of the parts that were designed to work together by the same manufacturer is called a "matched system" and is self explanatory, but the key word is "all".

     A mismatched system usually occurs when one of the 2 major components (indoor coil or outdoor compressor) fail. Then, in order to keep the replacement cost as low as possible, nearly 50% of homeowner's surveyed (will with the assistance of many contractors we might note), elect to replace only the component that failed and connect it to the remaining functioning unit.

     Mismatched systems, with one part of it 10 years old and the other half brand-new, can produce erratic results…none of them good. And while "mismatched systems" can work, the results in output, efficiency or dependability can not usually be determined or guaranteed.

     For example, if your original system is 10-15 years old, it probably has a SEER rating of 5-7. Keeping the indoor coil with the old rating and combining it with a new condenser with a 12 SEER rating for example, will probably produce no more than a 9-10 SEER.

     When you realize that your central HVAC system represents 50-60% of your monthly power bill; that the decision you are making is a major one; one that will affect your indoor comfort and wallet for the next 10-15 years, it is not one to be made lightly.

     In no other purchase that I can think of (refrigerator, TV, computer, automobile) would a person buy only part of a new unit and try to use parts from an old unit. For example, would you buy a new automobile without air conditioning and then, even if someone gave it to you, try to add the air conditioner from an older, different brand car to make your new car "air conditioned"? Just imagine the trouble you might encounter, even if it worked!

     So even though the initial cost is higher, replacing both components of an HVAC system at once is the smart thing to do. For if these units are not properly matched, you could sacrifice comfort…capacity… efficiency…dependability…even risk the failure of your system.

LAST CALL!

     Only a few days left to take advantage of our special discount on a pre season HVAC "tune-up". Remember, you must order by 05/31/04, to get the 40% discount PLUS another $5 if you order it on line!

     To make your reservation on-line, click here...and don’t forget to click on that 9th button to get the extra discount.


Climatemakers Ltd.

Merry Sherman, President

2nd Generation President
Phone #: 757-468-5800
Fax #: 757-468-5805
email: comfort@climatemakers.com
Web site: http://www.climatemakers.com
"Your family's indoor comfort is our family's business"

     P.S. Our website is constantly being updated to add content and to make it easier to navigate…so that you can find answers to your questions about HVAC, quicker than ever before.

     P.P.S. Remember, if you have any questions about the HVAC system in your house; how we can be of better service to you, or about our web site, please email them to me. I'd like to hear from you. Our newest web page, "Y'all Come"…A Pictorial Journey, has just been posted. You are especially invited to visit it by clicking here .

     Programmable Thermostat. Automatically regulates the heating/cooling in your house to suit your lifestyle. Click here to find out how.

     Electronic Air Cleaner. Removes dirt, dust and pollen to improve your health. Click Here to find out how.

     Humidifiers. Adds moisture to the air in the winter. Click here to find out how.

     Zoning System. Saves even more energy as it increases or decreases the heating/cooling in those rooms where and when it is not needed. Click here to find out how.

     To see our whole web site at a glance, click Click here.