Vol. 5: Issue #11: Letter #86 (Previous newsletters available in archives on web site)

     In our newsletter in early April, (Biggest Mistake) we warned of what we felt to be the most frequent mistake people make in (not) taking care of their HVAC systems. That in spite of the fact that recent surveys show that most HVAC contractors agree that 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.

     Then in late May, we tried to address the costliest mistake people make re their HVAC systems (Biggest Mistake #2 (Part I). We said that there were 2 times when it was questionable if repairs to an existing system are cost effective. The first was:

     A mismatched system. Usually occurring when a new major component (compressor/condenser) is connected to an existing older component (indoor coil). Usually causes diminished comfort…capacity… efficiency…dependability…even the risk of system failure. The 2nd time is also related to age.

     If your current system is 10-15 years old, you should seriously consider replacing it even if it seems to be operating O.K. Why, you ask? Because the simple truth is that you are already paying for a new system without enjoying the advantages of it.

     Remember that an air conditioner or heat pump that is 15 years old has a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) of about 6. Take a look at this simple comparison chart.

The simple truth is that if your HVAC system is over 10 years old, you have already made a substantial down payment on a new system without even knowing it (or getting the benefit of it).

By NOT having the advantage of the technological efficiencies of a new system (higher SEER's), you have been wasting the money on the inefficiency of the old unit that could have been applied to a new system. As we have said on so many previous occasions "Do The Math"! You may find that the most expensive HVAC system you ever purchased is the one that you never received.

Also keep in mind that this major decision which will affect your indoor comfort and wallet for years to come…is one you'll have to live with year-round for about the next 10-15 years…and if you think energy prices are going to come down in the foreseeable future, do we have a bridge to sell you!


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 here.