What is the cost of COMFORT?

The HVAC system is most likely the single biggest use of energy in your home.  The old but true cliché “out of sight, out of mind” is often the reason for neglected maintenance for your HVAC system.  HVAC systems are usually installed where they are not seen making them easy to ignore.  The systems are simply taken for granted, until they fail.  Decreased efficiency, utility overpayment, discomfort, loss of productivity, eventual premature replacement, and higher repair costs are the result.
          
Just because your HVAC system is out of sight does not mean it can be neglected.  Getting your HVAC system checked twice annually is just as important as changing the oil in your car every 3,000 miles!

What’s the bottom line for me?

• Savings:  Energy Savings Agreements (ESA) typically more than pay for themselves through higher efficiency, less utility overpayment, and discounts.  ESA customers receive a discount on parts and repair service performed during the entire agreement period.
• Peace of Mind:  Scheduled maintenance will mean fewer system failures and a longer life for your HVAC equipment.
• Priority Service:  Should a system failure occur during the cold of winter or the heat of summer, ESA customers receive priority service.

Making my home more efficient can help me use less energy and control my heating bills this winter.

• Replace your furnace filter regularly to improve airflow, once a month is recommended.  Use your utility bill as your reminder.
• Have your furnace professionally cleaned and serviced to protect its efficiency.
• Close fireplace dampers when you are not using them. 
• Install weather-stripping on windows and doors.  Increase the insulation in your attic.
• If you have a window air conditioning unit, remove it to keep from pulling heated air out of your home.
• Turn your thermostat down a few degrees while you sleep or are at work.  Each degree can help reduce heating costs three percent.
• Open curtains or blinds during the day to let in the sun’s warming rays.  Close them after dark to hold heat in.
• Lock window sashes to seal windows more tightly.
• Be sure furniture or curtains do not block heat registers and vents.

Control the humidity in your home for maximum comfort

Moisture levels play an important role in providing comfort.  When humidity levels are not properly maintained and controlled, aggravating discomforts, health issues and damage to your home and furnishings can result.  Proper humidity levels will provide increased comfort, lower utility bills and less risk of health issues.

Studies have shown that wintertime operation at 68°F with 60% Relative Humidity (RH) provides the same level of occupant comfort, as does 72°F with 30% RH.  Most studies show the optimum humidity level is 45% RH, for your comfort and health.  Automatic, computer controlled humidifiers can control the humidity levels in your home, providing enough moisture for a healthy comfortable home.

The choice is yours. Since over one-third of your time is spent in your home, it is important to make the right choice.

What is SEER?

Central air conditioners and heat pumps use the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio or SEER as the measurement. The higher the SEER, the greater the efficiency of your equipment and the greater your energy savings potential will be.

What is important about 13 SEER?

Since 1992 the current minimum standard has been 10 SEER.  All central air conditioning units and heat pumps have to meet the more stringent 13 SEER minimum replacement standard.  The 13 SEER national minimum efficiency standard was issued during the final weeks of the Clinton administration.

How does 13 SEER affect me?

Ringler Heating & Cooling has phased out equipment below 13 SEER.  We have trained our Installation & Service teams on consumer awareness of the new product.  A lot of consumers and business owners are going to be shocked when they see the price difference between 10 SEER and 13 SEER systems.  The second major impact will involve physical size of the 13 SEER and higher equipment.  13 SEER equipment is about 30% larger than 10 SEER equipment in cubic footage.  13 SEER equipment will also require larger return air openings and smooth duct transitions to allow for adequate air flow.  Air flow is the driving factor in high-efficiency system operation.

What should I do?

Contact Ringler Heating & Cooling for a free estimate and recommendations to improve your indoor air quality and energy savings.  Your system upgrade may qualify you for additional savings from your utility company.

What makes R-410a better than R-22 refrigerant?
It’s Environmentally Friendlier.

If your system ever leaks, the escaping refrigerant won’t contribute to ozone depletion! In 1987, at an international meeting known as the Montreal Protocol, new regulations concerning chemicals with ozone depleting properties were adopted by participating nations. As a result the existing refrigerant (R-22) used currently in residential and light commercial air conditioning systems was targeted as an ozone depleter due to the chlorine molecules it contains. Because of this fact it is one of the many chemicals scheduled for eventual phase out by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

You avoid the risk that R-22 could become expensive or difficult to get when your system needs to be repaired in a few years.
Currently R-410A refrigerant is more expensive than R-22. The old refrigerant R-22 will be phased out along with other ozone depleting chemicals, and both supply and demand of this chemical will be significantly affected by current and upcoming regulations. By selecting an air conditioner or heat pump that uses R-410A, you will avoid the risk associated with purchasing a product that is destined to become obsolete. The phase out of the Production of new R-22 Refrigerant will begin in year 2004. The level of new R-22 refrigerant manufacturers will be allowed to produce will be gradually reduced until all production of new refrigerant R-22 is stopped in year 2020. After year 2020, manufacturers will only be allowed to recycle existing refrigerant to meet future demand.

How This Affects My Buying Decision…
R-410A systems can be more reliable than R-22 systems.
R-410A air conditioning and heat pump are today’s “state of the art” systems, and utilize the most current technology available for efficient and reliable operation. The heart of every air conditioner or heat pump is the compressor, and newer systems are specifically designed to use R-410A refrigerant. They often incorporate smaller, heavier-duty “scroll-type” compressors that are quieter and operate with less damaging vibration than older compressors that operate on R-22. Since R-410A can absorb and release heat more efficiently than R-22 ever could, compressors with R-410A run cooler than R-22 systems, reducing the risk of burnout due to overheating.

Will my existing unit work with 410A?

The operating pressure of R-410 is 50-70% higher than R-22. This requires not only a specially designed compressor and metering device, but also thicker walls on refrigerant tubing for safety. Therefore, R 410A may only be used in equipment specifically designed for the new refrigerant.