Frequently Asked Questions
| Question: What kind of system do I need to keep my home comfortable? Answer: Since most of us spend the majority of our time indoors, it makes sense to have an indoor environment that's healthy and comfortable. While your home may have unique needs, the best way to insure your comfort and health is to have your heating and cooling system provide the right balance of heating, air conditioning, air cleaning and humidification. No other single system plays a larger part in how much you enjoy your time at home or in how much you pay out to utility companies each month. |
| Question: How is energy use measured? Answer: The efficiency of gas and oil furnaces is measured in a rating known as AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency). A lot like your car's miles per gallon rating, AFUE tells you how efficiently the furnace converts fuel (gas or oil) into heat. An AFUE of 90% means that 90% of the fuel is used to heat your home, while the other 10% basically goes up the chimney. In 1992, the U.S. government established a minimum AFUE rating for furnaces installed in new homes at 78%. (In contrast, many furnaces manufactured before 1992 had AFUE ratings as low as 60%; - so nearly half the fuel was being wasted.) Furnaces with AFUE ratings of 78% to 80% are considered "mid- efficiency"; those with ratings of 90% or higher are known as "high-efficiency." The maximum furnace efficiency available is around 96.6%. The cooling efficiency for air conditioners and heat pumps is measured in a rating known as SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). The higher the number, the greater the efficiency. |
| Question: What's the EPA's Energy Star SM program? Answer: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) promotes residential energy efficiency because household energy use contributes to air pollution, including 20 percent of all U.S. emissions of carbon dioxide. It also accounts for 26 percent and 15 percent of all U.S. emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, respectively. By using more energy-efficient appliances and heating and cooling equipment, and constructing more energy-efficient homes, we can reduce this pollution; and save money at the same time! |
| Question: Are there new refrigerants available that are safer
for the environment? Answer: Yes, and the most promising one is R-410A, also referred to as AZ-20. Bryant offers a new air conditioner (Model 550A) with R-410A because it provides high-efficiency cooling along with other substantial benefits for the environment. |
