Air Conditioning:

Q1: Why is my system freezing up?
Q2: How can I find the system that’s right for me?
Q3: When replacing the outdoor unit, should the indoor unit also be replaced?
Q4: What size air conditioner do I need?
Q5: Why does my air conditioner keep running?
Q6: What about equipment Warranty?

Furnace:

Q1: What is a variable-speed furnace?
Q2: What is two-stage heating (or a two-stage furnace)?
Q3: What are furnace ratings?
Q4: What size furnace do I need?
Q5: What about equipment Warranty?

Air Quality:

Q1: Why is ventilation important for proper indoor air quality?
Q2: Humidity…What’s the problem?
Q3: What can I do to control the humidity levels in my home?
Q4: Are all air filters created equal?
Q5: Can indoor air be hazardous to your health?
Q6: Are there solutions to common air problems?

Miscellaneous:

Q1: What is ENERGY STAR?
Q2: What is North American Technician Excellence?
Q3: What can I do to control the humidity levels in my home?

Air Conditioning:

Q1: Why is my system freezing up?

A1: There are several things that can cause your HVAC system to freeze up.

Low refrigerant: In some cases, freezing up is caused by a leak in the refrigerant lines. Weak solder joints, friction from piping rubbing or vibrating against an object, leaking valves or loose fittings can cause leaks. The age of the system and the nature and location of the leak are the determining factors on whether to have the system repaired or replaced.

Dirty evaporator coil: Over time, the evaporator coil will become dirty. When this happens, the results are similar to those of having a dirty filter. Gradually you will lose airflow, slowly enough that you probably would not realize it until it freezes up or is not cooling adequately. You will need to contact your local Service Experts sales and service center to correct the problem.

Defective blower motor or relay: A blower motor not running at the proper speed or not running at all can cause freezing. It can also be intermittent, starting at full speed and slowing down after it heats up. Or a relay could cause it to start one time and not the next. In either case, you will need to contact your local Service Experts sales and service center to correct the problem.

Should you find that your system was freezing due to a dirty filter, after replacing or cleaning the filter, you can speed up the thawing process by turning the system off and turning on the fan. If you have a heat pump system, you can try turning the system to heating mode until the ice has melted. After the ice has melted, switch the system settings back to normal. If the system refreezes, contact Big Chill Air Conditioning and Heating.

Q2: How can I find the system that’s right for me?

A2: Get the facts from an expert:

Consumers seeking to replace an existing system often choose a new unit with equal or higher efficiency ratings compared to their previous system. Replacing a unit that is 10 to 15-years-old may reduce natural gas or electricity costs by 30 to 50%.

Contact Big Chill to help determine initial cost, warranty protection, service options, maintenance options, operating cost and proper installation.

Q3: When replacing the outdoor unit, should the indoor unit also be replaced?

A3: The answer is most likely yes, and here are the reasons why.

Design Advances: Through the years, indoor blower coil units have undergone numerous design advances — especially in the areas of air handling performance, filtering efficiency and operating sound levels. A new outdoor unit will also include the latest design advances.

Higher Cooling And Heating Efficiency: The cooling and/or heating efficiency ratings that are advertised for an air conditioner or heat pump are based on their performance as matched systems. While changing only the outdoor unit may result in improved efficiency compared to the old system, it will not be as efficient as it was designed to be and your savings will be lower than with a matched system.

Equipment Age: If an air conditioner or heat pump outdoor unit is 10 years old and needs to be replaced, the indoor unit is just as old and has been subjected to the same amount of wear and tear. Replacing both units means you won't have to replace the indoor unit in a short time...you'll have years of service from both units.

New Warranty: A new unit also gives you a new product warranty. Replacing the indoor unit at the same time as the outdoor unit results in peace of mind, knowing the new warranty covers the entire system.

A Bargain: At first glance, replacing only an air conditioner or heat pump outdoor unit may appear to be a bargain. But when you consider the lower cooling and heating efficiencies, decreased reliability and high cost of ownership that results, it's not such a bargain. Replacing an entire system costs more, but you get more efficiency, reliability and comfort.

Q4: What size air conditioner do I need?

A4: There is not a set size that can be recommended. Every home is different, and there are many environmental variables that must be taken into account. New higher efficiency A/C systems need proper airflow to meet their designed efficiency levels. To determine the proper size of heating and cooling equipment for each particular home a heat load calculation must be performed. Big Chill uses the ACCA approved C5 Load Wizard which incorporates the new Manual J Revision 8 calculation method. The old Manual J Revision 7 and earlier versions were found to contain gross flaws in the calculating method.

Q5: Why does my air conditioner keep running?

A5: More than likely the air conditioner is undersized and/or working harder to keep to the desired indoor design temperature. An air conditioner works properly and efficiently at the temperature it was designed to achieve during installation. If there are hotter than normal days, the A/C will try to maintain the indoor design temperature. This does not necessarily mean there is an undersized unit. It means that the particular hot day is outside the normal range of the calculated design for the A/C unit. A proper load calculation from an air conditioning contractor can determine if the air conditioner is properly sized for the geographic location.

Furnace:

Q1: What is a variable-speed furnace?

A2: The term "variable speed" refers to the furnace's indoor air blower motor. The blower motor is the component that determines the amount of air the blower is required to deliver to your home.

Having the technology of variable speed in your furnace offers many benefits:

Electrical efficiency: Variable-speed motors can actually save you money on your energy bills as they consume less electricity than standard motors.

Cooling efficiency: Variable-speed technology also means you will gain air conditioning efficiency or SEER.

Air quality: A variable-speed motor combined with a humidistat allows you to control the humidity in your home. Humidity plays a big role not only in the comfort of your home, but also in its air quality. The relative humidity in your home should be between 30 and 60 percent. This range is most ideal to minimize growth of biological pollutants such as mold and mildew. The consistent airflow of the variable-speed motor also helps to improve air filtration.)

Q2: What is two-stage heating (or a two-stage furnace)?

A2: Thanks to the innovation of two-stage heating, it is possible for your home to be cozier than ever while saving you money on your energy bill in the process. Two-stage heating can be a tremendous help when looking for that just-right temperature during the cold winter months.

Q3: What are furnace ratings?

A3: Furnaces are rated by the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratio, which is the percent of heat produced for every dollar of fuel consumed.

Like the miles per gallon rating on your automobile, the higher the AFUE rating, the lower your fuel costs. All furnaces manufactured must meet at least 78 percent AFUE. If your furnace is 10 to 15 years old, it very well may fall below the current furnace minimum and waste energy.

This doesn't mean that you should only look for a furnace with the highest AFUE rating. The efficiency rating is just one factor to consider when looking at a new furnace.

Q4: What size furnace do I need?

A4: Unless you are very familiar with HVAC industry energy standards and government energy standards, it's almost impossible to determine the size of a replacement furnace. A trained heating specialist knows all the standards and can evaluate your home for not only the heating appliance, but also the quality of the heated air, and how well the air is distributed in the home.

This home heating evaluation also takes into consideration changes made to the home since the last furnace was installed. New windows, doors, insulation, exterior changes and other appliances that may have a huge affect on the size of the furnace needed today. A consumer can tell a contractor the exact furnace they now have, but without a complete home analysis, it's impossible to determine the proper size of the replacement furnace equipment.)

Air Quality:

Q1: Why is ventilation important for proper indoor air quality?

A1: We were once able to achieve natural ventilation in our homes by merely opening a window. However, with the concern for energy efficiency in recent years, we have been busy making homes "tighter" from an energy standpoint. Armed with weather stripping and caulk guns, we have eliminated air leaks from our homes. Unfortunately, that has also eliminated the opportunity for outside ventilation that could help reduce concentrations of indoor contaminants. But thanks to some innovative engineering, it isn't necessary to throw energy efficiency out the window in order to grab a breath of fresh air.

Q2: Humidity…What’s the problem?

A2: You know when your home's air is too hot or cold. That's because you feel uncomfortable. But the amount of moisture in your home's air also has an impact on the way you feel, plus it can have a major effect on your health.

Too Much Moisture:
High moisture levels can make your home feel stuffy and create a breeding ground for mold, mildew, dust mites and bacteria. Recent studies have shown that mold can cause or worsen asthma, as well as hay fever and other allergies*.

Not Enough Moisture:
Dry air makes furniture shrink, warp and crack. Plus, it causes skin irritation and respiratory problems,** not to mention annoying static shocks.

For optimal comfort and health, studies show that moisture levels should be in the range of 35% to 50%. You can track your home's humidity with a hygrometer, available at hardware and home improvement stores. Or, you can Big Chill Air Conditioning and Heating for in-home consultation.

Q3: What can I do to control the humidity levels in my home?

A3: It’s all about variability:
Humidity levels can be reduced by using a variable-speed furnace or air handler as part of your HVAC system. Variable speed units run longer, at lower speeds, allowing air to constantly circulate against the cooling coil and remove more moisture.

Variable-speed motors also use less electricity than regular motors, reducing your energy costs.

Q4: Are all air filters created equal?

A4: Indoor air pollutants can cause you to suffer from cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, sneezing and respiratory irritation. The main pollutants are allergens known as respirable particulates, bioaerosols and chemicals.

These allergens found in the home trigger chronic illnesses such as allergies, asthma and sinusitis. Recent statistics show that more than 65 million people suffer from asthma and allergies.

Air filtration products purify the air and eliminate many of the indoor air pollutants that cause numerous health-related problems. Many things should be considered before purchasing your next air filter.

Sensitivity to allergens may be the biggest consideration for choosing your filtration system. The more sensitive a person is to allergens, the greater the need for a high-efficiency filtration system. There are many products to choose from, including one-inch filtration systems and electronic air cleaners. Germicidal lights sterilize surfaces, creating enhanced comfort from bioaerosols that may contaminate your heating and cooling system. Each solution removes particles, bioaerosols and chemicals depending on the size of the allergen.

The efficiency of the air filter should be a top consideration. Efficiency is measured in terms of the particle size an air filter can capture. The higher the efficiency, the more effective it will be. Look for the filter's MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value) number, a new industry standard for rating filters based on their performance. Residential filters typically have an MERV range of one to 12. Higher ratings indicate more efficient filters. For example, an MERV 8 filter removes 80% of allergens down to .3 microns during air circulation in the home.

Airflow reduction is also a major consideration. The air circulation in your home may be reduced when air is forced through various types of filters. Generally, the more efficient a filter is, the less airflow reduction there will be.

Cost is another major factor. It is important to consider not only the initial purchase price of the item but also the cost of maintenance and upgrades. Purchasing a filter of reasonably high quality can save you money over the long term. Inexpensive filters may not clean the air as effectively as you need and may also need to be replaced more frequently.

There are many types of filters to choose from. Disposable filters are generally made of coarse fiberglass mats in a frame mounted on a filter rack. They are often referred to as throwaway filters.

Reusable foam or metal filters have slightly higher performance capabilities than disposable filters. This is true because oils and adhesives are applied to them to help particles adhere.

Electrostatic filters have a means for electrically charging the filter to attract particles. They are most effective on large particles. Pleated filters are constructed of fiberglass or synthetic fibers woven into a more dense material. The pleats are arranged in V-shaped forms to increase the area of the filter material without increasing the face area. This increases the particle-holding capability.

Other choices include electronic air cleaners (EACs) and High-efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters. EACs are highly efficient and clean the air by taking re-circulated air and passing it through a pre-filter that traps the large pollutants. Then, ionizing wires give a positive electrical charge to the remaining particles. A negatively charged collecting section collects the particles. HEPA filters are considered to be very effective at small-particle removal.

Activated carbon and microbiocide-treated filters can also purify your home's air. Both the carbon and the microbiocide-treated filters remove odor and kill bacteria, but the carbon filters are more adept at removing odor, and the microbiocide-treated filters trap bacteria as the air is pulled through, which inhibits biological contaminants from growing.)

Q5: Can indoor air be hazardous to your health?

A5: Exposure to air pollutants can be up to 100 times higher indoors than outdoors. Fortunately, several steps can be taken to ensure that your indoor environment is the safest.

The American Lung Association estimates that most people spend 90 percent of their time indoors, making indoor air quality (IAQ) extremely important. Many common household items contribute to poor indoor air quality. Compounds found in carpeting, furniture, upholstery and drapery fabric constantly emit fumes. Other sources of pollutants can include cleaning agents, paints and personal care products.

The tight construction of today's homes also contributes significantly to poor IAQ. Things like weather stripping and storm doors are designed to save on energy costs. However, they also prevent proper ventilation by keeping indoor air in and outdoor air out. The result can be a buildup of contaminants within the home.

Poor IAQ can be the cause of numerous health problems. Medical groups report that as many as half of all illnesses are caused or aggravated by indoor air pollution. Pollutants within the home can cause homeowners to suffer from flu-like symptoms such as headaches, nausea and respiratory irritation.

Two health problems that can be helped by clean indoor air are allergies and asthma. Even people who have never suffered from allergies can benefit from improved IAQ. By removing airborne dust particles from the air, the amount of exposure the respiratory system has to them is greatly reduced.

Thankfully, there are things a homeowner can do to help alleviate potential IAQ concerns. The first step toward improving indoor air is to identify the sources of air pollutants. Eliminating or reducing these sources is the most effective way to clean the air. Although it is not possible to eliminate every contaminant source, reducing the sources and/or the amount of pollutants they emit will contribute to a healthier living environment.

Ventilation also plays an important role in improving indoor air quality. Proper ventilation can reduce the concentration of pollutants inside the home.

A third way to minimize the concentration of pollutants is by thoroughly cleaning the home. Frequent dusting and vacuuming can help to reduce the amount of dust particles in the air.

Some of the most effective solutions for poor indoor air quality may involve heating and cooling systems. Electronic air cleaners (EACs) and high-efficiency air filters can assist in absorbing particles that otherwise would escape due to their size. EACs and high-efficiency filters help clean the air and provide respiratory relief by removing dust, dirt and pollen. Other products that are available include humidifiers, carbon monoxide detectors, heat recovery ventilators and air purifiers.

Q6: Are there solutions to common air problems?

A6: Yes

Source Control:
The best way to improve the air in your home is to attack problems at the source. The following checklist will help you do just that.

Tips to help control dust and other biological contaminants:

Tips to help control odors, fumes, and gases:

Tips to help control the humidity levels in your home: