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Frequently Asked Questions:
What you always wanted to know!
What you always wanted to ask someone.
WHAT DO ALL THOSE HEAT PUMP AND AIR CONDITIONER RATINGS MEAN?
It's
easy to feel overwhelmed by the array of efficiency ratings, abbreviations and acronyms used to describe or explain heat pumps and air conditioners! In this fact sheet, we'll tell you what they all  mean and how you can use the knowledge gained to make a
more informed choice on your comfort needs.
EFFICIENCY RATINGS
SEER - Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. This is a system for rating the efficiency of cooling
equipment. It is calculated by dividing the cooling capacity of a continuously operating air conditioner by the electric power input. The higher the SEER, the less your unit will cost to operate.
HSPF - Heating Seasonal Performance Factor. This measure is similar to SEER, but it measures the efficiency of the heating portion of your heat
pump. Like the SEER, HSPF industry minimums have risen in recent years. The current industry minimum is 6.80 HSPF.
SOUND RATINGS
In recent years, HVAC equipment has not only gotten more energy efficient, it has gotten quieter. Although sound does not affect the efficiency of a
unit, it can certainly affect your comfort. If your unit has a low sound level, you (and your neighbors) will hardly notice when it is operating.
db - Decibel. A term used to describe the relative loudness of a sound. Typically, heat pumps and air conditioners are between the sound of a voice (70 db) and a blender (88 db).
SRN - Sound Rating Number. A unit based on ARI tests. Average sound ratings range from 74 to 80 db. The lower the SRN rating, the quieter the unit.
GENERAL INDUSTRY TERMS
HVAC - Heating ventilation and air conditioning. This term applies to both the heating and cooling industry and to the products they manufacture.
ARI - Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institut e. A non-profit, voluntary organization comprised of HVAC manufacturers.
ARI publishes standards for testing and rating heat pumps and air conditioners and insures a level of quality within the industry.
DOE - The Department of Energy. This is the
federal agency that sets the HVAC industry efficiency standards.
BTU - British Thermal Unit. This is the amount of heat that will raise of lower the temperature of one pound of water by one
degree Fahrenheit.
BTUH - British Thermal Units per Hour. A measure of heat transfer rate.
IS THERE REALLY THAT MUCH DIFFERENCE IN OUTDOOR UNIT SOUND LEVELS?
The answer is most definitely YES! Until recently, noisy air conditioners and heat pumps were accepted as the norm. High noise levels were even
associated with the "power" of HVAC systems. But today's technology lets you choose a system that is not only efficient, but also very quiet.
HOW IS SOUND MEASURED?
Sound is measured in decibels. A decibel describes the relative loudness of a sound. Heating and cooling equipment is rated in bels: a bel is equal to 10 decibels.
ARE ALL NEW SYSTEMS QUIET?
Most systems manufactured today are quieter than those made in past years. But there is still a great difference in the sound levels of models on
the market today. Be sure to compare sound ratings when you shop for a new system... your good night's sleep depends on it.
CAN I USE MY CHIMNEY WITH MY NEW FURNACE?
The answer is a definite maybe. Or more likely, maybe not. Truth is,
furnace technology has advanced significantly in recent years. The higher efficiencies and enhanced performance achieved by today's furnaces
make specific demands many existing masonry chimneys simply can't meet. Your local independent Lennox dealer can offer the best advice on
how to configure your new furnace to get the most comfort for years to come.
SIZE CAN BE AN ISSUE
There are several reasons why new furnaces and existing masonry
chimneys aren't compatible. One area of concern for an HVAC contractor might be the size of the chimney. Modern, high efficiency furnaces transfer
more heat into your home and less heat up the chimney than older, less-efficient units. That's great news because it means you're getting more
for your energy dollar. But it also means your existing chimney might now be too large for the new furnace, preventing proper venting of flue products
and causing condensation problems inside the chimney.
In addition, today's induced draft furnaces often require an additional
natural draft appliance (such as a gas water heater) be installed into the same chimney for proper venting. Relining the masonry chimney with a
metal vent can eliminate this requirement. Other areas for furnace-chimney incompatibility could include the absence of a tile liner in the
chimney and the location of the chimney on an outside wall of the home.
WHAT'S THE ADVANTAGE OF TWO-STAGE HEATING?
Thanks to the innovation of two-stage heating, Lennox has made it possible for your home to be cozier than ever while saving you money on
your energy bill in the process.
WHAT IS TWO-STAGE HEATING?
Do you sometimes find it challenging to find the ideal temperature within
your home during the winter months? First it's cold so you turn up the thermostat which starts the furnace; then it's hot so you turn it down again.
Traditional furnaces are designed to heat your home, and keep you warm during the coldest weather in your climate, therefore, they operate at one level - high.
Unlike traditional furnaces that turn on and run at full capacity with each demand for heating, two-stage furnaces operate like two separate
furnaces to maintain more consistent comfort in your home. The unit starts out running in its first stage, and operates at about 68% of its heating
capacity. This reduced capacity is sufficient to warm your home on mild winter days. But when the temperature outside really drops, the furnace
adjusts to full capacity (second stage) to meet the demand for heat within the home. It's kind of like having two furnaces for the price of one. With
two-stage heating you won't have to keep adjusting the thermostat.
WHY SHOULD I ZONE MY HOUSE?
To keep all areas of your home comfortable, no matter what the weather!
No longer must you have hot or cold rooms, or pay to heat or cool areas of your home that you rarely use. Zoning has come a long way in recent
years, and it is now efficient, easy to install and flexible enough for any home.
WHAT IS ZONING?
Zoning divides your home into separate comfort areas and makes your
comfort equipment cool or heat only areas that need conditioning. For example, a living room with large windows may stay too hot in the summer
and too cool in the winter. A zoning system will send more conditioned air to the living room, to make up for the heat gained or lost through the windows.
WHEN TO INSTALL ZONING
If you are replacing you air conditioner, furnace or heat pump, it is ideal to install a zoning system. When your new comfort equipment is matched
with a zoning system, you will have precise control in each zone. Houses that had been nearly impossible to keep comfortable are a thing of the past.
Zoning is also ideal for new homes, since it is installed during construction. If you are buying a new home, check with your builder about a zoning
system. It could make the difference between enjoying your new house and being truly comfortable in it!
SHOULD I BE CONCERNED ABOUT CARBON MONOXIDE IN MY HOME?
Carbon monoxide can be an invisible threat to your family's health and
safety. Though more commonly associated with fires and automobile emissions, carbon monoxide poisoning can accumulation any home
unless certain precautions are taken. That's why Lennox is getting the word out that carbon monoxide poisoning is preventable.
WHAT IS CARBON MONOXIDE?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that is produced by the incomplete combustion of fuels such as wood, natural gas
, gasoline, diesel, kerosene, coal and charcoal. It is caused by lack of oxygen or a disruption in the burning process. household appliances such
as your furnace, water heater, stove, space heaters, charcoal grill or gas dryer can be sources of carbon monoxide. Vehicle exhaust fumes from
attached garages, as well as improperly operating fireplaces also can become carbon monoxide hazards, particularly if your home is well-sealed for energy efficiency.
WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF CARBON MONOXIDE ON THE HUMAN BODY?
When we breathe, carbon monoxide combines with the red blood cells in
the blood and displaces the oxygen our bodies need to survive. Carbon monoxide combines with the red blood cells 200 times more easily than
oxygen ad creates a condition known as carboxyhemoglobin saturation. Carbon monoxide then gets carried to the vital organs through the
bloodstream instead of oxygen. Our organ tissues require oxygen; without it, our bodies start to asphyxiate or suffocate. It takes the body much
longer to eliminate carbon monoxide than to absorb it, which is one reason why exposure can be so dangerous.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING?
Unfortunately, the symptoms caused by carboxyhemoglobin saturation are easily overlooked because they are often flu-like. With mild exposure,
most people experience headaches, fatigue and nausea. Medium exposures can cause a severe throbbing headache, drowsiness, disorientation, confusion and an accelerated heart rate. Extreme
exposure can lead to unconsciousness, convulsions, cardiorespiratory failure, coma and possibly death.
As always, when in doubt, call a professional. We are available to answer your questions both over the phone or by e-mail.
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