Tips For Choosing The Right Dealer

• Check to see if the dealer possesses all of the appropriate licensing for installing HVAC equipment in your state and local area.
• Ask how long they have been in business; if they offer 24/7 service, financing, or accept credit cards.
• Ask the steps they will take to install your equipment. A proper installation will follow the 3-part process on previous page.
• A dealer coming into your home should do more than just inspect your existing system. Follow them around to see if they are checking air flow, inspecting the duct system, making note of the windows and the direction your home faces, etc.
• Be wary of anyone who shoots you an estimate on the back of a business card after being in your home for a few minutes, or even over the phone.
• A knowledgeable dealer that has your best interest in mind will ask about your experiences in the home; how long you have lived there, how long you plan to stay, if you have pets, allergies, smokers, hot and cold spots, noise, etc.
• A dealer with the tools to address these problems will offer viable solutions such as air cleaners, zoning equipment, programmable thermostats, humidifiers, variable speed and two-stage technology, etc. If they do not offer these solutions, they may not be the right dealer for you!
• It takes more time to complete an installation when done correctly. Expect to pay more for comprehensive service, but much less in the long run for your system's performance and maintenance.
• Typically, manufacturer warranties cover the replacement of faulty components for a limited time. Failure due to poor installation is typically not warranted by manufacturers. Choose a dealer who will do a good job the first time and be around to assist you as needed.

Glossary Of HVAC Terms            

AFUE
Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. The AFUE percentage tells you how much energy is being converted to heat. The higher the number the greater the efficiency.

Air Handler
The portion of your heating and cooling system that forces air through your home's ductwork.

BTU
British Thermal Units. The amount of heat it takes to raise one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit. The higher the BTU rating, the larger the heating capacity of the furnace or air conditioner.

Capacity
The ability of a heating or cooling system to heat or cool a given amount of space. Heating is usually expressed in BTUs, cooling is expressed in tons.

Compressor
The motor/pump that drives the air conditioning unit. It is responsible for pumping refrigerant throughout the system.

Condenser Coil
Part of the outdoor portion of a heating or cooling system, which releases or collects heat from the outside air.

Damper
A valve or moveable plate used in ductwork that opens and closes to control airflow. They are used to direct air to specific areas of the home.

Downflow
A type of furnace that takes cool air from the top and blows warm air to the bottom.

Ductwork
Hollow metal pipes used to transfer air throughout your house.

EcoLogic
Frigidaire's designation of green heating and cooling equipment.

Electronic Air Cleaner
An electronic device that filters out particles and contaminants in indoor air.

Evaporator Coil
Part of the heating or cooling system located indoors, that cools and dehumidifies the air by converting liquid refrigerant into gas.

Heat Exchanger
The major part of the furnace that transfers heat into your home.

Heat Pump
A unit that handles both heating and cooling. In some climates, a heat pump may handle your heating and cooling needs more efficiently than a furnace and air conditioner.

Horizontal Flow
A type of furnace, installed on its side, which draws air from one side, heats the air and then sends it out the other side.

HSPF
Heating Seasonal Performance Factor. Measures the heating efficiency of a heat pump. The higher the number the more efficient the heat pump heats your home.

Humidifier
A piece of equipment that adds moisture to the air as it comes out of the furnace.

HVAC
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.

Refrigerant
A chemical that cools air as it evaporates.

SEER
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. SEER measures a unit's cooling efficiency. The higher the number, the greater the efficiency.

Single Package
An outdoor unit that contains both a heating and a cooling system.

Split System
Refers to an air conditioner or heat pump that is combined with indoor components, such as an evaporator coil inside and a condenser coil outside your home.

Thermostat
A device that monitors and controls your temperature inside your home.

Upflow
A type of furnace that draws cool air from the bottom and blows the warmed air out the top.

Ventilator
A ventilator captures heating or cooling energy from stale indoor air and transfers it to fresh incoming air.

Zone
Zoning allows you to control the heating and cooling delivered to specific areas of your house for a custom solution. Zoning can increase efficiency and comfort in the area of the house you use most often.