Jackson   Heating &   Cooling  - Branson

Comfort System Replacement - Things to Consider
 

1. You will be introduced to a rating called SEER when evaluating air conditioning units and heat pumps. The acronym SEER stands for "Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio". Systems start at 13 in some instances, with 14 being the standard starting point for budget systems. The higher the SEER, the less electricity it takes to cool your home.  With Heat Pumps, the heating side also has an efficiency rating called HSPF, standing for Heating Seasonal Performance Factor. These rating are generally commensurate with the SEER rating. In other words, the higher the SEER, the higher the HSPF. It is advised to utilize the SEER as the overall efficiency factor to keep things simple.
    

2. Every manufacturer has different levels of quality offerings within their equipment lines, and usually are structured as follows:

   • Entry - Budget - New Construction Level​ (Seer Levels usually start at 14 and go up to 16)

   • Mid Level - Higher quality, quieter and with longer warranties (Seer Levels usually start at 15 and can go up to 17)

   • Mid Level Two Stage - System lessens the Btu output and electrical consumption to match internal loads. 

   • Variable Stage via multiple step staging - load matching systems. Very efficient with increases in comfort levels.

   • Variable Speed via full inverter modulating compressor. Extremely efficient with increased in comfort levels. (These systems are very common with Ductless system manufacturers).
     
     Your representative will discuss the benefits of all of our offerings. For rental homes and budgetary constraints, the entry level systems are generally selected. A good choice for most homeowners are the mid-level offerings that offer longer warranties, quieter and higher quality units. Long term homeowners will also want to consider the variable speed compressor systems as the increased comfort and energy efficiency are remarkable, and truly worth the higher costs. 
     
     There can be many different combinations of equipment with split systems. You will have the opportunity to consider just a heat pump, a dual fuel system using a heat pump as primary source of heat with a gas furnace taking control in the really cold weather. You can choose a Variable Speed blower and humidity sensing controls, for a super dehumidification enhancement for your AC. And then there are the furnace options, and so on.  Let your representative know your concerns
      

3. There are several types of systems that generally fall into the following categories:
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   • Heat Pump Split Systems - Components include the Condensing Unit (outdoor unit), Air Handler (indoor unit)​ and are connected using refrigerant lines. 
      

   • Air Conditioning Split Systems - Components generally include the Condesning Unit (outdoor unit) and an evaporator coil that sits on top of a gas furnace. An air handler can also be used with electric heat as the main heating source. These components are connected using refrigerant lines.
      

   • Package Units - All components are included in one outdoor unit with the system having electric air conditioning and either gas heat or a Heat Pump. 
      

   • Ductless Split Systems - These systems are generally designed to operate without any ductwork, and are wall or ceiling mounted. 
     
     NOTE: Just because a certain type and size of system that is currently installed, does not mean the system is sized properly nor the design chosen was the best path forward. This may or may not be the case. There are many factors to consider. We will assist you with a thorough design review to assure that your replacement is moving in the best direction for future considerations. 
      

4. The size of your AC or Heat Pump is critical to your comfort. Over-sizing will cool the home down too fast and not allow enough running time to remove humidity. One of the big advantages to the two-speed and variable speed compressor systems, is their ability to lessen their Btu output during lower load conditions, and thereby in​crease the running time. Since single speed standard units are sized for worst case conditions, you can see how the variable speed and two-speed systems have significant advantages. 
   
   Your representative may suspect an undersized or over-sized system and choose to perform a Manual "J" Load Calculation. The ACCA version of this is an extremely comprehensive program and will be extremely accurate when the correct input information is applied. This calculation can be done on the house as a whole or by using the room to room method. This room to room method is utilized when duct design is being performed. 
    

5. Some common misguided ideas and installation issues we run into and feel should be avoided, are as follows:
    

   • Using one AC system for a two story home - Heat rises and cold air falls. One system, one thermostat and two stories. What could go wrong? This design wins the award for the most complaints. Some single system, multiple stories applications utilize a damper system to attempt to control the varying temperature issues. Although this arrangement certainly can help, and is less expensive than installing a second system, there are certain problems that are created when utilizing  a damper system. We choose to avoid the use of dampers and fancy controls as there is no better method for perfect comfort than a properly designed and installed system. 
     
     Should your home have only one system on two stories, we can offer a direct replacement, or remedy the comfort issues with a new design. The remedy may be more affordable than your think. There's no time like the present!
      

   • Mismatched split systems - Certain non AHRI rated matches of equipment can work just fine, and the brand of equipment usually makes no difference. An X-brand furnace can adapt just fine to a Y-brand AC.​ Adapting an existing furnace to a new AC needs to be professionally reviewed to assure the blower in the furnace is adequate for the new AC and duct system, and the proper fan speed can be selected. Most problems occur when replacing an outdoor unit on an older evaporator coil attached to the furnace. It is generally not recommended to replace an outdoor condensing unit without replacing the evaporator coil. The size of the refrigerant lines is also important for proper operation.  And to add another layer on all of this is the change of refrigerant gas from the old R-22 to the new R-410a. If the gas of the old evaporator was R-22 and the new system R-410a, it will now be time to replace the evaporator coil. 
      

   • Ductwork Issues - There is more abuse with ducting than any other area in this industry. Proper matched ducting for your system is as important as the system's efficiency. A thorough duct inspection and a written report will be part of our  proposal.
     
     One common problem is the restriction of return air due to panning the return in the floor joist. Each section panned with a 2x6 floor joist spaced 16" on center only allows about 270 cfm (cubic feet per minute) of air flow. With a 3 ton system we need 1200 cfm, so it would take at least five floor joist to allow proper air flow. We typically find only two spaced utilized. This type of duct restriction is simply unacceptable and must be remedied with the work in replacing your system. Your duct inspection report will cover any needed improvements and any contamination level found within the ducting. 
      

   • Poor choices in unit location - Systems must be installed to allow proper servicing. Nuff said.
      

   • Electrical Power Wiring - Part of our inspection will cover the power wiring to your system. We sometimes find improper wire size, circuit breaker or other code violations that need to be remedied. We will include any necessary improvements in our proposal. 
      

6. De-humidification - As our summers can be quite brutal with high humidity levels, addressing your new system to be as efficient at dehumidifying is a high priority to us. As mentioned before, with the consideration of a new two speed, or variable speed compressor systems that allows for longer running time is a key tool in achieving dry, crisp cool air. With the addition to any system of a Variable Speed blower and special controls, a vast improvement with humidity control can be mastered.  With all of our installations, including the single speed systems, we maximize the units ability to dehumidify with certain adjustments within the system, that make a huge difference in your comfort. 
   
   Customers that have a basement, we advise a separate cooling system if possible, with the addition of a dehumidifier. Our offerings for dehumidifiers, are high quality and high capacity systems, not the upright plug in big box store units. Do not waste your money on one of these units. High quality Dehumidifiers will go along way with keeping the whole house a dryer and more comfortable environment. 
    

7. Humidifier - Steam humidifiers are the absolute best system for keeping your house from becoming too dry in the wintertime. Avoid bypass systems. Another option would be the fan powered evaporative type humidifiers.