Home Heating and Cooling 101
Heating and cooling are 2 of the most important concepts of home ownership. In fact,
heating and cooling systems are major factors for those looking to purchase homes, and
are a critical part of living comfortably in a home.
You may frequently hear the term "HVAC," which is used to describe home heating and
cooling systems. The acronym stands for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning–which
are the 3 primary functions of a home system. They control air temperature and humidity,
and maintain the quality of the air in the home.
Central Systems
Heating and cooling systems may be classified as central or local. Central heating and
cooling is the most standard method, and is defined by a system that produces warm or
cool air in one central area and then distributes it throughout the home. There are many
types of systems that work as central systems, from traditional split systems to packaged
product systems.
Making the right choices for your home needs
When evaluating your home heating and cooling options, efficiency and cost savings are
important variables in your decision. Plus, if you prefer to be environmentally conscious,
efficient heating and cooling products can help by using fewer resources. Carrier has engineered
products with a wide range of efficiency ratings—from minimum industry requirements to the
world's most efficient—to provide you a wide variety of sophisticated options to meet your
specific needs.
Meeting Government Standards
As government standards and requirements continue evolving to require heating and cooling
manufacturers to improve product efficiency and use environmentally friendly materials,
the experts at Carrier lead the way. From engineering high efficiency heat pumps and air
conditioners to introducing Puron® Refrigerant, Carrier puts innovation to work to create
the sophisticated heating and cooling products of tomorrow.
Higher SEER Requirements for 2006
Like many consumer products that use energy, air conditioners and heat pumps are manufactured
to meet or exceed minimum efficiency standards set by the U.S. Department of Energy. After
nearly a decade with 10 SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) as the minimum efficiency,
January 23, 2006 marks the mandated increase to 13 SEER.
Who will this affect?
The 13 SEER minimum applies to all new equipment manufactured on or after January 23, 2006.
You may continue to use your current system indefinitely, even if it operates below 13 SEER,
but when it's time to replace your system, only 13 SEER or higher models will be available.
Higher SEER means cost-savings and energy efficiency
For many homeowners, a 13 SEER air conditioner or heat pump will save money on each month's
electric bill. Exactly how much you can save will depend on the efficiency of your current
system. For example, a 13 SEER product:
- Delivers about 23% energy savings compared to 10 SEER models
- Delivers about 8% energy savings compared to 12 SEER models
Actual savings will depend on the age, efficiency and condition of the unit being replaced,
but if you are currently considering a new air conditioner or heat pump, it makes sense to
start saving now with a 13 SEER product. Carrier offers several heat pumps and air conditioners
that meet and exceed the 13 SEER requirement—even up to an industry high 21 SEER.
Refrigerant Upgrades
Another change you need to be aware of is the phase out of R-22, the refrigerant most
commonly used in today's air conditioners and heat pumps. By 2010, all new air conditioners
and heat pumps will be required to use non-ozone-depleting environmentally sound refrigerant,
such as Puron Refrigerant. (Carrier has been supplying Puron refrigerant-based products for
over 10 years and is already fully compliant with the 2010 mandate.) This phase out has been
mandated in an effort to help protect the Earth's ozone layer. By making the change to Puron
Refrigerant now, you can protect yourself from the potentially higher future costs of servicing
an air conditioner or heat pump that uses R-22.