Sleeping Giant Heating & Cooling believes in the importance of supplying our customers with as much information as possible regarding their comfort system and the cleanliness of their home’s air. We’ve compiled a list of questions we often receive from our customers, as well as a glossary of need-to-know terms for any homeowner. Please fill out the form below if you’d like to add a question or term to our list! You can also contact us with any questions you might have.
Frequently Asked Questions & HVAC Glossary
How can I reduce my energy costs?
Cooling System
Upgrade to a high-efficiency air conditioner – Replacing your old, inefficient air conditioning system with a high-efficient one can cut electricity bills significantly. Consult one of our professional technicians to ensure your system is the right size for your home, and you are not over- or under-cooling for your space needs.
Turn up the temperature – To save electricity during the summer, set the temperature above 75° as every degree below this will add an extra three to five percent to your energy bill.
Install ceiling fans – Change the direction of airflow on your ceiling fans. In the summer, the blades should operate in a counter-clockwise direction as a way of creating a nice, gentle wind.
Have an annual maintenance performed – Having an annual maintenance performed on your air conditioner by a licensed technician will help ensure it operates at its peak efficiency and catches any potential breakdowns before they occur.
Don’t block vents in well-used rooms – Keep your supply and return air vents free of objects like blinds, carpets or furniture so your air conditioner can operate efficiently and there is even cool air distribution.
Close vents in less-used rooms- By closing the vents, you will not be spending money cooling rooms that are used less.
Heating System
Upgrade to a high-efficiency furnace – New high-efficiency furnaces use up to 50% less fuel than an older system. It can save you up to 25 percent of your home-heating costs in one year, and within a few years, you will have recovered the initial cost of replacing/upgrading your furnace. Choosing a model with an energy efficient motor can save 20 to 50 percent of the energy needed to continuously operate a fan motor. Let us show you the advantages of replacing your old furnace today.
Have an annual maintenance performed – Having an annual maintenance performed on your furnace by a licensed technician will help ensure it operates at its peak efficiency and catches any potential breakdowns before they occur.
Install a programmable thermostat – A programmable thermostat enables you to control your home’s temperature when you are away or asleep. For every one degree you lower your thermostat for seven hours per day, you save one percent on your heating bill.
Don’t block vents in well-used rooms – Keep your supply and return air vents free of objects like blinds, carpets or furniture so your furnace can operate efficiently and there is even heat distribution.
Close vents in less-used rooms – By closing the vents, you will not be spending money heating rooms that are used less.
Install ceiling fans- Change the direction of airflow on your ceiling fans. In the winter, the blades should operate in a clockwise direction helping to push the warm air from the ceiling down into the room.
What is the average life expectancy of equipment?
What is the average life expectancy of equipment? Depending on the brand, most systems have a life span of 10 to 15 years (some builder grade equipment has a much shorter life span). As your equipment gets older, its efficiency and performance also declines. Typically if a system is 10-12+ years in age, it is good to consider replacement rather than investing in the old inefficient system. New comfort systems are more energy efficient and they will provide payback and energy savings. In addition, most of our new systems come with a 10 year warranty for your peace of mind.
How do I choose an A/C Contractor in the Childersburg/ Chelsea area?
Choosing an A/C contractor is much like choosing any other contractor. Quality work should carry a higher priority than a cheap price. There are many “moon lighters” that are not licensed and will work for a very cheap price, but when something goes wrong, you can’t find them anymore. It’s a good idea to select a contractor that relies on you, the customer, for their livelihood. Taking care of customers’ needs is the highest priority for a company that depends on them to call them back when their expertise is needed.
The best way to find a reputable HVAC contractor is to ask your friends, family and neighbors whom they use.
Find a contractor who has been around a while. The failure rate in HVAC is around 20% per year. That means that one out of five will not be doing business next year. The failure rate drops off for HVAC companies that have been around for 4 years. Sleeping Giant has been in business since 1963.
You want to make sure any company you do business with is properly licensed and insured, and it is always a good idea to check out a company’s rating with the local Better Business Bureau. Aditionally, many equipment manufacturers list their dealer’s customer satisfaction ratings on thier dealer locator section of their websites. Check out our satisfaction rating with American Standard.
Can I just replace the outdoor unit on an older system to save money?
Typically, no. The indoor coil’s refrigerant and efficiency rating must be matched to the outdoor unit. Freon R-22 has been replaced with a more energy efficient and environmental friendly Freon 410-A (also known as Puron). In addition, the minimum SEER rating or efficiency that we can install today is 14 SEER (older systems are 10 SEER and below). Therefore, you have to replace the indoor coil and outdoor unit at the same time for the proper operation and to protect your investment. Be leery of companies who would do otherwise.
Will a bigger sized system perform better?
No, you don’t want your air conditioner to be too big. Air conditioners control the comfort level in your home by cooling the air and by removing humidity. An oversized air conditioner will cool your home faster, but it will use more energy and will not remove humidity adequately.
A unit that is too big for your home will have short run cycles. It may take only a short time to cool the air, but the unit shuts off before enough air blows across the indoor coil where moisture condenses into water and drains from your system. Too much moisture left in the air can lead to mold and mildew problems.
These short run cycles also mean your system starts and stops more often which uses more energy and causes a lot of wear and tear. An air conditioner operates more efficiently during long run cycles.
The same holds true with heating systems. An oversized furnace will warm the house quicker, but it uses more fuel and causes greater temperature swings in the home.
No Cooling in Air Conditioner or Heat Pump
Check the settings on your thermostat. Make sure the temperature control selector is set below the current room temperature, and the system switch is on the COOL or AUTO position. The fan switch should be set to ON for continuous airflow or AUTO if you want the blower to operate only while the air conditioner/heat pump is operating.
Try to get the air conditioner/heat pump to turn on by lowering the thermostat to its lowest temperature setting.
If the air flow out of your registers seems low, check the air filter. An extremely dirty air filter can block air flow.
Make sure all registers are open and not obstructed.
Check the power disconnect switch by each unit (outdoor and indoor).
Check the fuse/breaker at the electrical panel for both the outdoor and indoor unit.
If the problem persists, please contact us.
No Heat From Gas Furnace
Check the settings on your thermostat. Make sure the temperature control selector is set above the current room temperature, and the system switch is on the HEAT or AUTO position. The fan switch should be set to ON for continuous airflow or AUTO if you want the blower to operate only while the furnace is operating.
Try to get the furnace to turn on by raising the thermostat to its highest temperature setting.
If the air flow out of your registers seems low, check the air filter. An extremely dirty air filter can block air flow.
Make sure all registers are open and not obstructed.
Check the power disconnect switch by the furnace.
Check the fuse/breaker at the electrical panel for the furnace.
Check to make sure the gas control valve to the furnace is open.
Check the pilot light. (Electronic ignitions will not have a pilot light).
If the problem persists, please contact us.
No Heat From Heat Pump
Check the settings on your thermostat. Make sure the temperature control selector is set above the current room temperature, and the system switch is on the HEAT or AUTO position. The fan switch should be set to ON for continuous airflow or AUTO if you want the blower to operate only while the heat pump is operating.
Try to get the heat pump to turn on by raising the thermostat to its highest temperature setting.
If the air flow out of your registers seems low, check the air filter. An extremely dirty air filter can block air flow.
Make sure all registers are open and not obstructed.
Check the power disconnect switch by each unit (outdoor and indoor).
Check the fuse/breaker at the electrical panel for both the outdoor and indoor unit.
If the problem persists, please contact us.
Why is a system with matched components so important?
A matched system is important for a variety of reasons. One is comfort. When all your components are properly sized to your home, you can control exactly how much heating or cooling you need so you can relax.
Also, a properly sized matched system enables every component to perform as designed, meaning proper cycle times are maintained, humidity is controlled, and system sound is minimized.
Another reason matched systems are important is efficiency. Most systems people buy are too large for their homes, which uses more energy than needed for your home. A matched system outlined by a dealer who has completed a load calculation for your home provides just the right amount of heating and cooling you need so you get the most value for your utility dollar.
How often should I change my air filter?
How often you should change your filter depends on the type of filter you have and how much infiltration you have throughout your home and ductwork. “Throw away” or the lesser expensive filters have to be replaced every 30 days. “Pleated” or “Poly” filters have to typically be replaced every 90 days. “Media filters” or Clean Effects filters usually have to be replaced every year. We offer free advice so give us a call at any time with any additional questions.
Why should I install an AccuClean air filtering system?
Proper air filtration is just as important to the health of your heating and cooling system as it is to the health of your family. Without proper filtration, dust and dirt can build up on your system which impacts operation and efficiency. An AccuClean whole house air cleaner will remove up to 99.98% of dust, dirt, pollen, mold, allergens and other particles from the air. If you or anyone in your family suffer(s) from allergies or other respiratory problems, you should strongly consider an Ameerican Standard AccuClean air filtering system.
Should I have my furnace and air conditioner serviced every year?
Yes. Keeping your system properly maintained will lower energy and repair costs, prevent breakdowns and prolong the life of your equipment. Neglecting necessary maintenance ensures a steady decline in air conditioning performance while energy use steadily increases.
Your heating and cooling system is just like your car and needs regular maintenance. Our service agreement is priced at break-even cost so all of our clients can afford to maintain their systems. Servicing your system will increase the lifespan of your system, reduce energy costs and increase comfort.
How can I reduce allergens and improve the air quality in my home?
The answer to this question is the American Standard AccuClean. There are lots of air cleaners available that do a decent job of cleaning pollutants and allergens from your home’s air but most restrict air flow while doing it. AccuClean’s patented idF technology provides the highest clean air delivery rate available on the market today. AccuClean can remove up to 99.98% of dust, dirt, pollen, pet dander, mold and other pollutants and allergens from the air your family breathes at home. Breathe easy with AccuClean!
What is a Heat Pump?
A heat pump is an air conditioner that also has the ability to heat your home. A heat pump can be installed with a variety of indoor systems including all electric and dual fuel. All electric comfort systems use heat pumps to heat your home in addition to back up heat strips for the cold days. A dual fuel comfort system also uses a heat pump to heat your home but for the really cold days it uses a gas furnace for back up heat. Just like air conditioners, we have a range of heat pump options for every budget. Different options provide different comfort levels, efficiencies and noise levels. Just like A/C replacement, it is important to look at your home as a system and perform the proper calculations to ensure you get the most value for your investment.
What is a Dual Fuel system?
A dual fuel system (also called hybrid heat) is comprised of a heat pump, indoor coil and gas furnace. A heat pump is an air conditioner that also has the ability to heat your home. With a dual fuel system, the heat pump will heat your home majority of the time. The gas furnace provides back up heat and only will come on if it is below 40 degrees. For the Childersburg/ Chelsea area, dual fuel is more efficient than an all-electric system or a traditional split system (comprised of a gas furnace and an air conditioner). In addition to the energy savings, a dual fuel system will not dry your skin out as much as a traditional system. However, it does provide a different comfort level than a traditional gas furnace so it is important to talk with our team about which option is best for you and your family.
What are the advantages of equipment with variable speed fans?
Variable speed equipment or variable airflow is almost always the first step toward a more energy efficient and comfortable system. Our variable airflow systems have “de-humidification control”. Traditional systems only have a one-speed fan and only read temperature. A variable airflow system reads relative humidity in addition to temperature. The system runs more often at a lower speed removing much more moisture than a typical system. Removing more moisture means you are more comfortable at a higher temperature. In addition, the system does a much better job of filtering the air (because it runs more often), creates a more even temperature throughout your home and operates more quietly.
What is a 2-stage or variable speed compressor?
The Manual J for Chilersburg and the surrounding area requires the design of systems to cool a house to 75 degrees on a 94 degree day. It is great to have the full capacity for those hot summer days, however, most of the time your cooling system will be too large. A great solution to this issue is a 2-stage compressor. A 2-stage compressor can come in two different types. The first type of 2-stage compressor has one compressor with two internal stages. The first stage is typically 70%-80% of the full capacity and the second stage is 100% capacity. The second type of 2 stage compressors actually have two separate compressors in one outdoor unit. The smaller compressor is 50% of the system’s capacity and the second is 100%. The system will usually run in the lower stage for most days but has the larger capacity for the really hot days. The two-stage compressor uses less energy proving more energy savings and is the best solution for removing humidity and more quiet outside operation.
Variable speed compressors work in much the same way, but instead of two possible stages they can automatically make constant and minute adjustments to avoid temperature swings on your home. Variable speed compressors can run from 20-100% capacity (and anything in between) to provide the exact amount of cooling or heating your home needs at any given time.
Finally, a variable speed compressor has the ability to ramp all the way down to around 20%-40% capacity depending on the make and model. These are incredibly efficient and come standard for most of our ductless split systems.
What is a 2 stage, 3 stage or modulating gas valve?
Traditional furnaces have a one stage gas valve that heat at full capacity 100% of the time. Most furnaces are oversized (due to contractors not pulling load calculations and large cooling demands in Alabama) so most homes typically don’t need the full heating capacity. A 2 stage furnace works similarly to a 2 stage air conditioner. It allows the unit to adjust the heating capacity based on the amount of heating that is needed. A 3-stage furnace has three separate stages of heat and a modulating gas valve has even more stages depending on the indoor demand. Two, three and modulating stage furnaces are more energy efficient because they use less gas and also provide more even temperatures.
At what temperature should I set my thermostat?
The answer to this question depends on the person and what their individual preferences. Most people keep their thermostat between 74-78 degrees in the summer time and between 68-72 degrees in the wintertime. The higher you keep your thermostat then the less energy consumption the system will use. If your goal is keeping your bills down then you should keep the thermostat closer to 78 in the summer and 68 in the winter. But not everyone is comfortable at the same temperature. Systems with de-humidification control can often be kept at a higher temperature because they remove more moisture than a traditional system. In addition to the thermostat, how “tight” or “leaky” your home is will affect how much of that cooling or heating goes out the window rather than staying in the living space.
My system doesn't work well in a couple of rooms, what do I do?
“Problem areas” can occur for many reasons, some of which are improper duct design or ductwork problems, lack of proper insulation in a certain area, and room infiltration (i.e. lots of windows). Depending on the situation, the answer may vary. Sometimes, adding an additional supply vent or fixing an old one can solve the problem. In many situations, a variable speed fan motor can help push more air all the way through your duct system creating more even temperatures even in the farthest rooms. Some situations call for some auxillary cooling and/or heating. In this case, a ductless system is the perfect answer. Some common scenarios where ductless is the perfect solution are upstairs bonus rooms/areas, sunrooms with lots of windows, master bedrooms where doors stay closed and air can’t circulate, garages and workshops. We will be happy to schedule a free consultation to find the right solution for your problem areas.
Is Freon®, as a refrigerant, being discontinued?
Yes. As of January 2010 the refrigerant R-22 (what consumers call Freon®) is no longer allowed to be used in the manufacturing of new equipment. R-22 was used as the “standard” refrigerant for many years but was found to be harmful to our planet by our government. Since 2010, all new air conditioners and heat pumps use R-410A, the more “environmentally friendly” refrigerant.
As a result, the production of R-22 refrigerant has decreased steadily since that time, and the prices for R-22 refrigerant have skyrocketed. At Sleeping Giant, we have been installing R410-a systems long before the government made the change. If you have a R22 system that is leaking freon, a new more energy efficicent system that runs on R-410a refrigerant is the right choice for the environment, and your pocketbook.
Can carbon monoxide build up in my home?
Yes. Each year, carbon monoxide kills more than 200 Americans and sends nearly 5,000 more to emergency rooms for treatment, reports the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Where does it come from? When carbon-based fuels such as gas, oil, kerosene or wood burn, they produce gases. When fuel combustion or burning isn’t complete, carbon monoxide enters the air. The CPSC advises that carbon monoxide detectors are the only way to alert yourself to the presence of toxic gas in your home. If you wake in the night with a headache — and especially if another member of the family complains of a headache or is difficult to arouse — get out of the house fast and seek medical help. If you have gas heating or other gas appliances in your home, we recommend carbon monoxide detectors be installed in your home!
When you become a customer of the Sleeping Giant maintenance plan, rest assured that one of the things we will check is the heat exchanger, flue exhaust pipe and other components of your gas heating system to make sure carbon monoxide is not seeping into your home environment from your heating system.
What if I smell gas?
Propane (LP) gas: You have this type if your gas comes from a tank located outside close to your house. Propane is stored as a liquid under pressure in tanks and cylinders. In most residential applications, propane is used as a vapor. When liquid propane changes into a gas vapor, it expands in volume. This means that even a small leak of liquid propane can result in a much larger quantity of propane vapor, which can be especially dangerous in a confined space. A chemical odorant has been added to propane to give it a distinct smell. Learn to identify this odor. Propane gas is heavier than air, so it will sink to the floor and spread. To check for the presence of propane, carefully smell all over a room, especially in low spots.
If you smell propane (LP) gas:
Exit your home immediately.
Propane gas can ignite easily. Do not light a match, start an engine, use a cell phone, or do anything that may create a spark.
From a safe area, contact your propane supplier and call 911.
If you are able, shut the propane gas supply off at the tank.
Stay away from your home until you have been told that it is safe to return.
Natural gas: You have this type if you have a gas meter and pay a natural gas supplier or utility. A chemical odorant has been added to natural gas to give it a distinct smell. Learn to identify this odor. If you smell gas faintly, check all areas of your house for strong odor. If the smell is only faint throughout all areas of your home, call your heating contractor to get it fixed within 24 hours. Keep the house well ventilated by opening windows.
If you smell a strong, persistent odor:
Exit your home immediately.
Do not light a match, start an engine, use a cell phone, or do anything that may create a spark.
From a safe area, contact your gas company or call 911.
If you are able, turn the gas off at the meter.
Stay away from your home until you have been told that it is safe to return.
A
AccuClean™
Brand name for American Standard Heating and Air Conditioning's whole-home air filtration that removes up to 99.98 percent of airborne allergens from the filtered air in your home.AccuLink™ Communicating System
AccuLink™ Communicating System is American Standard’s integrated and self-configuring system that makes it possible for your components to automatically talk to each other. It lets you remotely adjust settings and provides proactive alerts so you know your system is working at its best.AFUE
Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. AFUE is a rating that reflects how efficiently a gas furnace converts fuel to energy. An AFUE of 90 means that approximately 90 percent of the fuel is utilized to provide warmth to your home, while the remaining 10 percent escapes as exhaust.Air Cleaner
A device that removes allergens, pollutants and other undesirable particles from air that is heated or cooled.Air Filtration System
A device that removes allergens, pollutants and other undesirable particles from air that is heated or cooled.Air Handler
The indoor blower component of your heat pump system that moves air through your home.Allergen
A substance that causes an allergic reaction. It includes dust, pollen, pet hair and dander, dust mites, mildew, lint, fungus, most tobacco smoke, cooking grease and bacteria.All-In-One System
An air conditioning and/or heating system in which all components are located in one cabinet. Used in certain localities and for certain building types, the all-in-one system is installed either beside or on top of your home.B
BTU
British Thermal Unit. In scientific terms, it represents the amount of energy required to raise one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit. One BTU is the equivalent of the heat given off by a single wooden kitchen match. For your home, it represents the measure of heat given off when fuel is burned for heating, or the measure of heat extracted from your home for cooling.C
Capacity
The output or producing capability of a piece of cooling or heating equipment. Cooling and heating capacity are normally referred to in BTUs.CFM
Cubic Feet per Minute, a standard of airflow measurement. A typical air conditioning system produces 400 CFM per ton of air conditioning.Comfort-R™
Comfort-R™, also known as variable speed, is American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning's process for reducing your home's humidity and maintaining a comfortable temperature. Set by the dealer, Comfort-R™ ramps up the airflow in your home—making your home cooler and more comfortable faster.Compressor
The heart of an air conditioning or heat pump system. It is part of the outdoor unit that pumps refrigerant. The compressor maintains adequate pressure to cause refrigerant to flow in sufficient quantities in order to meet the cooling requirements of the system and your home.Condenser Coil
Located in the outdoor unit, the coil dissipates heat from the refrigerant, changing the refrigerant from vapor to liquid. In American Standard units, the coil is called Spine Fin™.Control
A temperature-control device also known as a thermostat, typically found on a wall inside the home. It consists of a series of sensors and relays that monitor and control the functions of a heating and cooling system. American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning's programmable controls allow you to program different levels of comfort for different times of the day.Cycling
Refers to the process of an HVAC system turning on and off. Some systems require less cycling than others, leading to higher energy efficiency and less wear on the system.D
Damper
Found in ductwork, this movable plate opens and closes to control airflow. Dampers are used effectively in zoning to regulate airflow to certain rooms.Ductwork
Pipes or channels that carry air throughout your home.E
Energy Star®
A program developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in order to reduce the nation's energy consumption. ENERGY STAR® -qualified heating equipment can be up to 15 percent more efficient than standard models. ENERGY STAR® -qualified cooling equipment can be up to 7 percent more efficient than minimum-standard equipment.F
Furnace
A gas indoor heating and blower unit that works in conjunction with an air conditioner or heat pump.H
Heat Pump
An outdoor unit that warms your home in winter and cools your home in summer.HEPA Filter
A High Efficiency Particulate Absorbing filter. A HEPA filter removes particles from the air by trapping them as air flows through.Home Automation
Anything that gives you remote or automatic control of things around your home, including but not limited to your HVAC, lighting or security system.HSPF
Heating Seasonal Performance Factor. Refers to the efficiency of the heating mode of heat pumps over an entire heating season: The higher the number, the more efficient the unit.Humidifier
A device that adds moisture to dry indoor air during wintertime and in hot, dry climates.Humidity
The amount of moisture in the air. Variable speed systems can reduce this moisture for added comfort.HVAC
The classic acronym for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning. Today, the HVAC industry has expanded to include air cleaning and moisture control.Hybrid (Dual Fuel) Comfort System
A home comfort system that combines a heat pump with a gas furnace (also available in packaged systems). For areas with colder temperatures, combining electric heating (heat pump) with gas heating (furnace) lets you choose from two fuel sources in order to respond to fluctuations in utility costs.I
Indoor/Outdoor System
Refers to a comfort system consisting of components in two locations. Common examples include an outside unit, such as an air conditioner, and an indoor unit, such as a furnace with a coil.Indoor Coil
The other, less visible half of your outdoor unit. It's attached to your furnace or air handler. As indoor air flows across it, heat and moisture are drawn out, leaving air that is cool, comfortable and conditioned.L
Load Calculation
A detailed analysis of your home's energy needs conducted by your dealer to help determine which comfort system is best for your home.M
Matched System
A heating and cooling system wherein all components are matched in capacity and efficiency. This enables your system to perform at its best, and most efficient, for longer.Modulating Heating
Fully modulating heating provides greater fuel efficiency and ideal comfort control by constantly adjusting to changing temperatures in your home.N
NATE
North American Technician Excellence. This is the nationwide certification program for home heating and cooling technicians. It's the only certification that is recognized by the entire industry.Nexia™ Home Intelligence
Nexia™ Home Intelligence is a home automation system that, when paired with an American Standard AccuLink™ Platinum XV Control or an AccuLink™ Remote Control, makes it possible to manage your home’s HVAC system, locks, lights, security and more by computer or most web-enabled cell phones.O
Outdoor Coil
Located in the outdoor unit, the coil dissipates heat from the refrigerant, changing the refrigerant from vapor to liquid. In American Standard units, the coil is called Spine Fin™.Outdoor Unit
The outdoor portion of a split system, such as an air conditioner or heat pump. May also be a packaged air conditioning and/or heating system in which all components are located in one cabinet.P
Packaged System
An air conditioning and/or heating system in which all components are located in one cabinet. In the Huntsville/Madison area, many homes built on crawlspaces have packaged systems installed for the main floor beside the home.R
Refrigerant
A substance that produces a cooling effect. It's used in most air conditioning and cooling systems.S
SEER
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. This is a rating that measures the cooling efficiency of a heat pump or air conditioner. The higher the number, the more efficient the unit.SEET
Seasonal Extreme Environmental Test. This is the American Standard testing facility for heating and air conditioning systems, where the equivalent of five years of operation is condensed into 16 weeks of testing under harsh conditions. American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning wants to ensure your new system will be as reliable as possible.Smart Home
A smart home features an advanced system that offers remote or automatic control of the systems around your home, including but not limited to, your HVAC system, lighting or security system.Spine Fin™
A revolutionary technology that makes stronger, more efficient cooling coils. Spine Fin™ consists of thousands of tiny fins bonded to continuous aluminum refrigerant tubing. The tiny fins create a greater surface area, helping it to more efficiently transfer more heat from your home. American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning features Spine Fin™ coils in many of our outdoor products.Split System
Refers to a comfort system consisting of components in two locations. Common examples include an outside unit, such as an air conditioner, and an indoor unit, such as a furnace with a coil.T
Thermostat
A temperature-control device, typically found on a wall inside the home. It consists of a series of sensors and relays that monitor and control the functions of a heating and cooling system. American Standard Heating & Air Conditioning's programmable controls allow you to program different levels of comfort for different times of the day.Ton
A unit of measurement used for determining cooling capacity. One ton is the equivalent of 12,000 BTUs per hour.Two-stage Heating / Two-stage Cooling
Two-stage heating and cooling is considered to be more efficient, because it operates at a low, energy-saving speed most of the time. However, on days when more heating or cooling is required, it switches to the next stage for maximum comfort.V
Variable-Speed Motor
The fan motor inside higher efficiency indoor and outdoor units is designed to change its speed based on your home's heating and air conditioning requirements. Working in conjunction with your thermostat, it keeps the appropriate-temperature air (e.g., warm air on cold days) circulating throughout your home, reducing temperature variances. The variable-speed motor also increases dehumidification and is quiet because it runs at a lower speed most of the time. Plus, the consistent air circulation eliminates noisy startups and shutdowns. Back to topDidn’t see what you were looking for?
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