AC-Appliance Pros
Heating
Authorized Dealer
Authorized Dealer for:
Trane
and other makes and models
Heat Pump
A heat pump is a unit that cools in summer and heats in winter.
During hot weather it operates exactly like an air conditioner,
the refrigerant in the unit absorbs heat from inside the house
and pumps it outdoors. In winter, the flow of refrigerant is
reversed to absorb free heat from outside air (or water) and
pumps it inside. The most common form of heat pump is one that
uses air as its heat source. Air source heat pumps are at their
peak efficiency when the outside temperature is above 45°F.
A water source heat pump uses water as the heat source. This
water source can be a well, a pond or a water-filled pipe buried
in the earth. This type of system is sometimes called a geothermal
heat pump. The heat pump is an extremely efficient heating device
because it provides more energy for heating than it consumes.
Electric Resistance Heating
This type of heating uses resistance elements to generate
heat which is then circulated by a fan and duct system. Resistance
heating can be a primary source of heat or provide supplemental
or back up heating for a heat pump.
Operation: In general, thermostat settings on air conditioning
and heating equipment should be kept as high as possible in summer
and as low as possible in winter. This setting will make a difference
in controlling the size of an electric bill. However, it is recommended
that a heat pump be set at 70°F for winter operation. This
setting will insure maximum comfort and efficiency.
Summer air conditioning settings of 78°F or above are
recommended. Your cooling energy bill increases about 8% for
each degree below 78°F.
Fan settings on both heating and cooling equipment should
be left on the "automatic" setting. Heat pumps should
be operated in the "heat pump" mode, not on emergency
heat, since the heat pump is designed to use back up or emergency
heat when the temperature calls for it.
If you plan to be away all day or for an extended period of
time, you may want to change the thermostat setting or turn off
the unit. A programmable thermostat may assist you in managing
your energy usage.
Maintenance: A seasonal checkup by a qualified serviceman
is recommended. This will insure the maximum benefit from heating
and cooling dollars.
Monthly inspection of the filter is also important - clean
or change it as needed.
Keep outside condensing unit free of leaves and debris.
If you don't know which firm to call, ask if the contractor
is a member of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA).
consumers can call (972)247-5383 or 1-800-260-8041 to confirm
the contractor is a member or to locate a contractor who subscribes
to the organization's code or ethics.
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1701 North Greenville Ave. Suite 606
Richardson, Texas 75081
972-664-0055
TACL B00027067E
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