FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION

Q: What is SEER?
A: Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). Every air conditioning system has a SEER rating. It lists how many BTU's per hour are removed for each watt of power drawn. The higher the SEER number, the more efficient the system is.

Q: What is a BTU?
A: British Thermal Unit (BTU) heat required to raise 1 pound of water 1 degree fahrenheit.

Q: I’m building a new home, I will have a heat recovery ventilator, do I need bathroom exhaust fans?
A: We at Swenson Heating and Air Conditioning suggest that even with a heat recovery ventilator, you still need bathroom
exhaust fans.

Q: Do I need a heat recovery ventilator?
A: Ventilation of any home will greatly improve wellness, mildew, odors, and moisture control.

Q: How do you size a heat recovery ventilator (HRV)?
A: 1/3 of an air change in the home per hour:


Q: What is a ton of air conditioning?
A:
1 ton = 12,000 BTU/Hr
2 ton = 24,000 BTU/Hr
2 ½ ton = 30,000 BTU/Hr
4 ton = 48,000 BTU/Hr

Q: Do I want a Heat Recovery Ventilator or a Energy Recovery Ventilator? (HRV vs ERV)
A
: It depends on your life style, if you keep your windows and door closed all summer an energy recovery ventilator is the way to go. If you like to have your windows open except during hot weather a heat recovery ventilator is the way to go. Operate your HRV in the winter only.

Q: How often do I need to replace my furnace filters?
A:
It depends on the system, we suggest filters should be checked every 30 days and replaced when they show signs of dirt or dust. Some of the higher efficiency filters may go as long as 6 months between changes

Q: How often do I need to clean my outdoor condensing unit?
A: Clean the condenser coil at least twice every year, more often if you live near dusty road or have cottonwood trees in the area, follow the manufacturers recommendations for cleaning. Generally a garden hose will do. They are designed to get wet from rain and snow,  don’t be afraid to hose the coils off. It is suggested to turn power to the unit off before doing so.

Q: How long should a furnace or air conditioning unit last?
A:
A rule of thumb says that with proper care and maintenance a furnace should last 20 years and an air conditioning unit should last 15 years.

Q: Should I cover my outdoor condensing unit in the winter?
A: If you cover your condenser in the winter it traps moisture in the electrical controls. We feel there is no benefit in covering your unit during the cold months. It can also wear the finish off of your air conditioner. If you do cover it, use a hard shell cover w/ vent holes that leaves several inches of gap around the entire unit.

 

 

12723 320th Ave / Princeton MN 55371
office: 763-389-1888
fax: 763-389-1288
www.Swensonheating.com

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