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| | | All Seasons Air Conditioning & Heating, Inc | |
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These are some of our most frequently asked questions
Do programmable thermostats save energy?
Answer:
The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that programmable thermostats save one percent on energy bills per degree set-back (for eight hours). So, if you set your thermostat back by 10° each night (or up by 10° for eight hours each day during the cooling season), a 10 percent annual energy savings should be expected. Higher savings will occur in more extreme climates. Programmable thermostats can improve comfort and save money by automatically setting the thermostat at different levels for different times of the day and week. They take the homeowner out of the equation by automatically setting the thermostat down when the house in unoccupied and turning it back up so the house is cozy for the homeowner’s return. The thermostats can even “learn” how long it takes for the house to warm up, and adjust when the heating system (or cooling system) comes on based on the interior conditions. Humidistats are now available to control HVAC systems based on temperature and humidity, keeping occupants more comfortable and systems operating most efficiently.
Refrigerant / "Freon" / 410A / R-22
I’ve heard that certain refrigerants will no longer be used. What is happening?
Answer:
Refrigerants containing chlorine, an ozone-depleting chemical, are slowly being phased out through EPA regulation. The slow phase-out for R-22 (Freon), the refrigerant used for decades in residential air conditioners and heat pumps, is intended to provide a smooth transition to chlorine-free alternatives. Although new cooling systems will not contain R-22 after January 2010, R-22 will continue to be produced for servicing through January 2020 and will be available through recycling after that.
What is better about R-410a?
Answer:
The benefit of R-410a is that it does not contain chlorine and is therefore not an ozone-depleting substance. Additionally, it can achieve about 5-10% higher efficiency than R-22.
Will R-410a be around for a long time? I don’t want to start using something that won’t be available for servicing in the coming years.
Answer:
R-410a has been around since 1995 and, given the significant investment of U.S. manufacturers in developing equipment to use the refrigerant, it will be available for the long term. Most major U.S. manufacturers have adopted R-410a for their redesigned, chlorine-free cooling systems and chemical producers intend to keep meeting demand. R-22, however, will not be manufactured for new units after 2010 and for servicing after 2020. Although it will continue to be recycled from existing units, supplies will eventually dwindle and costs will inevitably increase.
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