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Frequently Asked Questions

 

1,    What is SEER?

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio; a measure of cooling efficiency for air conditioners and heat pumps.  The higher the SEER, the more energy efficient the unit.  Energy efficiency equates to lower electrical bills.  Currently U.S. Government’s minimum SEER rating is 13.

2,    What is a ductless mini-split system?

A ductless mini-split system is comprised of an indoor unit called the evaporator and an outdoor unit called the condensing unit.  The evaporator is connected to the condensing unit by copper tubing and electrical wiring which is passed through a 2 ½” – 3” hole.  Basically, it is a small central air unit with the flexibility of cooling or heating one room or more; zoning.

3,    Can I install this myself?

No.  Only an authorized certified HVAC contractor can install any HVAC unit. Otherwise all equipment is voided of warranty no matter who you buy it from.

Beware! Purchase Disclaimer

Manufactures do not  sell or authorize the sale of there product to online companies.

4,      What is a Low Ambient control and what is its function?

The Fan Cycling control (Sometimes referred to as Condenser Head pressure control, or Low Ambient Control) is a switch that makes contact on pressure rise. The sensing line is piped into the discharge line and is set to maintain the condenser head pressure during lower outdoor ambient temperatures. If the fan were to run all the time, the head pressure would remain very low and system efficiency would fall. Fan Cycling will compensate for this to a certain extent by allowing the head pressure to rise to moderate levels. The Low Ambient control is optional on package and split systems, and is standard on 100% outside air units.

5,    What is a Heat Pump?

A device that acts as an air conditioner in the summer and as a heater in the winter providing heating and cooling to homes and businesses in one system. Heat pumps function exactly like an air conditioner in the summer absorbing heat from your home or business and moving it outdoors. The cost to cool a space with a heat pump is the same as with an air conditioner with the same efficiency rating. In the winter a heat pump is basically an air conditioner with a valve that allows it to operate in reverse, absorbing heat from the outside air and moving it indoors. 

Beware! Heat Pump Disclaimer

    In some climates a heat pump may handle your heating and cooling needs more efficiently then a furnace or air conditioner. This system usually requires some other source of heat to satisfy heating requirements in colder environments such as the Northeast part of the United States. Some inverter heat pumps offer a wider operating range and up to 30% more heat capacity than a standard heat pump.

  
6,    What is air conditioning?

The purpose of air conditioning is to control the filtration, air movement, temperature and humidity of an atmospheric environment. Air conditioning is always associated with the cooling and dehumidification process of air and is always therefore identified with refrigeration equipment.

The full control over relative humidity by the addition of moisture by means of a humidifier and the use of a humidifier constitutes full air conditioning, but this control is not always exercised. However, the more often used partial or comfort air conditioning which uses refrigeration equipment only and is therefore capable of cooling as well as dehumidifying is still referred to as air conditioning.

From the foregoing therefore the term ‘ventilation’ should not be confused with air conditioning as refrigeration equipment is not necessarily provided with ventilation equipment.

7,    What is meant by a ‘ton’ of refrigeration?

Confusingly the unit has little to do with weight, as used in common parlance. One ton of refrigeration is the term used to refer to 12,000 B.T.U.s/hour (British Thermal Units/Hour) of cooling effect. Thus a chiller or condensing unit with a cooling capacity of 60,000 B.T.U.s/hour is said to have a capacity of 5 tons. It should be noted that the unit B.T.U./hour is a unit of heat flow still widely used in North America, Canada and parts of Asia whereas Europe uses the ‘watt’. One ton of refrigeration approximates to 3.5kW of cooling.

The origin of the term is the amount of heat absorbed by one ton of ice when melting from solid to liquid state at 32°F and assuming a latent heat of ice of 144 B.T.U.s/lb. The heat absorbed is found to be 288,000 B.T.U.s over 24 hours, or 12,000 B.T.U.s/hour (in reality the latent heat of ice is slightly less than 144 B.T.U.s/lb.)

8,    Why should I replace my existing heating or air-conditioning system?

You may wish to consider replacing your air-conditioning or heating system if it is old, inefficient, or in need of repair. Today's systems are as much as 60% more efficient than those systems manufactured as little as ten years ago. In addition, if not properly maintained, wear and tear on a system can reduce the actual or realized efficiency of the system. If you are concerned about utility bills or are faced with an expensive repair, you may want to consider replacing your system rather than enduring another costly season or paying to replace an expensive component. The utility cost savings of a new unit may provide an attractive return on your investment. If you plan on financing the purchase, the monthly savings on your utility bill should be considered when determining the actual monthly cost of replacing a system. The offsetting savings may permit you to purchase a more efficient system.

9,    How expensive are air-conditioning and heat pump systems?

Many factors affect the cost of a heating or air-conditioning system, including the size of your home, the type and condition of the ductwork installed, and accessories you might need such as a thermostat or an electronic air cleaner. Icarus has a complete range of systems and accessories available to meet all your needs, including your financial ones! Icarus Mechanical will be happy to assist you in finding the right system to meet not only your comfort needs but also your household budget.

10,    How do I select the right heating/cooling system?

First, make sure the unit is properly sized. Icarus Mechanical will provide a load calculation for your home. Also ask the Icarus Rep to provide an energy analysis to determine operating cost. Next, consider any comfort issues in the home. Some products can reduce air stratification and uneven temperatures from room to room. If you have allergies, an indoor unit with added components allow you to circulate the air in your home continuously while filtering the air.

11,    What is involved in replacing an old system?

Aside from the placement of the new equipment, Icarus Mechanical will inspect several items and make a determination of whether or not these items need to be supplied or replaced. Some of the items include: ductwork, insulation, refrigerant piping, electrical service, wiring, thermostat, condensate piping, flue piping, flue terminations, chimney liner, slabs, filters, driers, registers, grills, drain pans and evaporator coil.

12,    What are the advantages of installing a ductless over a central air system?

1) With Central Air you must cool an entire home when only one room may need cooling.  On the other hand, ductless mini-splits cool only the areas you want and not the areas you don’t. 

3) Typical 3-ton homes are not zoned or require complex zoning systems, which makes it very expensive for the homeowner.  With ductless mini-splits, multiple evaporators make zoning as simple as setting a remote control. 

4) Energy wasted in long lengths of uninhabited ductwork means higher energy bills.  Less than 5% cooling loss occurs in insulated refrigerant lines compared with up to 25% through ducts. 

5) Retrofitting homes requires cutting holes in walls, floors, ceilings or decreasing closet space with ducts.  Ductless mini-splits requires just a 3 or 4” diameter hole in the outside wall.  Means less mess and better home aesthetics.

13,    What is involved in installing a new system?

If a system is being added to the home for the first time, most of the items noted in the previous question and answer may be required to install the new system. Besides the equipment, the most significant component is ductwork. The ductwork can be either metal or fiberglass ductwork. The ductwork needs to be properly sized to deliver the right amount of air to each room. The ductwork consists of supply and return ductwork. The supply duct is attached to the outlet of the furnace or air handler and delivers air to individual zones in your home. Icarus Mechanical will determine the size of the ductwork going into a space by the amount of air that needs to be delivered to the space.

14,     How do Ductless Split Systems work?

Ductless split air conditioning systems are the ideal solution when traditional central air conditioning systems are not practical or feasible. Designed for economical and efficient zone conditioning, ductless split systems utilized in commercial, industrial, institutional and residential buildings allow the owner/occupant the flexibility to satisfy most conditioning requirements.

15,    Can I purchase air conditioning systems directly from distributors or online?

Distributors sell products to HVAC contractors only. Because the handling of refrigerant is involved in the installation of the systems, only qualified HVAC contractors are allowed to  install the equipment. The EPA levies large fines as high as $20,000 for those found to improperly vent certain Refrigerant gases.

16,    How long can I expect a new system to last?

If you have a qualified technician perform regular preventative maintenance and service suggested for your unit, industry averages suggest that an air conditioner should last 12-15 years (sea coast applications may be less) and a gas furnace should last as many as 20-25 years.

17,    How long have ductless mini-splits systems been manufactured ?

Ductless units have been developed over 30 years ago.

18,    What is I.A.Q.?

I.A.Q. stands for Indoor Air Quality.

19,    How long does it take to install an air conditioning system?

It all Depends on the size of the system. Please call Icarus Mechanical for a free estimate to go over the details.

20,    Is installation easy?

When performed by a certified, authorized technician, installation is a snap!

 

 

 

Maintenance Tips

Just like your car, your home comfort system needs routine maintenance to keep it running at its best. Without regular servicing, heating and cooling systems waste energy and are more likely to break down. But with the proper attention, they can keep you comfortable year-round.

Below are some basic tips to keep your system running efficiently. However, these tips are not designed to replace annual servicing by a qualified Icarus Mechanical HVAC Heating & Air Conditioning Mechanic. To set up an appointment, just contact Icarus Mechanical.

Here are some preventative maintenance things you should be aware of.

With the proper attention, heating and cooling systems can keep you comfortable year-round. Heat pumps and oil-fired furnaces and boilers need a yearly professional tune-up. Gas-fired equipment, on the other hand, burns cleaner and can be serviced every other year. A close inspection will uncover leaks, soot, rust, rot, corroded electrical contacts and frayed wires. In furnace (forced-air) and boiler (hot-water) systems, the inspection should also cover the chimney, ductwork or pipes, dampers or valves, blower or pump, registers or radiators, the fuel line, and the gas meter or oil tank — as well as every part of the furnace or boiler itself.
Next, the system should be run through a full heating cycle to ensure that it has plenty of combustion air and chimney draft. Finally, cleaning the burner and heat exchanger to remove soot and other gunk will prevent such buildup from impeding smooth operation. For the burner, efficiency hinges on adjusting the flame to the right size and color, adjusting the flow of gas, or changing the fuel filter in an oil-fired system. A check of the heat pump should include an inspection of the compressor, fan, indoor and outdoor coils, and refrigerant lines. Indoor and outdoor coils should be cleaned, and the refrigerant pressure should be checked.

 

Blower

Tuning up the distribution side of a forced-air system starts with the blower. The axle should be lubricated, blades cleaned and lower motor checked to insure the unit isn't being overloaded. The fan belt should be adjusted so it deflects no more than an inch when pressed. Every accessible joint in the ductwork should be sealed with mastic or UL-approved duct tapes. Any ducts that run outside the heated space should be insulated. On a hot-water system, the expansion tank should be drained, the circulating pump cleaned and lubricated, and air bled out of the radiators.

 

Thermostat

While thermostats rarely fail outright, they can degrade over time as mechanical parts stick or lose their calibration. Older units will send faulty signals if they've been knocked out of level or have dirty switches. To recalibrate an older unit, use a wrench to adjust the nut on the back of the mercury switch until it turns the system on and, using a room thermometer, set it to the correct temperature. Modern electronic thermostats, sealed at the factory to keep out dust and grime, rarely need adjusting. However, whether your thermostat is old or young, the hole where the thermostat wire comes through the wall needs to be caulked, or a draft could trick it into thinking the room is warmer or colder than it really is.

 

Humidifier

A neglected in-duct humidifier can breed mildew and bacteria, not to mention add too much moisture to a house. A common mistake with humidifiers is leaving them on after the heating season ends. Don't forget to pull the plug, shut the water valve, and drain the unit. A unit with a water reservoir should be drained and cleaned with white vinegar, a mix of one part chlorine bleach to eight parts water, or muriatic acid. Mist-type humidifiers also require regular cleaning to remove mineral deposits.

 

Filters

Most houses with forced-air furnaces have a standard furnace filter made from loosely woven spun-glass fibers designed to keep it and its ductwork clean. Unfortunately, they don't improve indoor air quality. That takes a media filter, which sits in between the main return duct and the blower cabinet. Made of a deeply pleated, paper-like material, media filters are at least seven times better than a standard filter at removing dust and other particles. An upgrade to a pleated media filter will cleanse the air of everything from insecticide dust to flu viruses. Compressed, media filters are usually no wider than six inches, but the pleated material can cover up to 75 square feet when stretched out. This increased area of filtration accounts for the filter's long life, which can exceed two years. The only drawback to a media filter is its tight weave, which can restrict a furnace's ability to blow air through the house. To insure a steady, strong airflow through the house, choose a filter that matches your blower's capacity.

 

Duct Cleaning

A maze of heating and air-conditioning ducts runs inside the walls and floors of 80 percent of American homes. As the supply ducts blow air into the rooms, return ducts inhale airborne dust and suck it back into the blower. Add moisture to this mixture and you've got a breeding ground for allergy-inducing molds, mites, and bacteria. Many filters commonly used today can't keep dust and debris from streaming into the air, and over time, sizable accumulations can form — think dust bunnies, but bigger.
To find out if your ducts need cleaning, pull off some supply and return registers and take a look. If a new furnace is being installed, you should probably invest in a duct cleaning at the same time, because chances are the new blower will be more powerful than the old one and will stir up a lot of dust.
Professional duct cleaners tout such benefits as cleaner indoor air, longer equipment life, and lower energy costs. Clean Heating & Air Conditioning systems can also perform more efficiently, which may decrease energy costs, and last longer, reducing the need for costly replacement or repairs. Cleaning has little effect on air quality, primarily because most indoor dust drifts in from the outdoors. But it does get rid of the stuff that mold and bacteria grow on, and that means less of it gets airborne, a boon to allergy sufferers.

 

 

Icarus Mechanical Copyright 2007

Updated 04/19/2007