Here at Albert Air Inc., we want to make sure you have as much information as possible to make educated decisions about your HVAC system from installations to maintenance and service. Here are of the most common HVAC questions we hear from our customers:
What does SEER mean?
Answer: SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio,and is a ratio of the amount of cooling produced (BTU) divided by the amount of electricity (watts) used. The higher the SEER, the greater the air conditioner’s efficiency.
What does AFUE mean?
Answer: AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, and can be thought of as being something like SEER or EER ratings for your air conditioner. AFUE is used to measure the efficiency of your furnace.
What is the CLEANair Furnace Rebate Program?
Answer: The CLEANair Furnace Rebate Program is an incentive program that encourages consumers to choose a cleaner product, with fewer air polluting emissions, when purchasing a natural-gas-fired, fan-type central furnace. These Ultra-Low NOx furnaces meet the SCAQMD Rule 1111 nitrogen oxide (NOx) emission limit requirements. Furnaces that do not meet the Rule 1111 NOx emission limit can be purchased, but are not eligible for the CLEANair Furnace Rebate Program and are subject to a mitigation fee.The CLEANair Furnace Rebate Program is funded by the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD). On March 2, 2018, the SCAQMD Governing Board authorized an initial $3 million, as well as additional funds from fees collected from those furnace manufacturers selling non-compliant furnaces.
What are Ultra low NOx furnaces?
Answer: An Ultra-Low NOx furnace is a SCAQMD qualified gas-fired model that meets the required emissions level for single-family, multi-family and small commercial properties within the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD).
What is the SCAQMD?
Answer: South Coast AQMD is the regulatory agency responsible for improving air quality for large areas of Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, including the Coachella Valley. The region is home to more than 17 million people–about half the population of the entire state of California.
Despite significant improvements to air quality, more work needs to be done to protect public health through innovative and practical strategies. Air pollution can cause or worsen many health problems, including asthma attacks, heart disease, certain types of cancers and premature death. South Coast AQMD has been at the forefront of the nation’s air pollution reduction efforts for more than eight decades.
What does IAQ mean
Indoor air quality (IAQ) is the air quality within and around buildings and structures. … IAQ can be affected by gases (including carbon monoxide, radon, volatile organic compounds), particulates, microbial contaminants (mold, bacteria), or any mass or energy stressor that can induce adverse health conditions.
What are Asbestos ducts?
Ducts that consist of ACM are not common, but they do exist in some homes. The interior surfaces of these ducts are covered with metal foil, preventing direct contact of the air stream with the asbestos material. However, if the ducts become punctured or torn, asbestos fibers can be released into the air stream.
Are Asbestos ducts dangerous?
Fortunately, undisturbed asbestos in harmless. It’s only when the asbestos is moved or damaged that the fibers become airborne and put people at risk of inhalation. If you have heating ducts containing asbestos in your home, you’re advised not to remove the pipe wrap on your own.
Can R-22 be used after 2020?
As of January 1, 2020, production and import of R22 refrigerant will be illegal in the United States. Of course, continued use of your air conditioner (AC) or heat pump system using R22 refrigerant is allowed.