Expert HVAC Contractors in Saint Louis, MO

S.E.E.R. stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. It is a rating that measures the cooling efficiency of an air conditioner or heat pump. The higher the SEER number the more efficient the unit and the greater the savings.

Hybrid heating systems combine two different heating sources to bring you the warmth and comfort you expect using the most economical means. This means combining a gas furnace with an electric heat pump and using a special thermostat to automatically switch between the two to select the correct heating source. Hybrid heating systems allow the flexibility to react to changing energy costs and are an excellent investment for long term peace of mind and comfort.

New more efficient gas appliances require smaller flue sizes than older units due to lower flue gas temperatures. In over-sized masonry chimneys flue gases quickly cool as they expand. Natural draft depends on the buoyancy of hot flue gases, and the cooler the gases become, the more the natural draft is reduced. This causes the flue gases to linger in the chimney, increasing the risk of them leaking into the home. Water will also condense in over-sized flues and can be transferred through walls causing peeling wall paper, blistering paint, flaking plaster, ceiling stains, damp patches and/or mold. A properly sized, UL Listed, flue liner will insure proper draft by preventing the flue gases from expanding and cooling more than they should. Also, flue liners are required when installing a 90% efficient furnace and leaving only a small water heater flue in a masonry chimney.

Upgrade to a high efficiency furnace or air conditioning system. Insulate windows, doors and/or attic. Adding a humidifier to your home will allow you to set your thermostat 2- 3 degrees lower and feel just as comfortable. A programmable thermostat allows you to automatically reduce the temperature in your home a predetermined number of degrees during the night, then automatically turns it up again in the morning. It can save you big bucks on your utility bills.

Variable-speed refers to the blower motor in the furnace. Variable-speed motors constantly adjust themselves to give you the maximum amount of comfort. They also consume less electricity than standard motors, and are quieter to operate. If zoning is an option in your home, variable speed furnaces are an excellent compliment to these systems.