Heating and Cooling System Self-Assessment

If you are wondering how to choose a cooling unit or heating system or brand you may need to ask yourself some questions and evaluate just exactly what is most important to you. Sears Home Services can help you prioritize your most important concerns so that when you begin evaluating products and brands your important points are addressed.

We will review some of the common questions people ask themselves during this process, help you understand how air flows through your home, how different filtration systems can impact your air quality and how humidity and temperature work together.

Comfort

Many common comfort concerns may arise as your heater or air conditioner begins to decline or require repair. Consider these questions to help determine your needs.

• Have you noticed a steady increase in your utility bill?
• Does your system tend to run all of the time?
• Is the second floor always warmer/cooler than the first floor?
• Are some rooms warmer or cooler than others?
• Are you adjusting your thermostat constantly?
• Do you notice that your home is very dry or very humid?

If you answered “yes” to some or all of these questions, it may be time for an HVAC repair or a full heating or central air system replacement. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Fill out the provided form to schedule your installation or repair appointment today.

Air Quality

Part of your decision on a new heating and air conditioning system is how important air quality is to you. If you have someone in your household with breathing problems or allergies, then the answer may be very important. Perhaps you live near a road where a lot of dust is generated which you would like to keep from entering your home. Regardless of the level of filtration you need, we have systems that will fit your lifestyle.

Feature	Standard	Filter	Media Filter	Electronic Air Cleaner	Infinity Air Purifier
Air Quality Level	Blocks 90% of Particles	Blocks 50% of particles	Blocks 90% of Particles	Blocks 99.9% of Particles
Pollen and Plant Spores	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Bacteria	All	Most	All	All
Atmospheric and Household Dust	Most	Most	Most	All
Lint	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Animal Dander and Insecticide Dust	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Tobacco Smoke	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
Viruses	No	No	No	Yes

Ultraviolet (UV) Light

Our healthy home solutions options also include different types of blocking capabilities. Ultraviolet light has its benefits, especially for killing bacteria and viruses.

• Used in food prep & medical field for years.
• Well-known for killing bacteria and viruses.
• Acts as a disinfectant by penetrating and reacting with the DNA in micro-organisms.
• Permanently alters DNA, inhibiting ability to reproduce.
• Mold & mildew spores are killed by the UV lights.
• Eliminates up to 99.9% of mold spores in your system.
• Kills up to 87% of certain airborne bacteria passing through the system.
• Reduces indoor coil maintenance.

Humidity

Humidity impacts how temperature feels. The ideal humidity range is between 40%- 60% in your home. At this level the warmth you ‘feel’ in the house will equal what is displayed on the thermostat. Without system assisted humidification your home will likely feel 2-5 degrees cooler than what the heating system is pumping out. Each degree can equal up to an additional 5% difference on your energy bill. Heating Systems can assist with humidification so your home feels exactly like the temperature setting.

Air Flow

One common comfort concern is how it feels from room to room in your home. Sometimes you might notice that one room is warm while another is cool. Especially in climates with large variances in temperature, old units may not be able to moderate the changes well within the home. Insulation levels and duct leakage may also impact this. Variable air flow systems can help keep the temperature constant throughout your home. The chart explains what is happening in each system during a temperature change.

Temperature	Dual Fuel	Package System	Electric AC Split	Electric HP Split	Furnace AC Split
Hot	Heat pump runs at 100% capacity.	AC and HP Units run at 100% capacity.	AC runs at 100% capacity, high stage.	Heat pump runs at 100% capacity.	AC runs at 100% capacity, high stage.
Moderately Warm	AC runs at 67% capacity.	AC and HP Units run at 67% capacity	AC runs at 67% capacity.	Heat pump runs at 67% capacity.	AC runs at 67% capacity.
Moderately Cool	Heat pump runs at 67% capacity. Gas Furnace runs at 70% capacity, low stage.	Two stage HP unit provides economical heat.	Electric Air Handler heat strip provides all the heat required.	Heat pump runs at 67% capacity.	Gas Furnace runs at 70% capacity, low stage.
Cool/Cold	Heat pump runs at 100% capacity. Gas Furnace runs at 100% capacity, high stage.	Electric heat strip or a gas furnace provides sufficient heat to meet needs.	Electric Air Handler heat strip provides all the heat required.	Heat pump runs at 100% capacity, high stage. Electric Air Handler heat strip provides all the heat required.	Gas Furnace runs at 100% capacity, high stage.

Now you should have a firm grasp on what you want and what your home needs. Your heating and cooling expert will review your options in more detail during your free in-home consultation.