The Perfect Air Conditioning System

Everyone shopping for a new heating and air conditioning system says the same thing, "I want a high efficiency system at a fair price."  Problem is, every system advertizes itself as "high efficiency".  Not only that, but there is a lot more to an air conditioning system than efficiency.  We thought it would be helpful to describe the perfect air conditioning system in terms of features and then give options for each feature in cost order.

High Efficiency.  A perfect air conditioning system is highly efficient. The Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI) rates all air conditioners by SEER.  The higher the SEER rating, the higher the efficiency.  If you have a system that is over 10 years old, it is most probably rated between 8-10 SEER.  New systems are manufactured at various SEER ratings between 14 and 21.  A 20 SEER system uses half the electricity of a 10 SEER.

Fifty percent relative humidity is perfect for a home.  It inhibits mold growth, doesn't dry your sinuses and keeps floors and furniture from shrinking. 

Dehumidification.  A perfect air conditioning system keeps humidity in your home at 50%.  This is a tricky one...humidity is removed any time an air conditioner is running.  An undersized system dehumidifies better because it runs longer to cool a house but it cannot cool a house on very hot days.  An oversized system doesn't run long enough to dehumidify well.  Temperature trumps humidity so we size systems to insure that the house will be comfortable on a hot day.  This means that on any other day, or at night, the system is oversized.

Air conditioning manufacturers have tried to solve this problem by creating 2-stage and variable speed systems.  Variable speed systems operate over a continuous range between 25% and 100% of capacity.  Because they never produce more cooling than the home requires at any point in time, they basically run continuously during warm months.  The result is dramatically lower humidity and high levels of comfort.  Two speed systems operate at 70% capacity most of the time and switch to 100% only when the temperature within the home exceeds the requested temperature by 2 or more degrees.  The end result is longer run times, hence lower humidity.

There are whole house dehumidifiers in the market that dehumidify independently of the home's air conditioning system.  The premier products are Ultra-Aire manufactured by Therma-Stor.  The major advantage of stand-alone dehumidifiers is that they work when your air conditioning system isn't.  This includes spring and fall when temperatures are moderate but humidity is a problem.  It also includes nights for the same reason.

Temperature.  A perfect air conditioining system keeps every room the temperature you want at any time of day.  This is accomplished through thermostats, duct design, and zoning. 

Programmable thermostats allow a homeowner to control temperature at any time of day, any day of the week but there is more to comfortable cooling than that.

Most air conditioning systems distribute air through a series of metal or flexible ducts.  Because the rooms of a house gain more or less heat at different times of the day, duct systems are designed to cool each room at its hottest time of day (i.e.: east facing rooms gain more heat in morning, west facing more in the afternoon).  This is not the most efficient or comfortable way to design systems.

Zoning helps by dividing the home into room groupings that have common heat gains.  This can be done by using multiple air conditioning systems (one for upstairs, one for downstairs).  It can also be accomplished using less expensive zone controls.  Zone controls enable one system to have many cooling zones, each with its own thermostat.  The air flow into these areas is regulated by electric dampers that channel air to where it is needed.

Zoning accomplishes a few things: it reduces the size of the air conditioner required for the home.  It improves dehumidification and it increases the efficiency of the air conditioning system.

Air Purification.  Years ago, an air filter was designed to protect air conditioning equipment from being clogged with lint and dust.  Today's systems can be installed with many purification and filtration options including Electronic Air Cleaners, Ultra-Violet Purification, a variety of Pleated Filters or simple disposable filters.

The type of filtration depends on the construction of the home and the particular needs of the homeowner.  If allergies are a problem, consider Electronic Air Cleaners or Ultra-Violet.  For general air cleaning, a 5" pleated filter or 1" pleated filter might suffice.

  

Fresh Air.  A perfect air conditioning system will introduce controlled amounts of fresh air into the home to replenish oxygen and reduce carbon dioxide levels. 

"Air changes in a confined space are important for a variety of reasons, mainly though, we need fresh air to live. Without sufficient fresh air exchange, moisture is trapped in a room/home/building, molds can feed, and other allergens and excessive dangerous gases (e.g. Carbon monoxide, Carbon Dioxide, urea-formaldehyde), can remain in the home. "Stale" air is unhealthy and, since humans and pets add to it by breathing, sweating, washing, showering and drying, we need to ventilate the home, increasing the number of times the air 'exchanges' in the home with outside fresh air.

The number of 'air changes per hour' were less of a problem before 'air sealing' came into play, because construction practices and products were not geared to energy efficiency (in the USA, with lower energy costs). With a new focus on energy efficiency, reducing carbon footprints, and reducing dependence on fossil fuels, consumers try to seal their homes from air transfer in and out of their homes in winter and summer. This is a double edged-sword; the importance of fresh air intake cannot be overstated."*

There are several ways to introduce fresh air into a structure from an Energy Recovery Ventilator such as Trane's Fresh Effects, to a stand-alone whole house dehumidifier that can also introduce fresh air such as Ultra-Aire, to simply running a duct from outside to your system's return air.

The Perfect Air Conditioning System. 

Now we get to define the perfect air conditioning system.  We've listed the features of a perfect system with equipment options and links for your research.

1. System: 
1. Trane XV20i Variable Speed Condenser with variable speed heat 
2. Trane XV18i Variable Speed Condenser with variable speed heat
3. Trane XR17 2-Stage Condenser with variable speed heat
2. Dehumidification:
1. Thera-Stor's Ultra-Aire UA-XT105 or other Ultra-Aire system
2. Trane XV20i or XV18i variable speed systems
3. Trane Variable Speed furnaces and Hyperion air handlers or Zoning Controls
3. Temperature:
1. Thermostats:
1. Trane Comfortlink II, internet enabled, color touch screen
2. The Nest self-programming, internet enabled. (single stage only at this time)
3. Trane Comfortlink I, programmable, multi-stage
2. Air distribution:
1. Multiple Systems
2. Zone Controls
3. Variable speed blowers
4. Air Purification:
1. Trane Clean Effects electronic air cleaner
2. Sanuvox R+ UV Purification system (do not be fooled into thinking all UV is alike)
3. Trane Perfect Fit 5" pleated filter system
5. Fresh Air:
1. Ultra-Aire dehumidifiers
2. Trane Fresh Effects energy recovery ventilator
3. Duct from outside to the return air of your system

We know that not everyone can afford the perfect system.  We have given you this information so you can craft a system that is best for you based upon your needs and budget.  Surgi's Heating and Air specializes in assisting customers in deciding on the best air conditioning system for them by providing information and education.  We are equally pleased in installing a 14 SEER, contractor grade system or a 20 SEER deluxe system if our customers have the information necessary to make their decision and have chosen the system that best fits their needs.

Call Art Boudreaux at 469-4232 to discuss your new system.

The Perfect Air Conditioning System

Everyone shopping for a new heating and air conditioning system says the same thing, "I want a high efficiency system at a fair price."  Problem is, every system advertizes itself as "high efficiency".  Not only that, but there is a lot more to an air conditioning system than efficiency.  We thought it would be helpful to describe the perfect air conditioning system in terms of features and then give options for each feature in cost order.

High Efficiency.  A perfect air conditioning system is highly efficient. The Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI) rates all air conditioners by SEER.  The higher the SEER rating, the higher the efficiency.  If you have a system that is over 10 years old, it is most probably rated between 8-10 SEER.  New systems are manufactured at various SEER ratings between 13 and 21.  A 20 SEER system uses half the electricity of a 10 SEER.

Trane Spring Sale

SPRING INTO ACTION NOW AND TRADE UP TO THE INDUSTRY-LEADER IN RELIABILITY. CALL SURGI'S TODAY!

0% aPR FOR 48 MONTHS

-OR-

UP TO $1,150 IN TRADE-IN ALLOWANCES ON TRANE HIGH EFFICIENCY SYSTEMS*

TRANE TRUCOMFORT VARIABLE SPEED SYSTEMS GIVE YOU MORE

MORE PRECISION - TruComfort Systems deliver precise comfort by running at the exact speed necessary to keep your home comfortable.

MORE SILENCE - Very quiet operation of the TruComfort System with low sound levels that are industry leading.

MORE CONNECTED - When paired with a Trane ComfortLink II Control, you can manage your home energy usage from wherever you go via your smart phone or mobile device.

Eligible Purchase/Sales Date: 4/1/2014 - 6/15/2014
Eligible Install Dates: 4/1/2014 - 6/30/2014

Need a new system?  Surgi's can help.  Need a healthier, more comfortable life?  We can change the way you feel about your home. 

Questions?  Call 469-4232.

While you are researching try the following articles on Surgi's website:

The Perfect Air Conditioning System

*Call Surgi's Heating and Air Conditioning for complete program eligibility, dates, details and restrictions. Special financing offers OR trade-in allowances from $100 up to $1,150 valid on qualifying systems only. 

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Trane Introduces The First Luxury Air Conditioner For New Orleans - The XV20i and XV18 Variable Speed Condensers

Trane XV20i Variable Speed Air Conditioner

San Antonio, TX.  This week Trane announced release plans for a revolutionary new air conditioning system - the XV20i.  Now homeowners can now upgrade their air conditioning system to true variable speed. 

Using newly patented TruComfort Technology, the XV20i places Trane in the "Luxury Market", setting new standards for comfort and efficiency. 

The new XV20i varies its cooling output to match the exact needs of a home at any point in time by using up to 700 different speeds.  This means that a 5 ton air conditioner can now function at a 1.5 ton system if that is what the home requires at the time.  Long run times at lower operating costs means substantially lower utility bills and greatly reduced humidity.

Surgi's is pleased to have been selected and certified as one of only 10% of Trane Dealers to have access to these systems in 2013.  Call Surgi's at 469-4232 to learn what true comfort really is.

Need a new system?  Surgi's can help.  Need a healthier, more comfortable life?  We can change the way you feel about your home. 

Call 469-4232 for a free estimate today!

While you are researching try the following articles on Surgi's website:

The Perfect Air Conditioning System

Fall "Cash For Clunkers" Sale

Up To $1,000 Trade-In On Your Old System

plus 36 Month, 0% Financing

2-Stage Air Conditioner Sale

For a limited time take advantage of Surgi's Fall Sale and get a new Trane XR17 two stage air conditioning system at a record low introductory price and get the remarkable Nest Self-Programing, Programable, Internet Enabled Thermostat as a FREE gift.  

Payments as low as $125 per month.

Need a new system?  Surgi's can help.  Need a healthier, more comfortable life?  We can change the way you feel about your home. 

Call 469-4232 for a free estimate today!

While you are researching try the following articles on Surgi's website:

The Perfect Air Conditioning System

Get Pre-Approved For Financing Up To 60 Months. Apply Now!

Why Air Conditioning Costs Are Heating Up

You might wish that summer could go on and on – until it comes time to recharge your air conditioning system. 

The cost of the common refrigerant R-22 (also known as Freon), widely used in residential air conditioning systems, has already increased by more than 400 percent in the past 18 months and is expected to go even higher, making air conditioning repairs more costly for many.

R-22 has been the refrigerant of choice for residential heat pump and air conditioning systems for more than four decades, but it has been identified as having a negative environmental impact, including contributing to ozone depletion. Under EPA regulations, R-22 is being phased out, with production totally prohibited after 2020.

This has added new considerations for homeowners who are considering whether to repair or replace an air conditioning unit. For instance, some refrigerant manufacturers have begun selling cheaper alternatives to R-22, often referred to as “drop-in” replacement refrigerants. But alternatives are cheaper only in the short run.

One of the leading air conditioning manufacturers, has conducted research that shows these cheaper alternate refrigerants are not compatible with the lubricating oil used in R-22 units.  Recharging older air conditioners with these alternative refrigerants may actually damage the system and void your manufacturer’s warranty. As a result, we’ve instructed our technicians to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and use only R-22 when they recharge R-22 systems.

Reclaimed and recycled R-22 is expected to be available to repair existing systems after production ceases in 2020, but as the supply of new R-22 refrigerant continues to be reduced, costs of both new and recycled R-22 refrigerant will increase significantly.

All new air conditioning systems now use a more environmentally friendly refrigerant, R410A. These newer systems offer many benefits, including greater energy efficiency, longer warranty periods and quieter operation, and may prove to be the wiser investment when homeowners are faced with repairing an older system that uses R-22 refrigerant. 

There is no one-size-fits-all answer about whether to repair or replace your R-22 AC.  It really does depend on the individual family, their home, their lifestyle and their budget. Surgi's technicians are trained to spend considerable time working through all these factors with our customers and help them make the most informed decision, and we’re happy to answer homeowner questions on this topic.       Reprinted from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Need a new system?  Surgi's can help.  Need a healthier, more comfortable life?  We can change the way you feel about your home. 

Call 469-4232 for a free estimate today!

While you are researching try the following articles on Surgi's website:

The Perfect Air Conditioning System

The Five Biggest Myths About Saving Energy In The Summer

The following article by Andrew Tarantola is reprinted from Gizmodo (Aug 13, 2012)

This summer has already set temperature records around the nation, and we're still in the dog days of August. With money tight, and temperatures high, there's a temptation to test out unconventional ways to beat the the heat. But these odd home remedies can end up wasting energy and costing more money. Here's how to know what really works when you want to keep cool for cheap.

Myth 1: Cranking the air conditioner lower will make the house cool faster.

Usually not. Trane and Lennox make some nice variable speed air handlers, which can adjust their output to match demand. But most homes’ units have just a single fan speed — on. As such, the house’s temperature will always adjust at a fairly set rate. Cranking the thermostat to 60 degrees to take a shortcut to 70 degrees doesn’t make a difference — the hot air moves at a set rate of speed. By undercutting the desired temperature, you’re simply wasting an extra five degrees worth of energy and money.

Myth 2: Turn off the A/C while you’re out.

If you’re out all day with the A/C off, it takes a lot of work for a central A/C system to bring a hot house down to the desired temperature. Yet it’s even more wasteful to keep it running for eight hours. The answer is to invest in a programmable thermostat, which can let the house warm through the day, then gradually lowering it to the right level before you return.  If you don't want to have to learn how to program the thermostat consider buying a Nest self-programming, programable thermostat.

Adjust the temperature up 7-10 degrees while you’re away, and a programmable thermostat can still save you up to 10 per cent on your annual heating bills. Reduce the demand on the system by closing curtains before you leave, to block the afternoon sun while you’re gone.

Your home could be losing over $2,000 a year in unnecessary utility bills due to a dirty, inefficient air conditioner.  That's a trip to Gatlinburg or a weekend in Destin or camp for the kids.

Put more fun in your life by having your high efficiency system cleaned twice a year for optimal performance.  Don't have a very efficient system?  Surgi's can install a new Trane high efficiency system for as little as $125 a month or receive an instant credit for up to $1,250.  Surgi's is now offering Free Replacement Estimates and Free Second Opinions on air conditioning repairs.

Call 469-4232 for a free estimate today!

Need a new system?  Surgi's can help.  Need a healthier, more comfortable life?  We can change the way you feel about your home.  

While you are researching try the following articles on Surgi's website:

The Perfect Air Conditioning System
Free Second Opinions

It's Hard To Stop A Trane

Need a new system?  Surgi's can help.  Need a healthier, more comfortable life?  We can change the way you feel about your home. 

Call 469-4232 for a free estimate today!

While you are researching try the following articles on Surgi's website:

The Perfect Air Conditioning System

Summer Sale

It's that time of year, screamin' hot summer days, unexpected breakdowns and expense. You can't plan for days like these but you don't have to settle for less than the best for your replacement air conditioning system.

For a limited time Surgi's and Trane are offering your choice of a FREE ComfortLink II Color, Touch Screen Thermostat or a FREE Clean Effects Electronic Air Cleaner with the purchase of any XL Variable Speed System.

Choose from Trane XL15i Single Stage, XL16i Two Stage, or XL20i Communicating Two Stage Systems.

OR

Payments As Low As $125 A Month

Surgi's and Trane are pleased to offer a special purchase sale on Trane XL15i gas and electric systems. With specially arranged financing through Wells Fargo you can get a new Trane 15 seer system with payments as low as $125 a month or get an instant cash rebate of up to $1,000.

Instant Cash Rebate Up To $1,000

See how easy it is to own one of the best air conditioning systems on the market today at the best price, call us at 469-4232 or email Surgi's at surgis@hotmail.com today.

Sale Ends August 14, 2012

It's Time...Low Winter Prices, 0% Interest For 60 Months!

From February 1 through March 15 Surgi's and Trane are offering 0% financing for up to 60 months on most High EfficiencyTrane XL systems.  Now you can take advantage of low winter pricing and get the best financing program in the country.  Qualify immediately by clicking on the Wells Fargo link below.

Payments As Low As $125 A Month!

Do the math.  Buy a qualifying system for $8,000.  Pay no interest for up to 60 months.  With payments of less than $135 a month.  Utility savings from upgrading an 8 SEER to a 15 SEER would be $31 a month.  So you get a new Trane high efficiency system for $104 a month.  How can you go wrong.  Call Surgi's at 469-4232 today!

And receive additional credits from Entergy New Orleans and the Louisiana HERO program on qualifying equipment.

Apply Now!

How Foam Insulation Affects Air Conditioning and Comfort

Every week we receive inquiries regarding the use of foam insulation in new construction and existing homes.  Often, these questions are from customers referred to Surgi's by their foam insulation vendor.  We frame our advice by discussing the home as a system.

A home is a system consisting of the envelope, the insulating barrier, ventilation, occupants and their lifestyle and a comfort control system.  A change in any of these components affects most or all of the others.

Fall checks

Is Your Air Conditioner Making a Cry for Help?

With the machinery in our lives, we either pay a smaller amount for service, or a larger amount for repair.  The same is true for air conditioning units. No doubt your air conditioner got a lot of usage this summer, with the extreme heat that prompted record A/C upgrades.

The good news is that air conditioners are built to withstand longtime use and wear and tear. While this is great for us today, it means we forget to take care of it after a long season. But A/C maintenance is an extremely important task.

Each year without maintenance, your air conditioner loses about 5% of its original efficiency. This is needless waste, considering that the efficiency can be maintained with regular air conditioning check-ups.

The cost of an annual tune-up is therefore recovered with the savings in your electric bill. Not to mention eventual repair costs. And you don't want to be stuck in the heat, frustrated and sweating with a broken AC.

Surgi's is now offering a $40 discount on fall clean and checks.  Save money and be comfortable!  Call Surgi's at 469-4232 to schedule your cleaning today.

Reprinted from

By Margaret | 20 September 2011, 18:39 BST

Signs Your Air Conditioning And Heating System Needs Replacing

How to know when it's time to say goodbye to a diehard appliance.

Reprinted from Networx.com previously published on Fri, Sep 16 2011 at 10:11 AM EST

         

Manufacturers of heating and air conditioning appliances and even the U.S. Department of Energy suggest that you should automatically replace your HVAC equipment at the end of its expected service life, commonly estimated at about 10 to 15 years for AC systems and 15 to 20 years for a furnace or boiler. Yet most people don't heed this simplistic advice, and given the cost of replacing these units, who can blame them? While age is a legitimate factor when considering replacement, there are a few telltale signs that a unit is too far gone, as well as more general symptoms that may indicate that replacement is a good idea, if not immediately necessary.