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.

Surgi's Summer Special - All Trane Systems - 0% Financing for 48 Months!

It's that time again...those who planned to replace their air conditioning this year have made the calls, entertained the salesmen, struck a deal and are enjoying their new air conditioning systems.

"Air conditioners die a slow and costly death"

Unfortunately for those whose systems fail in the middle of the Summer the unplanned expense of a new air conditioning system can be quite traumatic.  The temptation is to make a costly repair and try to buy more time.

In reality Air conditioners don't fail in a cloud of smoke, they die a slow and costly death.  The repair you are tempted to make today is one of a series of repairs to be made before the cost and economies of more and more repairs make system replacement inevitable.

Angie Hicks of Angieslist recommends using the "$5,000 Rule".  Take the cost of the repair and multiply it times the age of the system.  If the total is less than $5,000, do the repair.  If it is more than $5,000 consider replacing the system.

0%, 48 Month Financing on ALL Trane Systems

Surgi's is now offering 0% financing for up to 60 months on ALL Trane air conditioning and heating systems.  With your approved credit, you can now get a new Trane system installed for as little as $100 a month.

The utility savings you will realize with a new system might just pay the note.

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

Website Design by Kat5Consulting

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.

New Orleans Heater Service, Repair and Maintenance Becomes More Imortant In The Fall

Guide To 

Energy Efficient 

Heating and Cooling

There are several useful guides published by the DOE regarding your heating and air conditioning systems.  If you click the links above you will find the Guide To Energy Efficient Systems.  This guide will walk you through proper system maintenance, duct repair and maintenance and new system selection.

Fall is a great time to tighten up your home and systems for Winter by sealing windows and doors and performing maintenance on your furnace or air handler.  If you could see the dust that accumulates on your gas heater's heat exchanger or your electric air handler's heat strips you would begin to understand why a number of home fires a year are blamed on un-maintained systems.  All of these systems had safety controls designed to protect families but controls are like your smoke detector...you can only be sure if you test it.

Fall is also a good time to shop for replacement systems.  You can do it at your own pace, rather than be forced to be uncomfortable by a mid-Summer breakdown.  

Surgi's is offering $30 off of heater maintenance through November 15.  As an added bonus, Trane and Surgi's are offering year end equipment and financing specials to save you even more money.

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

Post by Craig Johnson Google+

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!

Replace My Condenser Or The Whole Air Conditioning System? When Air Conditioners Fail....

Recently, a friend asked, "Why would I ever consider getting a new air conditioning system when the old one works fine?"  She seemed to make sense.  Her system was 12 years old and, although showing signs of age, was working very well.  She recently had to replace the fan motor on her condenser and add a pound of freon but her system was paid for.

When your system fails many factors come into play - most of them bad.

In our discussion we covered the standard reasons for replacement: higher efficiency, increased comfort, lower humidity, enhanced air quality, renewed warranties...But the main reason?  Reliability.

What convinced her to change out her working system was the risk associated with system failure.  Here's why.

When your system fails and forces you to shop for a new one, many factors come into play - most of them bad.

• The failure usually happens during the hottest times
• The home is unliveable and requires immediate attention
• The research period is small, if any
• Time is more important than brand or quality
• The better companies are busier than the worst companies requiring a longer wait

Don't let your aging system force a bad purchase decision.

Every system reaches a point where the economic benefits of replacement exceed the remaining value.  As an incentive to evaluate your replacement options Surgi's and Trane are now offering up to $1,250 Trade-In on your old system.  

Need financing?  Surgi's offers up to 60 month financing through Wells Fargo.  In fact, if you want to pre-qualify anonymously with no follow-up, click on the Wells Fargo link here or elsewhere on this page.

It's never too soon to start planning and never a better time to buy.  Call us.  Remember, Surgi's advice and estimates are free. 

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

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

Cure For The Common Cold - Trane and Insulation Winter Special

Free R-30 Insulation

With The Purchase Of

Trane 16 or 20 SEER Systems!

Surgi's is now offering FREE R-30 insulation with the purchase of high efficiency Trane heating and air conditioning systems.  Buy a Trane XL, 16 or 20 SEER system and Surgi's will increase the insulation in your attic to R-30 at no extra charge.

Not only will you lower the cost of running your system but the increase in insulation will decrease the heat load of your home, possible reducing the size of your new system.  Call soon, this offer expires on March 30, 2013.

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

Happiness Sale!

 

 

This Winter, Surgi's is offering high efficiency systems for every budget.  From now until March 15,  2013, Surgi's is offering the lowest prices of the year featuring

 

Trane 15, 16 and 20 SEER XL high efficiency systems

*no down payment with approved credit from Wells Fargo

Ask About Surgi's Sales Pricing on Dehumidification and Air Quality Options

 

 

Complete 13 SEER Economy Systems starting at

$2150 plus installation.

 

Surgi's can also provide:

 

 Blow-In Insulation to R-30     Electrical Circuits     Gas Piping

New Ductwork & Grilles     Attic Stairs    Electronic Air Cleaners

Dehumidifiers     Air Quality Options     Dehumidification Options

 

All At Winter Rates!

 

Have a healthy house and a healthy family. Get winter pricing on the world's best air conditioning systems. Take advantage of low Surgi pricing and get the best financing program in the country. Qualify immediately by clicking on the Wells Fargo link below.

 

Apply Now!

Call Surgi's today for more information at 469-4232 or email us at surgis@hotmail.com.

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

Spring Sale!

On Most Trane High Efficiency Systems

*no down payment with approved credit from Wells Fargo

or

Up To  $1,500 Instant Rebate!

Until June 14, Surgi's and Trane are offering the lowest pricing of the year and the best financing program ever - Zero Percent Interest and 60 Months To Pay.  If you prefer to pay cash, get up to $1,500 Instant Rebate

Now you can't not afford to buy the best air conditioning systems in the country.  Take advantage of low Surgi 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!

Call Surgi's today for more information at 469-4232 or email us at surgis@hotmail.com.

Final Week! 0% Interest, 60 Month Financing Ends March 15!

Mardi Gras is over, Spring is weeks away, tax returns are filed, and until 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 pre-season 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!

Call Surgi's today for more information at 469-4232 or email us at surgis@hotmail.com.

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!

Check Your Heater For Safety and Efficiency

Flame Rollout

Surgi's has developed a non-invasive test for heater safety that a homeowner can perform without the services of a professional heating and air conditioning company.  This test may not be totally accurate but will give you an idea of how dangerous and inefficient your gas or electric heating system may be.  Please click on the link below:

Surgi''s Smoke Test

Surgi's Heating and Air Conditioning cautions all customers that the best way to keep your system operating at peak performance and safety is to have the system serviced annually by a trained HVAC technician.

Surgi's is now offering $40 off a one time cleaning or annual preventive maintenance agreement. If you live in the Greater New Orleans area call us at 469-4232 to schedule maintenance. We are also available 7 days a week for your emergency needs. Call us. We're here to help.



© 2011 Surgi's Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc.

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.

Entergy New Orleans Increases Rebates!

Entergy New Orleans has increased rebates for the purchase of high efficiency equipment.   These rebates, up to $1,000, are based on system size, type and efficiencies.

Entergy rebates may be combined with Trane rebates of up to $1,250 and Tax Credits of up to $500 to dramatically lower the cost of your new system.

These savings don't include the tremendously lower utility bills you will experience or the dramatic improvement in comfort in your home.

Rebates are seasonal.  Some expire as soon as October 31, so don't delay.  Call Art Boudreaux at Surgi's today at 469-4232 for more information.  We're here to help.