INSTALL & REPLACE

EQUIPMENT BASICS

At UGI Heating, Cooling & Plumbing, we are here to help! Please reference the following information for some additional information about your home’s equipment.

Whether you’re deciding to repair your current system or looking to upgrade to a new energy efficient model – we are the most trusted name when it comes to servicing and installing new equipment.

What’s In A Name?

NATE Certified Technicians

(Click here, or the banner above to learn more about NATE certifications)

• 1. Gas Heating Systems
• 2. Oil Heat Systems
• 3. Air Conditioners
• 4. Heat Pumps

1. GAS HEATING SYSTEMS

What are the differences between 80% and 90-95% Efficiency Units?

An 80% efficient system vents into the chimney stack while 90-95% efficient systems are cooler and therefore, vent to the outside via an exhaust vent.

What does AFUE stand for?

AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency and indicates how much energy is being converted to heat. Click here to learn more.

What is the difference between single-stage and two-stage gas valves?

With single-stage gas valves your heating system turns on at 100% capacity when your thermostat calls for heat. Two-stage gas valves can operate at either low stage or high stage. These two stages of operation allow for greater energy efficiency and quieter operation – the ultimate in comfort & savings.

What is combustion air?

Combustion air is the air required to properly burn the gas for your heating system to get maximum capacity.

What is a heat exchanger?

This part of the furnace transfers heat to nearby chamber where fossil fuel is burned.

How will the gases from my new gas heater be vented?

Gasses can be vented in one of three ways – direct vent system, power vented or into an existing chimney flue.

What is balancing a home heating and cooling system, and why is it so important?

Balancing, or adjusting air circulation in your home will help eliminate cold and hot spots that can be uncomfortable. This is done with a velometer, which measures air velocity and temperature. It should be done in all homes, new or old. It will reduce operating costs and increase the comfort level in your home.

2. OIL HEAT SYSTEMS

What is the difference between a standard blower and variable speed blower?

Standard blowers deliver a specified amount of air flow based on a tap setting while variable speed blowers are designed to be more efficient and vary the amount of air flow delivered based on the setting.

What is balancing a home heating and cooling system, and why is it so important?

Balancing, or adjusting air circulation in your home will help eliminate cold and hot spots that can be uncomfortable. This is done with a velometer, which measures air velocity and temperature. It should be done in all homes, new or old. It will reduce operating costs and increase the comfort level in your home.

3. AIR CONDITIONERS

What does SEER measure?

Air conditioners are given a SEER (seasonal energy efficiency rating) based on electrical usage. A higher rating means the air conditioner will be less expensive to operate. For example, a 13 seer unit will cost half as much to run as a 6 seer unit. Although this rating is important, other factors are equally important when choosing an air conditioner. The type of compressor and warranty should be strongly considered. As with any equipment purchase, installation is also critical. Installed properly, there should be very few problems. Done incorrectly, it could be very expensive and void your warranty.

Why choose R-410A over R-22?

If you’re thinking about replacing your existing central air system then there are a few things you should know about the refrigerant known as R-410A. Thanks to upcoming EPA regulations, R-410A will eventually replace R-22, which has been the industry’s refrigerant of choice for more than 40 years.

Why the switch? Because R-22 is an ozone-depleting gas that the EPA will start phasing out in 2010. To prepare for the transition, air conditioning manufacturers are now offering high-efficiency systems that use the ozone-friendly R-410A.

Of course, systems that use R-22 will remain on the market for some time. But by 2020, chemical manufacturers will no longer be allowed to produce any more R-22!

To learn more, see our blog article “Banning Future Use of R-22 Refrigerant”.

What is the difference between a single-stage compressor and a two-stage compressor?

With single-stage compressor your cooling system turns on at 100% capacity when your thermostat calls for air conditioning. Two-stage compressors can operate at either low stage or high stage. These two stages of operation allow for greater energy efficiency and quieter operation.

What is balancing a home heating and cooling system, and why is it so important?

Balancing, or adjusting air circulation in your home will help eliminate cold and hot spots that can be uncomfortable. This is done with a velometer, which measures air velocity and temperature. It should be done in all homes, new or old. It will reduce operating costs and increase the comfort level in your home.

For additional information about Air Conditioners, learn more here.

4. HEAT PUMPS

What does HSPF measure?

HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) measures the heating efficiency of a heat pump. The higher the HSPF number, the more efficiency the heat pump heats your home.

What does SEER measure?

Air conditioners are given a SEER (seasonal energy efficiency rating) based on electrical usage. A higher rating means the air conditioner will be less expensive to operate. For example, a 13 seer unit will cost half as much to run as a 6 seer unit. Although this rating is important, other factors are equally important when choosing an air conditioner. The type of compressor and warranty should be strongly considered. As with any equipment purchase, installation is also critical. Installed properly, there should be very few problems. Done incorrectly, it could be very expensive and void your warranty.

Why choose R-410A over R-22?

If you’re thinking about replacing your existing central air system then there are a few things you should know about the refrigerant known as R-410A. Thanks to upcoming EPA regulations, R-410A will eventually replace R-22, which has been the industry’s refrigerant of choice for more than 40 years.

Why the switch? Because R-22 is an ozone-depleting gas that the EPA will start phasing out in 2010. To prepare for the transition, air conditioning manufacturers are now offering high-efficiency systems that use the ozone-friendly R-410A.

Of course, systems that use R-22 will remain on the market for some time. But by 2020, chemical manufacturers will no longer be allowed to produce any more R-22!

To learn more, see our blog article “Banning Future Use of R-22 Refrigerant”.

What is the difference between a standard blower and variable speed blower?

Standard blowers deliver a specified amount of air flow based on a tap setting while variable speed blowers are designed to be more efficient and vary the amount of air flow delivered based on the setting.

What is balancing a home heating and cooling system, and why is it so important?

Balancing, or adjusting air circulation in your home will help eliminate cold and hot spots that can be uncomfortable. This is done with a velometer, which measures air velocity and temperature. It should be done in all homes, new or old. It will reduce operating costs and increase the comfort level in your home.

For additional information about Heat Pumps, learn more here.