Aire Serv® Of South East Texas

AFUE – Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. This term is used with any fossil fuel (gas, oil, propane) type system on how effective it is at producing heat from the fuel it burns. A gas furnace with an 80 AFUE converts 80% of the heat from the fuel it is burning into useable heat while the rest goes up the chimney with the exhaust gases.

Boiler – A piece of heating equipment designed to heat water for the purpose of heating a home or business. Boilers can be heated using natural or propane gas, oil or electric.

BTU – British Thermal Unit. This is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit.

Carbon Monoxide – Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas. Because it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes, CO can kill you before you are aware it is in your home. At lower levels of exposure, CO causes mild effects that are often mistaken for the flu. These symptoms include headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea and fatigue. The effects of CO exposure can vary greatly from person to person depending on age, overall health and the concentration and length of exposure.

Health Effects Associated with Carbon Monoxide

At low concentrations, fatigue in healthy people and chest pain in people with heart disease. At higher concentrations, impaired vision and coordination; headaches; dizziness; confusion; nausea. Can cause flu-like symptoms that clear up after leaving home. Fatal at very high concentrations. Acute effects are due to the formation of carboxyhemoglobin in the blood, which inhibits oxygen intake. At moderate concentrations, angina, impaired vision, and reduced brain function may result. At higher concentrations, CO exposure can be fatal. (source – EPA)

Ceiling Saver Safety Pan – An auxiliary drain pan installed under the air handler or furnace in case of an overflow from the primary condensate drain.

Compressor – The part of an air conditioning system that pumps refrigerant through the system by increasing the refrigerant pressure.

Flue Gases – Bi-products of the combustion of fossil fuels used by heaters and furnaces. Incomplete combustion of these fuels can produce deadly Carbon Mondoxide.

Humidification – The process of adding moisture to the air in your home or office.

SEER – Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This is the term that is commonly used to identify how efficient an air conditioner is at using electricity. In 1992, a law was passed requiring all systems to be 10 SEER or better (the higher the number the more efficient the system). In 2006, a law took effect requiring a 13 SEER minimum. 20+ SEER systems are available currently today, but are priced accordingly.