Looking for New AC?

If you're in the market to replace your air conditioning, here are some things that you should take into account.

1. Most appliances now are efficiency rated. This includes air conditioners and furnaces. The government standard for air conditioning is a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) is 13. However, units are available up to 21. The higher the seer rating the less energy the unit uses (and the less money you spend on energy bills). The tax credit for homeowners gives units installed with a seer of 16 eligibility.
   Furnaces are also efficiency rated, although a little differently. They are rated using AFUE or (Air Fuel Utilization Efficiency). AFUE is a percentage representing how much of the energy is output as heat and how much is exhaust (or waste). The higher the AFUE the less waste (and therefore more efficient and cost-effective to run). Currently, the minimum is 80% but furnaces can go up to 95%. A 95% furnace qualifies for the tax credit.
2. Air quality may be a concern nowadays, so if it concerns you, be sure to ask about the different options that can attach to heating units to clean the air or trap particles.
3. Units are getting smaller and smaller - so don't worry if you don't have room for a huge unit, and there are also options if you don't have any room for ductwork.
4. The Tax credit applies to homeowners that install newer, energy efficient appliances. The tax credit takes 30% of the cost of installing new heating and air up to $1,500 for qualified units. Qualified units are Air conditioners that are at/above 16 Seer and furnaces at/above 95% AFUE. The tax credit can apply to only one or both units. Your dealer should provide you with satisfactory documentation upon installation.
5. Choose a reputable contractor and make sure you get a bid in writing. Search the blog for other tips on how to choose a contractor.

I hope this takes some of the confusion out of it. We also have an excellent FAQ page on our website as well as terms that HVAC technicians use. It's our job to educate our customers, so for more information please visit http://www.sinclairair.com/Information.html We can also provide you a quote right over the web!

Buying a New Furnace?

Buying a new furnace?

even if you're not...yet...it is a good idea to do the research now so that when your furnace burns out (like literally...) you can make a GOOD snap decision in it's replacement.

What to look for? There are many different articles out there suggesting different things to look for when you are in the market for a new furnace. 

1. First of all, you want to make sure that the furnace you want is in your price range.  Keep in mind that more efficient models are slightly more expensive, but will pay for themselves in energy savings within a relatively short time. It is a good idea to talk with your HVAC contractor and ask for a 'payback analysis' many companies offer these number punching bottom lines to help homeowners make the decision about what type of unit they want. The payback analysis compares costs of the unit, energy costs per month and gives you a time frame for how long it will take the furnace to pay for itself. Interesting concept huh? Don't scrimp and get screwed in the long run.  However, 80 AFUE furnaces (while not top of the line) may be better at heating older homes. So make sure that you are making the decision with all of your own personal needs in mind.
2. Next, make sure you understand how your heating system is going to work - as well as how the billing is going to work.  There are many different options for heating your home - from natural gas to geothermal heat (which uses the heat that builds up in the ground) - to even a combination of several heating options.  Depending on which option your system is going to be using, the costs can be drastically different - SO ASK!
3. Ask if the government in your city or state (or even at the federal level) is participating in a rebate or return payment program for installing heating or cooling units.  Sometimes participating agencies will reward your choice for increased efficiency by cutting some taxes or providing a mail-in rebate.  Also, local energy companies (such as Southern California Edison or the Gas Company) will also provide a rebate.  Make sure you know which units qualify for money back. That way you can make sure that you consider all of your options before making a decision.

For MORE things to consider check out the article from Detroit news  visit: http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081220/OPINION03/812200302&imw=Y