American Standard Package Unit Reviews | Consumer Ratings - American Standard package units come in all available combinations from hybrid heat pumps with gas heat for the backup heat, to air conditioners with electric heat or gas heat, to straight heat pump package units or straight air conditioner systems. (more…)
American Standard Gas Furnace Reviews - American Standard gas furnaces ranges in efficiency ratings from 80% up to 97.3% AFUE. American Standard has a top-of-the-line gas furnace that modulates from 40 percent to 100 percent. Additionally, the modulation of rated capacity is based on demand. It is very important that any HVAC equipment you purchase is installed properly. Additionally, it must be set up properly to gain the rated efficiency. Finally, the efficiency listed on the unit at the time of purchase. (more…)
American Standard Heat Pump Reviews - Consumer Ratings - American Standard currently offers several heat pumps of various capacities. These heat pumps have efficiency ranges between 13 SEER 9 HSPF to 20 SEER 10 HSPF. American Standard uses the name Platinum/Gold/Silver to describe their models of heat pumps. The high-efficiency Platinum 20 Communicating Heat Pump is the premium model.
The Silver 13 Heat Pump is their economy model. American Standard uses Platinum for their top of the line heat pump. For more economical models they use Silver and Gold. The Platinum models being the most efficient with all the bells and whistles. The economy model is the 13 SEER Silver. Silver is the basic model and most economical to purchase. Finally, the Platinum model is the most feature-rich. The Platinum is also the most expensive model available from American Standard. (more…)
American Standard Air Conditioner Reviews - Consumer Ratings - American Standard manufacturers air conditioners and other HVAC equipment mainly for residential but American Standard also make light commercial HVAC equipment. Their air conditioners range in efficiency level from 14 SEER to 22 SEER giving the American Standard air conditioner one of the highest efficiency ratings in the HVAC industry for air conditioners.
American Standard air conditioners also come in a variety of configurations. From the standard split system air conditioner to the package unit air conditioner. They have either gas heat or the heat pump configuration. Some features of various American Standard air conditioners are: (more…)
With proper maintenance, you can avoid common air handler problems
Common Air Handler Problems - Everyone loves to be comfortable, so when there is a problem with the HVAC system, we can become very uncomfortable. The air handler in the HVAC system has electrical and mechanical components inside it that can experience problems from time to time. Some of the most common problems with air handlers can help you identify the problem and possibly fix the issue — many common air handler problems you can avoid with regular air handler maintenance.
Although some of the issues listed will need the attention of a professional HVAC technician to repair the air handler, after all, an HVAC technician will have all the tools and likely the parts available to make a fast and efficient repair. Furthermore, since every air handler is different it is possible the problems described here do not apply to your situation.
Two-Stage Gas Furnace Buyer Tips - Two-stage gas furnaces make up over 30% of all gas furnaces installed in residences in the USA. Two-Stage gas furnaces are more efficient than single-stage gas furnaces in most cases. When purchasing furnaces always check the ARI website for and efficiency ratings and comparisons. (more…)
Thermostat Wiring Colors Code Page Navigation
Always follow the thermostat manufacturer’s instructions whenever changing the thermostat. Always turn the power off at the air handler and the condenser and make sure there is no voltage at the transformer before proceeding.
For instructions on how to wire a thermostat, please see how to wire a thermostat page. Refer back to this page for thermostat wire colors.
For proper Air Conditioner Troubleshooting, you need to understand some basics of air conditioners. This includes basic refrigeration, electricity, electrical components and how electro-mechanical controls work. In addition, basic air conditioner components and air conditioner sequence of operation. Before troubleshooting, you need to identify the basic problem with the system. Aside from the basics such as blown fuses or a tripped breaker we will explore other areas to look at for air conditioner troubleshooting. Tripped circuit breakers for air conditioning systems are covered here. A good preventive maintenance program done periodically can help you avoid common air conditioning problems that require troubleshooting. (more…)
Air Conditioner Problems - As an HVAC technician I am aware of all the problems air conditioners can develop. Therefore, you will get a unique perspective on air conditioner problems. And hopefully, how to avoid these problems. 
Air conditioners have become a norm in today’s society. Forty or fifty years ago air conditioners were considered a luxury. Now there are building designs where the occupants must rely on air conditioning to remain comfortable.
Additionally, with higher energy costs it is important that our air conditioners are maintained. Hence, a properly maintained system uses less energy and repair costs are lower and less frequent.
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