Let's Talk HVAC

Tips, guides, and honest insight from the Emerald team.

Interpreting the Sound Ratings of a Unit

SOUND NOISE LEVEL (dBA) EFFECT Jet Engines (Near) 140   Shotgun Firing 130   Jet Takeoff (100-200 Ft.) 130   Rock Concert (Varies) 110-140 Threshold of pain (125 dB) Oxygen Torch 121   Disco/Boom Box 120 Threshold of sensation (120 dB) Thunderclap (Near) 120   Stereo (Over 100 Watts) 110-125   Symphony Orchestra 110 Regular … [Read More]

10 Tips for Hiring a Heating and Cooling Contractor

10 Tips for Hiring an HVAC Contractor 1. Study up Find out about license and insurance requirements for contractors in your state. And before you call a contractor, know the model of your current system and its maintenance history. Also, make note of any uncomfortable rooms. This will help potential contractors better understand your heating … [Read More]

Sizing Heating and Cooling Systems

Incorrect Sizing Methods It is the installer/contractor’s job to perform the correct sizing calculation for the building. However, many installers only check the “nameplate” (the label on the unit that has the Btu per hour output among other things) of the existing system and sell you one just like it, or even worse, one that’s … [Read More]

Replacing Heaters: Limitations You May Face

Switching Electric Resistance or Steam Heating to Hot Water Heating Electric resistance heating, also called electric baseboard heating, is the cheapest to install and the most expensive to operate, as it is the least efficient source of heat. Unfortunately, upgrading to ducted systems, as discussed below, will involve a significant expense for ducting. Another option … [Read More]

Understanding Your AC Unit

A Technical Explanation of How a System Works Air conditioners employ the same operating principles and basic components as your home refrigerator. An air conditioner cools your home with a cold indoor coil called the evaporator. The condenser, a hot outdoor coil, releases the collected heat outside. The evaporator and condenser coils are serpentine tubing … [Read More]

Types of Cooling Systems

TYPES OF CENTRAL AIR CONDITIONERS A central air conditioner is either a split-system unit or a packaged unit. In a split-system central air conditioner, an outdoor metal cabinet contains the condenser and compressor, and an indoor cabinet contains the evaporator. In many split-system air conditioners, this indoor cabinet also contains a furnace or the indoor … [Read More]

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