Resources
In this section we provide you with resources to help you understand more about Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC).
HVAC Terms and Definitions
Our glossary of HVAC Terms and Definitions will help you better understand the terms we use to describe our work to you.
ACCA Articles
Bethesda Rerigeration Service, Inc. is a member in good standing of Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA). The ACCA website has many articles that may interest you. We have selected several that we feel are worth reading if you are looking for more detailed information about heating, ventilation and air conditioning. We have reprinted excerpts of the articles to give you an idea of the subject matter. The titles are linked to the original articles for your convenience.
Installing a New System: It’s All About the Design! by Jim Herritage, CEM
From the article:
It’s time to replace your heating and/or air conditioning system. We want to help you understand the services you should expect from your heating and air conditioning contractor at change-out time.
A quality installation begins with a professional design
Unfortunately, some contractors merely size a new system based on the old system’s capacity rather than completing a professional design. What if your home’s heating and cooling needs have changed since the last system was installed many years ago? What if the original system was not sized properly to begin with? Guesswork can lead to under-sizing your new system which can reduce the comfort of your home. Even worse, over-sizing will add unnecessary expense to the job’s cost and may contribute to moisture-related problems down the line.
It takes time and expertise to complete a professional load calculation and system design. Contractors lacking in the necessary technical skills or who are just interested in making a “fast buck” may try to convince you this is not important. Would you want to ride an elevator or and airplane that was not professionally designed? Quality design is important in virtually every product we use including heating and air conditioning systems.
From the article:
Most people take for granted the comfort provided by their central air conditioner, heat pump or furnace until something goes wrong and the unit needs to be serviced or replaced.
When this happens, you need a quality heating, ventilating and air conditioning/ refrigeration (HVACR) contractor who is knowledgeable, skilled and qualified to do the job.
A Quality Contractor:
- Complies with state and local codes and regulations and carries the proper business and workers’ compensation insurance
- Is prompt, courteous and provides fast, reliable service while attempting to perform service at your convenience
- Has the skill and knowledge to not only service your equipment, but if necessary, to design and install the right system for you
- Is up to date on the newest developments in equipment, technology and design procedures in order to choose and install a system which will be the most efficient and most reliable system for you
Preventive Maintenance = $avings
From the article:
Preventive maintenance agreements (PMAs) are agreements between you and your ACCA quality contractor for scheduled inspections and maintenance of your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.
PMAs are generally scheduled semi-annually to maintain peak efficiency, prevent utility overpayment, and avert system failures through predictive maintenance that can help extend the life of your HVAC system. Sometimes PMAs are also referred to as “planned maintenance agreements,” “start and checks,” or “preventative service agreements.” PMAs usually consist of fall and spring scheduled sessions for an ACCA-member service technician to go through your entire HVAC system preparing it for the upcoming season in a proactive approach before system failure and prior to overpaying your utility company.
From the article:
Unfortunately, in today’s world, pollution is everywhere. And with the type of cleaning products, manmade goods, and activities undertaken within homes and buildings, indoor environments can become very uncomfortable. Even the air we consider to be “fresh” outdoor air has as many as 30 million dust or pollutant particles per cubic foot.
There are, however, measures that can be taken to lessen the effects of these particles in our homes. Since the home is essentially an enclosed system, we are able to take pollution head-on because the air is artificially moved around in our homes. By moving the air through a high efficiency air cleaner, we can remove many of the pollutants that cause discomfort.
From the article:
Carbon monoxide (CO) gas kills more than 500 people every year in the United States. It’s odorless and colorless, so you won’t know you’re inhaling it. Although the level of CO in most homes is not harmful, be concerned if you have any of these symptoms:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Vomiting
- Chest pain
- Confusion
If you experience these symptoms while you’re inside, open all the windows, turn off all fuel-burning appliances, and get out of the house. Go to the emergency room or call 911 if the symptoms are severe. Tell the doctors or emergency medical technicians that you think you may have CO poisoning.
