Q: What is seer?
A: Seasonal energy efficiency ratio (seer). Every air conditioning system has a seer rating. It lists how many BTU per hour are removed for each watt of power drawn. The higher the seer number, the more efficient the system is. 

Q: What is BTU? 
A: British thermal unit (BTU) heat required to raise 1 pound of water 1degree fahrenheit. 

Q: What is a ton of air conditioning? 
A: 
1 ton = 12,000 BTU/Hr
2 ton = 24,000 BTU/Hr
2 ½ ton = 30,000 BTU/Hr
4 ton = 48,000 BTU/Hr 

Q: I’m building a new home, I will have a heat recovery ventilator, do I need bathroom exhaust fans? 
A: We at Riccar Heating suggest that even with a heat recovery ventilator, you still need bathroom exhaust fans. 

Q: How do you size a heat recovery ventilator (HRV)? 
A: 1/3 of an air change in the home per hour: 
Cubic feet of air X-33
60

Q: Do I want a heat recovery ventilator or a energy recovery ventilator? 
A: It depends on your life style, if you keep your windows and door closed all summer an energy recovery ventilator is the way to go. If you like to have your windows open except during hot weather a heat recovery ventilator is the way to go. Operate your HRV in the winter only. 

Q: Do I need a heat recovery ventilator? 
A: Ventilation of any home will greatly improve wellness, mildew, odors, and moisture control. 

Q: How often do I need to replace my furnace filters?
A: It depends on the system, we suggest filters should be checked every 30 days and replaced when they show signs of dirt or dust. 

Q: How often do I need to clean my outdoor-condensing unit?
A: Clean condenser coil at least once every year, more often if you live near dusty road or have cottonwood trees in the area, follow the manufacturers recommendations for cleaning. 

Q: How long should a furnace or air conditioning unit last?
A: A rule of thumb says that with proper care and maintenance a furnace should last 20 years and a air conditioning unit should last 15 years. 

Q: Should I cover my outdoor condensing unit in the winter?
A: If you cover your condenser in the winter it traps moisture in the electrical controls. We feel there is no benefit in covering your unit during the cold months. We do recommend placing a board on top of the unit to prevent damage from falling ice and snow chunks.