Making your home or office more comfortable

No matter what kind of air conditioning (and heating) system you have in your home or office, you can save money with Superior Heating and Cooling Management, Inc. Increase comfort by selecting the right HVAC products for your property and by properly maintaining and upgrading your equipment.

How-To Center

Choosing an Air Conditioning System
Selecting an air conditioner for your home is a big decision. It’s an important investment today. It will play a key role in your home energy expenses for years to come. And when the summer heat is at its worst, you’ll want your family to have the best, most reliable cooling comfort possible. Don't Burn Up Money

Our super-efficient technology provides savings on electricity. Whatever air conditioning and heating option you choose, you can depend energy-saving, cost-effective, reliable performance for years to come. Here are a few things to consider.

What do good central air units have in common?
How can I be sure my Unit is the right size?
Which air conditioners are energy efficient?
Are some air conditioners built better than others?
What should I look for in a company?
Are some heat pumps better than others?
What should I know about SEER and HSPF?
Are exterior features important?
What kind of coils should I look for?
Are some brands quieter than others?


What do good central air units have in common?
The best ones are efficient, operating on minimal electricity to hold utility bills down. They provide steady, reliable performance year after year when properly maintained. Good systems are quiet, long-lasting and low in service needs.

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How can I be sure my Unit is the right size?
Obviously, an air conditioner that’s too small won’t keep your home sufficiently cool. But what many don’t realize is that an oversized system will cycle (turn on and off) more than necessary, wasting expensive energy and possibly putting undue strain on the compressor.

A good dealer will determine the optimum size for your home by making a careful study of your cooling requirements. Window dimensions and exposure. Floor space, insulation and local climate. Heat-generating appliances. The direction your home faces. Even the amount of your home’s exterior shaded by trees.

He’ll specify the cooling capacity of the system in either Btu/h (British thermal units of heat removed per hour) or refrigeration tons (one ton being equal to 12,000 Btu/h).

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Which air conditioners are energy efficient?
Much like automobile manufacturers, today’s air conditioner manufacturers are required by law to evaluate and rate their equipment according to its energy efficiency. This rating is known in the industry as a SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. The higher the SEER, the more efficient the equipment.

Most new homes with central air come equipped with a standard builder’s model. However, when replacement becomes necessary, property owners can upgrade their air conditioning by specifying a more energy-efficient system.

The Ruud Achiever XIV® High Efficiency model, for example, has a SEER of 14.00, among the highest available. It’s significantly higher than today’s standard models, many of which carry SEER’s of around 10.

High SEER models are generally more expensive, but can easily make up the difference by reducing your home energy bills over the long run.

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Are some air conditioners built better than others?
The compressor is the heart of a condensing unit. On a hot day, it works long and hard. Scroll Compressors are recognized by the industry as the leader in reliability, efficiency and quiet operation.

Other features to look for include louvered steel cabinets that protect the coils from damage and expensive repair bills.

Also, with some condensing units, the fan can be another source of bothersome noise. Most units have a grill design that minimizes air restriction for quieter fan operation.

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What should I look for in a company?
Reliability. Look for a company you see in your community. You want one who’s close by to provide you faster, more convenient service.

He should offer a recognized name brand. And he should have a well-stocked inventory of replacement parts. You wouldn’t want to sit out a mid-summer heat wave waiting for a simple repair!

One way to be sure you’ll get good service is to contact Superior Heating and Cooling Management, Inc. at 1.800.640.8634 or click here to submit an electronic request for more information.

Superior Heating and Cooling Management, Inc. is knowledgeable, reliable, and as good as any you’ll find in the business. Click here to access our Dealer Locator system.

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Are Some Heat Pumps Better Than Others?
Naturally, energy efficiency is important. But when making your selection, remember low operating costs are little comfort if service and repair bills are high. Don’t be sold on energy efficiency alone.

Ruud is the only manufacturer to install the Copeland® Compliant Scroll® Compressor, the industry best, in its entire residential heat pump line.

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What Should I Know About SEER and HSPE?
The Department of Energy requires all air-conditioning and heating equipment manufacturers to evaluate and rate the efficiency of their equipment on a seasonal basis. These ratings are known as the SEER or, Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating, for air conditioners, and the HSPF or, Heating Seasonal Performance Factor, for heating equipment.

Heat pumps use both numbers. The higher the SEER or HSPF rating, the more efficient the heat pump. High-efficiency units cost more. But since operating costs are lower, the payback period may be shorter than you realize. A high SEER/HSPF heat pump also can add value to your home which is important to today’s energy-conscious home buyers.

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Are Exterior Features Important?
Absolutely. Look for features such as a louvered, galvanized steel cabinet to protect the condensing unit from outdoor hazards. And make sure the cabinet is powder-painted with a high-quality enamel for improved durability and appearance.

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What Kind of Coils Should I Look For?
Look for copper tubing in the evaporator and condensing coil. Copper tubing is a good conductor of heat and is virtually immune to corrosion. And unlike fragile aluminum tubing, copper tubing is relatively simple to repair in the field.

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Are Some Brands Quieter Than Others?
With some units, the outdoor fan can be a bothersome source of noise. Most units have a grille design that minimizes air restriction which allows the fan to operate more quietly. Also, the fan is mounted on the underside of the grille. This protects it from the elements and it directs airflow upward, away from plants and shrubbery.

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To speak to an air conditioning professional contact us at 1.800.640.8634 or click here to submit an electronic request for more information.