HVAC FAQ

What do rating numbers mean?

The U.S. government requires an efficiency rating of all air conditioning and heating equipment. The rating reflects the percentage of energy used efficiently, with a high rating indicating high-efficiency. The next two topics address this issue in greater detail.

What is a SEER?

Air conditioning equipment is rated by the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating, or SEER. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the unit.

What does HSPF stand for?

Heat pump equipment is rated by the Heating Seasonal Performance Factor, or HSPF. The higher the HSPF rating, the more efficient the unit.

What does AFUE stand for?

Gas furnaces are rated according to their Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, or AFUE. The higher the AFUE rating, the more efficient the unit.

Should outdoor units be covered in winter?

No. Heat pumps operate year-round and should never be covered. Similarly, air conditioners that operate seasonally are built to withstand an outdoor environment and should not be covered.

Should a thermostat be set to “auto” or “on”?

Preferably auto. That way, the fan operates only when the temperature requires it. This is the most used and the most efficient setting. However, there are advantages to using the “on” setting. Air is constantly filtered through the unit’s air filter, and the constantly circulating air results in an even temperature throughout the house.

Can shrubs or flowers be planted around an outdoor unit?

Yes. However, we recommend that plants be no closer than 18 inches to the unit. This allows for plenty of room for air circulation in and out of the unit. Without this room for air circulation, the unit could overheat, resulting in a premature need for service.

If an outdoor unit needs replacing, should the indoor unit be replaced too?

Yes. Air conditioning and heating units are designed to operate as a complete, matched system. The efficiency rating is based on the entire system. Replacing the entire system ensures the system will be reliable and efficient.

How do I know what size unit our house needs?

A Precision Air estimator will consider many factors before making a recommendation. Factors like size of the house, climate, the number and type of windows installed, insulation, and even the number of people living in the house.

What is the difference between a split system and a package unit?

A split system uses indoor and outdoor components to provide a complete home comfort system. A package unit or self-contained unit requires no external coils, air handlers, or heating units.

Who do I contact for air conditioning products and service?

For questions concerning new products, energy efficiency ratings, or repair or replacement services, simply call Precision Air at (610) 918-9344- we can answer all of your heating and cooling questions.

Verified Google Reviews!

Precision Air Heating & Cooling

4.6

Glen Pratt

22:48 04 Jan 18

I am new homeowner and had never got a heater inspection/tune-up... I scheduled one with Precision and had a great experience. My technician Steve was timely, professional, (funny), and honest. He showed me a few ways to increase the life of my system while also improving the quality of my air and lowering my utility bill. I recommend Precision Air for sure.read more

Corey Cronk

18:59 05 Jan 18

Precision (Mike + Team) were all a pleasure to work with. Work was done quickly with no mess and everyone was very professional. I will surely share my experience with friends and family. Do not hesitate to work with Mike and his team.read more

Nadja Frist

20:50 17 Jun 16

We���re so glad we decided to go with Precision Air Heating & Cooling for our new AC and duct work, we couldn’t be happier. They sincerely care about their customers, have pride in their company and their work, and stand behind it. Without a doubt they are the best of the best. Any questions or concerns we had were addressed. We can’t say enough about how impressed we are of their knowledge, professionalism and care for us as clients. Precision Air Heating & Cooling, you are top notch, truly the best! Thank you for all that you’ve done!read more

Charlie Strickler

19:53 24 Oct 16

I hired these guys to service my old boiler and radiator heating system. The unit was made in 1987 so I was expecting to have to get a new unit. While it does need to be replaced eventually I was happy that they didn't make me feel like I had to. They just serviced it and gave me a recommendation for a new one. They seem like honest guys. Thanks.read more

Exposurein

20:46 05 Mar 15

You installed new high efficient gas tank-less heater this winter and I wanted to wait to give a full review. Everything with the installation was very easy from Tim making the appointment showing up on time and being very helpful through our decision process. He did not try to get us to buy with all kind of specials like some of the other companies. One large company would not leave my home unless we signed that day. We had to throw them out all they were concerned with was selling us a heater! When Lou the installation manager came out to do the materials list he was polite and attentive to our needs. The men did not make do or improvise because they had all the right parts and it looks much better than my neighbors who used another local company. Greg did a great install on our oil to gas conversion. I could not believe that small wall hung unit would heat our home. Well it not only heat our home and hot water it reduced our costs a whole bunch! We normally used 900 gallons of oil at an average cost of 3.75 for yearly budget of 3400. This winter we only spent just over $600. Thank you Precision Air for guiding us on our new tank-less heating system and being so professional. read more

Bob Weber

20:17 15 May 18

Precision Air was professional, courteous and did a great job. Would recommend them to anyone doing a oil heat to natural gas/central air conversion. As is usual there were challenges with an old house and they knew exactly what to do. We're lovin' the nice, cool, allergen free environment on these surprise 90* days!read more

Leslie Delhaie

16:41 05 Jun 18

We used Precision Air for a new/replacement installation. Precision Air was one of four installers that we met with and received pricing from. They were not the cheapest of the quotes but we chose them based on all factors. The entire process from the initial phone contact to the completion of my PECO rebate forms after the installation was handled with friendly professionalism - almost as though we were a friend of the family (we were not). And although they were not the cheapest of those interviewed, they gave us the most value for our dollar and their cost was well under (less than half of) our highest quote for a comparable system.read more

Craig Baker

09:29 09 Aug 18

Very happy with Precision Air Heating and Cooling. My AC went down and I had to replace the system and furnace. Mike the owner was very responsive and informative. Got a very good system at a fair price with a solid warranty. Big props to his hardworking crew who did a great job with the installation.read more

Kurt Christensen

00:46 02 Oct 18

Precision provided us with a perfect experience. They right sized a central air conditioning system for us. The system is quiet and what an upgrade from the older single stage units. The Precision team that estimated the job, planned the job and the install team all exhibited the highest level of professionalism. Everyone involved was considerate, polite, and perfectionists. They left our house in a clean condition. We simply could not be happier. They truly care. Very nice in this day and age.read more

Pat Douglas

23:39 23 Nov 18

Precision Air team installed a new Luxaire LP furnace. Excellent job by Mike and Dennis. Very professional installation. A very good value.read more

Kartik Gandhi

01:32 11 Dec 18

Mike and team were professional and gave me fair estimate on replacing HVAC with Luxaire unit. They had the system installed in a day. When heat went out they even provided with stand alone heaters for a day. Awesome service, fair price! Thanksread more

Jack Falkenstein

16:46 11 Dec 18

Mike Stipa the owner of Precision Air HVAC in West Chester, Pa came to our home to review our needs and we had a quote to replace a 62 yr. old gravity system the same day. Bob and his crew of installers were neat and professional. The installation is a work of art and the price was right. I would absolutely recommend this companyread more

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