Retail Buyer's Guide

Heat Pump - Using the compressor, this system provides both air conditioning and heat. In the summer, heat is removed from indoors and delivered outside. In the winter, heat is extracted from the outdoor air and delivered indoors. This is the most common type of systems in Central Florida.

Gas Furnace - This system uses a conventional air conditioning unit in combination with a gas furnace. The furnace is used to deliver the air and to provide heat.

Straight Cool Air Conditioning - This system used conventional air conditioning in combination with electric heat strips. The air conditioning can be very efficient, but electric heat strips are the most expense method for heating.

Filter - The available range is from an inexpensive throwaway filter to electronic air cleaners. Throwaway filters are for basic AC coil protection. They offer little indoor air quality improvement. You should consider upgrading your filter to either a media filter system or electronic air cleaner.

Thermostat - The user interface for your air conditioning system. The styles available are mechanical, digital and programmable. Programmable thermostats, when properly setup, offer substantial energy-savings.

Thermidistat - This type of interface for your air conditioning system allows you to control both the temperature and humidity. In Central Florida, humidity can build up year round.

Zoning - Zone system allow a single air conditioning system to be fitted with multiple thermostats. This would allow different of your system to be controlled at different temperatures.

Hole-House Dehumidifier - This piece of equipment can be used as a standalone unit or in combination with your air conditioning system. It removes additional indoor humidity.

Fresh Air Ventilator - It is attached to your central air conditioning system. Fresh air is brought from the outside, conditioned and mixed with the indoor air. Helps to eliminate the buildup of stagnant air.