The SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) is how the efficiency of your heating and cooling equipment is measured. The SEER is the amount of cooling your system will deliver per dollar spent on electricity, as compared to other systems. For example, a 3-ton unit may have a SEER efficiency rating of 13, 14, or 15. The higher the SEER the more efficient the system will be. The SEER rating of any given unit can range anywhere from 13 to 21.

Your heating and cooling systems work incredibly hard to perform their functions for your home everyday. The constant stopping, starting and continual operation can wear down any machine if the proper care and maintenance is delayed. However, by performing regular maintenance, you can maximize the lifecycle of your heating or cooling unit and guard against many common equipment failures. Preventive maintenance inspections performed on a regular basis can uncover leaks, rust, rot, soot, frayed wires and corroded electrical contacts. You should have maintenance completed on your system regularly to ensure maximum efficiency and prevent possible problems that may occur in the near future.

Heat pumps and air conditioners recommend a professional tune-up twice a year; in the spring and fall. Inspections on boiler and furnace systems should include ductwork, pipes, dampers, valves, the chimney, registers, radiators, pumps, blowers, fuel lines, oil tank and every part of the actual furnace and boiler. Meanwhile, heat pump and air conditioning unit inspections should also include inspections of the fan, compressor, indoor coils, outdoor coils, and refrigerant lines.

Whole house humidifiers are required to change once a year, ideally to start in the winter heating season. If you have breathing issues or allergies, consider changing every 3 months.

Standard filters work to keep your system and its ductwork clean, but they don't really improve indoor air quality. To do that you need a media air cleaner. The media filter rests between the main return duct and the blower cabinet and will improve dust and particle removal up to seven times that of a standard filter. However, upgrading to a pleated media filter will remove everything from dust to airborne viruses from the filtered air. Always choose a filter that matches your blower's capacity. For optimal efficiency and filtration, we recommend that you replace your disposable filters at least once a month. If you have washable filters, they should be cleaned once a month.

Under the standard factory warranty, Heil/ Rheem covers parts that fail during the warranty period due to defects in the part. All Heil/ Rheem equipment that we install is registered with Heil/ Rheem to ensure your 10 year parts warranty.

Dependable Heil and Rheem equipment are among the longest lasting heating and cooling products available, for your specific equipment, there are many variables that affect life expectancy, including, of course, the regularity of routine maintenance.

Proud to offer : 2 years' labor warranty and 10 years manufacturers warranty for Rheem and Heil equipment.

All animals react differently to the cold, even if they are considered to be "cold-weather" animals. Age, health, regular exposure to the cold and more can affect how your animal may experience health consequences in colder temperatures. Consult your veterinarian for more information on how to care for your own pet's health this winter. At 45°F, young, elderly and/or sick animals can begin to suffer health consequences.

Provide Shelter

At 32°F or less, no owned dog or cat should be left outdoors unless they have access to a well-Insulated structure that

• Is large enough to curl up in and has a wind block at the door
• Includes a heated water bowl so they have access to an unfrozen water
• Has a floor, is elevated from the ground, has warm dry blankets or dry straw and has heating or an outdoor heating pad

Feral Cats

Feral cats have likely found warm places to hide, but if you are worried about a local feral cat, you could consider putting out a weather-safe container with bedding and a hole for entry. You also want to provide water, but you need to be vigilant to make sure it does not freeze.

Warning Signs

Signs that an animal may be getting too cold Include:

• Trembling 
• Sleepiness
• Slowed breathing
• Mobility issues
• Dry skin
• Numbness
• *Illness
  (these last two are the most serious)

Walking Your Dog

• Consider shortening the walk if the temperature is too frigid. Help them get more exercise inside your home.
• Check with your vet whether your pet may want additional clothing beyond their "fur coat" In this chilly weather.
• Watch for any signs of injury or extreme cold to their paws, especially In the snow or ice. Wipe off paw pads on your way Inside to prevent chemical melting agents from Injuring paws or being ingested.

Pet Care Kit

Be prepared for loss of heat and/or power outages to your home. Prepare a pet care kit so you have what you need for your pet If you need to leave in a hurry. Learn more at AlexandriaAnimals.org

Make Some Noise

Don't forget about our wild neighbors who may use your vehicle as a wind block in these chilly temperatures. Make plenty of noise and give them time to make their exit before driving away!