You may find it helpful to visit our Terminology page to better understand the various ratings and terms that are used when selecting new equipment.

Electric Air Conditioning

When purchasing a replacement air conditioner there is more to choose than just the brand.  There are several features or ratings that you must take into consideration.  Each manufacturer offers a range of models which are primarily differentiated by cooling capacity, electrical efficiency, noise level, warranty and, of course, price.  Our estimators will work with you to determine the relative importance of each of these features and help you to select the model which provides your home with the optimum in value and performance. 

Puron systems –  Puron is Carrier's branded name for refrigerant R-410A.  R-410A is a chlorine free alternative to the widely used R-22.  R-410A cannot be used in an air conditioner designed for R-22.  To learn more about Puron refrigerant click on this heading.

Scroll compressors –  Scroll compressors have become the preferred compressor in today's high efficiency equipment.  To learn more about scroll technology click on this heading.

Forced Air Gas Heat

Most furnaces are designed in of 2 categories:

The 80+ efficiency furnace – This furnace is rated at approximately 80% AFUE.  It will have a hot surface ignition to light the main burner, induced draft and normally a twenty-year warranty on the heat exchanger. This furnace is designed to vent up a doubled wall metal vent or an approved chimney.  The 80% AFUE furnaces are also available in a 2-speed model which allows for more even and consistent heating.  With 2-speed furnaces the heat initially comes on in the lower setting to allow for a longer on-cycle.  After a period of time, if the thermostat hasn't been satisfied, the furnace will automatically move to the higher speed for the remainder of that on-cycle.

The 90+ efficiency furnace – This furnace is rated at approximately 92% AFUE. It is the most advanced style furnace offering the highest efficiency levels. Because so much heat is removed form the combustion products, the water vapor (water vapor is a natural byproduct of combustion) will condense forming water droplets within the furnace.  The accumulated water is drained from the furnace during normal operation.  This furnace cannot be vented in an existing chimney or flue but instead is vented using PVC piping which is typically 2 1/2 to 3 inches in diameter. The heat exchangers on this type of furnace generally carry a lifetime-limited warranty.   The 92% AFUE furnaces are also available in the 2-speed configuration.

Heat pumps are a very efficient alternative to electric heat. A heat pump works the same as an air conditioner but it runs in reverse in the heating mode. A heat pump will remove heat from the outdoor air and transfer it to the indoor air. The system will be matched with a backup heating source, most often electric heat. During the summer months the heat pump will run as a conventional air conditioner, removing heat from the indoors and transferring it outdoors.

Hot Water Heat

A boiler is used when a house is heated with hot water. Gas or oil is burned to heat the water. The water is circulated throughout the home by a circulating pump. In the space to be heated there will be radiators or baseboard heaters. The heat from the hot water is transferred into the air of the room by the radiators or baseboard heaters. Boilers come in various efficiencies and warranty options. A cast iron boiler will generously out last any other type of heating system.

Accessories

ELECTRONIC AIR CLEANERS
In place of the standard "throw away" filters commonly used in home systems there are two other options to be considered for your system.  An Electronic Air Cleaner (EAC) is a far more effective way to rid your home's air of dust, pet dander, allergens and other indoor air pollutants.  The EAC is installed in the return air duct is wired to be on anytime the indoor blower is operating.  Maintenance requirements involve the cleaning of the air cleaner cells and the pre-filters every 30 to 60 days.  These filters are best installed when your furnace or fan coil is being replaced but can be installed at any time.

MEDIA TYPE AIR CLEANERS
Media Type Air Cleaners are less expensive than Electronic Air Cleaners to purchase and install. They are effective at removing airborne particles as small as .1 microns and are easier than EAC's to maintain because the replaceable paper cartridge needs to be changed only once a year.  Because of their effectiveness, low cost and minimal maintenance requirements the Media Type Air Cleaner is a very popular alternative to the Electronic Air Cleaner.

HUMIDIFIERS
Maintaining proper humidity levels in your home is essential to maintaining indoor comfort during the winter months.  Moderate humidity levels make you feel warmer at lower temperatures which means you can set your thermostat lower without sacrificing comfort.  Today's flow-thru, power humidifiers require minimal maintenance and avoid the health concerns associated with

GAS & ELECTRIC WATER HEATERS
Richards carries the A. O. Smith and Bradford White lines of water heaters with all featuring well-insulated tanks, high energy efficiency, high recovery rates and optional sediment removal systems.

 PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTATS
Programmable thermostats allow you to control when and how long your furnace or air conditioner operates each day.  With a  programmable thermostat, you can choose the temperature setting for different times of the day, with separate settings for weekdays, Saturday and Sunday.  Richards offers a full line of Honeywell and Robertshaw programmable thermostats, known for their dependability and ease of use.

Richards offers equipment from Carrier, Bryant and York.   We maintain a large inventory of equipment and are prepared to respond quickly when extreme weather demands minimal downtime.  Most times we can offer same day replacement installations.

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