Skip to main content
24/7 EMERGENCY SERVICE AVAILABLE (619) 202-5726
5 Tips to Help Keep Heating Costs Down This Winter

5 Tips to Help Keep Your Heating Costs Down This Winter

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Heating, Insulation. No Comments on 5 Tips to Help Keep Your Heating Costs Down This Winter

Lower Costs, Raise Your Comfort

Winter is coming, and there’s a good chance that heating bills will rise again this year.

The good news is that you don’t have to be freezing or uncomfortable to reduce your monthly costs. In fact, a few simple changes and some careful preparation is all it takes to keep your home cost-effectively heated. Here are five easy adjustments you can start making today to lower your heating bills this winter season.

1. Bundle Up

Though it can be tempting to shed the sweatshirt when you get home, dressing for warmth indoors as well as outdoors is really a great way to save some cash. Though you shouldn’t be watching television in a pair of gloves, stocking up on some extra layers could allow you to turn down your thermostat by a few degrees and reduce your heating costs significantly.

You can also help your home bundle up by fitting heavy, heat-maintaining curtains over your windows.

2. Adjust Your Thermostat

The numbers on your thermostat can have a huge impact on the figures in your energy bills. Space heating accounts for over 40% of the average household’s energy consumption, and turning down your thermostat is one of the simplest ways to save money on your heating bill.

Dropping your thermostat by a single degree can knock as much as 5% off your bill, so it’s worth the sacrifice. You might even consider investing in a programmable thermostat that makes it easier for you to maintain the right temperatures throughout the day. For instance, you could lower the heating at midday when the sun is at its strongest and at times when no one is home.

Consider turning down the settings on your water heater, too, as water can account for up to 18% of the energy consumed at home.

3. Upgrade Your Insulation

About a third of the heat lost in a property disappears through uninsulated walls, while a quarter goes through the roof. While upgrading the insulation in your home might seem like a significant investment to make, it can offer substantial savings for many cold seasons to come.

Go up into your attic and make sure that you have 10 to 14 inches of insulation for the best results. Remember, before you lay new insulation around your home, you’ll need to make sure that you seal any openings around the floors and windows where energy might escape.

4. Destroy Any Drafts

Reducing drafts could account for energy savings of as much as 30%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. While you’re checking your insulation, make sure you’re examining all the common drafty spots where you might lose heat, such as switchplates, electrical outlets, weather stripping around the doors, and attic hatches. You can either conduct a visual inspection or try using a candle to check for gusts that disturb the flame.

Once you’ve found drafty spaces throughout your property, you can easily invest in some caulk to place around your door frames, or weather-stripping for the windows and entryways that don’t close tightly.

5. Maintain Your Heating System

One of the most important things you can do to maximize indoor comfort and cost-saving this winter is to prepare your HVAC system. Take the time to replace your filters at least once a month, or as needed. Damaged or dirty filters can easily stop a heating system from working as it should.

A professional inspection will also ensure that you’re aware of any problems with your system before it’s too late to make repairs. The last thing you want is to be stuck in the dead of winter with a heating system that doesn’t work.

Staying warm this winter doesn’t have to drain your resources or become a challenge. Contact Bob Jenson Air Conditioning & Heating today to schedule an inspection with one of our experts and get prepared for the colder months.

York

Brand Highlight: York

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Air Conditioning, Heating. No Comments on Brand Highlight: York

The History of York

Whether it’s a furnace to keep your home warm in winter, or an HVAC system for constant cooling during summer, it’s important to find a company that you can rely on to offer dependable comfort, year after year. With over 130 years since their inception, the York company works to offer confidence and peace of mind to commercial and residential buyers, across the United States.

As a company that focuses on home-grown talent, hard-work, and the latest in high-quality techniques and materials, York has made a resoundingly positive name for itself in the HVAC industry.

Although it first emerged in 1874, York’s official journey into cooling and heating began in the early 1900s. As the years passed by, the company earned its place as one of the largest heating and cooling suppliers across the globe, offering a comprehensive range of products for interior comfort.

Over the course of York history, the company has made its mark on the timeline of HVAC development. York installed the revolutionary “air washing” system in the Empire theatre during 1914, and created the world’s first air-conditioned structure in 1924.

During 2006, York joined forces with Johnson Controls, an alliance which allowed both organizations to achieve incredible things for the future of interior comfort. Today, York products are still used throughout some of the most famous buildings in the world; from the Sydney Opera House, to the Empire State Building.

York Products

When it comes to creating the perfect atmosphere, York offers one of the most comprehensive lines on the market. Every product is designed and built in the company’s warehouse in North America, with stringent testing to ensure reliability that lasts for years to come.

York Furnaces:
The York furnace line includes the Affinity Series, LX Series, Latitude Series, and commercial grade products. Affinity models are the most efficient options, providing up to 98% AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency). These models operate alongside the ClimaTrak system, which automatically adjusts temperature cycles to fit your unique needs. The LX series is a low-price and compact option; measuring at 33-inches, with an impressive AFUE rating of 96%.

Finally, the Latitude furnaces provide 95.5% AFUE — ideal for those in search of quality at a low price point.

York Air Conditioners:
York air conditioners are available from both the Affinity and LX Series. The options in the Affinity Series provide up to 18 SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio), for more efficient cooling — plus a QuietDrive system for whisper-soft operation. The LX Series are efficient and cost effective, using Microchannel coils for a smaller carbon footprint.

Heat Pumps:
Like the air conditioner line, York heat pumps come in Affinity and LX Series models. The Affinity series offers higher efficiency and QuietDrive comfort, while the LX Series provides a budget-friendly solution for quality performance.

Indoor Air:
When it comes to indoor air, York offers LX air handlers that provide comfort and luxury in indoor environments. They also offer air quality systems, designed to infuse the interior of any property with fresh outdoor air — without sacrificing the contained temperature.

Thermostats:
York offers a range of innovative thermostats, taking comfortable living to the next level. With the Affinity series, you can connect to your comfort system using Wi-Fi, and adjust settings for up to 6 individual rooms. You can control temperature from anywhere with the York touchscreen. The LX series thermostat provides a digital temperature management solution to match your unique preferences.

Other products from York include:

  • Residential packaged equipment
  • Mini-Split systems
  • Evaporator coils

Why Choose York HVAC?

So, why should you consider York for your residential or commercial needs? Benefits of York brand products include:

  • Higher efficiency for lower utility bills
  • Low sound levels
  • Attractive and innovative design
  • Simple operation
  • Compact in size

The York company uses the latest technology and equipment to create the innovative solutions in their state-of-the-art American facilities.

Although York may not give the most volume to its environmental efforts when compared to other companies, a large aspect of their growth is connected to the creation of more efficient systems. Many York products carry the Energy Star seal of approval, and York is active with the UNFCCC, Energy Efficiency Forum, and Clinton Climate Initiative. Most importantly, the company puts customer service and satisfaction first — a focus that has helped them to develop and maintain incredible technology, year after year.

Williams

Brand Highlight: Williams

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Furnace, Heating. No Comments on Brand Highlight: Williams

The History of Williams

Over the years, several innovative solutions have emerged in the world of heating and cooling, from devices like dehumidifiers that control air quality, to air curtains, furnaces, and more. Choosing the right product for your needs is essential to keeping yourself, your family, or your workforce happy.

Williams Comfort Products represents one of the most popular manufacturers of gas and electric furnaces, fan coils, air handlers, and more in the United States. A journey that began a century ago — with the production of gas steam radiators — under the name “Williams Radiator Co.” has evolved into an incredible, multi-faceted product line.

Today, customers and distributors appreciate Williams for its high devotion to quality, its versatility, and its dedication to efficiency.

The Williams brand has been making waves in the heating and cooling industry for a little over a century. The company was born in 1916, when its imaginative founder Jesse Williams built gas steam radiators to keep residents warm in San Diego.

These radiators represented a perfect opportunity for home comfort within the growing real estate market, as developers built homes in need of a single heat source without the awkwardness of ductwork. As the years passed, Williams developed new solutions for home comfort, including the gravity wall furnace. As the business moved to national heights, fan-type counterflow furnaces emerged.

Though the product line (and name) for Williams has changed since those initial days of gas steam radiators, their dedication to quality, safety, and efficiency has remained constant. Every product built by Williams is thoroughly tested, and built by U.S. technicians in Colton, California, for quick and reliable distribution.

Williams Products

While the initial product line for the Williams brand was small, it has expanded over the years to feature numerous solutions for heating and cooling. Today, Williams provides residential and commercial options for a range of purposes. Products include:

Air handlers and fan coils: Williams carries a variety of fan-coil options, from ceiling solutions to wall-mounted models — perfect for use in offices, homes, and businesses of all sizes and shapes. Solutions range from horizontal ceiling mounts, to vertical stacks, belt-driven air handlers, and more.

Heating solutions: Williams offers a selection of heating products for all sizes of homes, including direct-vent furnaces, forsaire counterflow furnaces, vented room console heaters, and even vent-free heaters.

Air curtains: An effective solution for removing airborne contaminants from buildings and keeping temperatures steady, air curtains allow for the free movement of people around a building — without losing conditioned air. In the winter, air curtains protect warm air, while cold air stays cold in the summer.

Dehumidifiers: Dehumidifiers, such as the “air sponge” dehumidifier, work perfectly in existing ductwork and cooling systems, or function as stand-alone units. These solutions maintain consistent humidity levels within a home or property, fighting mold and managing air quality.

Why Choose Williams?

Distributors and consumers across the country consider Williams to be a reliable and high-quality solution to their heating and cooling needs. The company has been featured in a range of high-ranking and prestigious projects — and their solutions can be found in various landmarks such as Air Force One, the Smithsonian, and more.

Over the decades, the Williams brand has offered customers a fully-American product focused on performance and quality. What’s more, because Williams produces products in Colton, CA, they ship same or next day twelve months of the year.

Williams products often have an energy efficiency rating between 68-73. The important thing to remember is that because many products have no ductwork, there’s no opportunity for heat loss. Though Williams has already earned its place as a leading provider in the heating industry, it continues to innovate with new systems and solutions for comfort. In other words, it gives its customers the performance and dedication that they deserve.

If that wasn’t enough, even the employees of the Williams brand consider it to be an incredible place to work — the company ranks as one of the best places for satisfied employees in America. Since satisfied staff often leads to better overall productivity and efficiency, customers can rest assured they’re getting nothing less than the best with Williams.

Tappan

Brand Highlight: Tappan

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Air Conditioning, Heating. No Comments on Brand Highlight: Tappan

The History of Tappan

You may take it for granted, and most days you likely don’t even notice it; but there are few things more important to your comfort than having efficient, reliable temperature control at home.

From air conditioning that works silently to refresh the hot, humid air in your space, to furnaces and heat pumps that keep your rooms warm during winter — the right temperatures keep us happy and healthy.

For the environmentally conscious and budget-minded consumer, Tappan Heating and Cooling products provide the extra boost their customers need in terms of innovation, creativity, and durability. Driven by a desire to pursue the most energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and trustworthy temperature control products on the market, Tappan has earned a reputation for providing complete peace of mind.

The Tappan company was initially founded in 1881 by W.J. Tappan. It was originally called the “Ohio Foundry Company,” and Mr. Tappan’s company distributed cast-iron stoves from door-to-door — ensuring homeowners could cook hot, healthy meals for their families. A few years later, after moving from Bellaire, to Mansfield, Ohio, the company went through a rebranding and settled on the name “Tappan Stove Company.”

Tappan’s insight and innovation decades ago helped shape the world we know today. During the World Wars, the company was responsible for providing cooking equipment to the armed forces of the U.S. By 1955, they had come up with a revolutionary new method for cooking: the microwave. Only five years later, Tappan invented the system for electronic ignition in stoves — irrevocably changing the world of modern convenience.

Over more than a century, the innovative, imaginative, and durable Tappan products have truly defined this brand. Today, the company continues to offer the same attention-to-detail in each of its products, from clever solutions for indoor air quality problems, to air conditioners built for efficiency.

Tappan Products

The Tappan brand offers a wide collection of home comfort products, designed for comprehensive climate control. Easy to maintain and inherently durable, Tappan has something for every home, including:

  • Air Conditioning — Capable of up to 25.5 SEER ratings.
  • Heat Pumps — Available with up to 19 SEER.
  • Air Handlers and Coils — Designed for long-standing durability.
  • Furnaces — Capable of up to 97% AFUE ratings.
  • Indoor Air Quality Systems — Everything from UV light purifiers to full home comfort products.
  • Thermostats — Programmable to your specifications.
  • Zoning Control Systems — Available for multi-zone home comfort.

Each product in their line uses the highest possible quality standards, though the most interesting products may be in the “Tappan Green Collection.” Using the latest technology for efficiency and energy performance, Tappan Green gas furnaces produce up to 97% AFUE ratings, with whisper-quiet motors. Tappan’s high-performing air conditioners can achieve up to 25.5 SEER ratings, with sound levels as low as 59 decibels. The green collection includes:

  • Ecologic products — Compatible with the latest smart control systems.
  • iSEER products — Created to boost cooling efficiency, provide greater humidity control, and more.
  • iHybrid products — A heating and cooling packaged system that features high efficiency for lower prices.
  • The iQ Drive — Designed to save users money on their energy bills by only using the “right” amount of energy at any given moment.

Why Choose Tappan?

Perhaps one of the biggest selling points of the Tappan brand is the ability to access energy-efficient new technology. Tappan takes its devotion to quality a step further, by ensuring long-lasting durability in each product. In 2014, the company received a “Dealer Design” award, and was voted as the top choice by a consumer magazine for premium heat pumps.

Tappan is the only brand in the industry to use the “Demand Flow Technology” process to stringently test each product for optimum performance. Each air conditioner endures around 144 tests, while gas furnaces receive around 234 checks. Not only does this examination work to offer customers peace of mind, but it also gives Tappan the confidence required to offer their “Tough Quality Pledge” and long-term warranty.

Every Tappan product offers a ten-year warranty on all parts. The 10-year Tappan Tough Quality Pledge also dictates that if the heat exchanger or compressor in a product fails within a decade of purchase, the product will be completely replaced.

Comfortmaker

Brand Highlight: Comfortmaker

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Air Conditioning, Heating. No Comments on Brand Highlight: Comfortmaker

The History of Comfortmaker

When it comes to accessing absolute comfort at home, there’s no space for compromise. Maintaining the perfect climate for you (and your family) requires a temperature control system that is reliable, effective, and efficient.

With a focus on comfort right in its name, Comfortmaker provides energy-efficient, value-based heating and cooling solutions. With a reputation for designing durable, high-tech options for residential temperature control, Comfortmaker is a great brand to consider when updating your system, or installing something new.

Originally, Comfortmaker began life as a brand within the American Furnace Co. organization in St. Louis. By the time 1968 rolled around, the company had expanded to become a division of the Singer Co. climate control division – a move that marked their rapid expansion over the years.

In 1982, Singer transformed into a unit of SynderGeneral Corp, and in 1991, Inter-City Products, known today as “ICP,” obtained the entire business for the price of $72 million – a sale that included both the internal Arcoaire, and Comfortmaker brands. Finally, the pair of corporations, renamed to the “ACO” division, were sold on to United Technologies Corp. in 1999.

Despite transitioning through various parent companies, Comfortmaker has continued to be well regarded in the industry, continually gaining popularity and delivering customer satisfaction.

Comfortmaker Products

From its conception, Comfortmaker devoted its business to developing temperature control solutions with reliability, energy efficiency, and durability. Today, they’ve gained the respect of customers by implementing top-of-the-range technology into a variety of their already-impressive products; to provide a customized heating solution for any home.

The Comfortmaker product line includes:

Air conditioners – including the SoftSound Deluxe variable-speed air conditioner, with SmartSense technology for high-efficiency cooling and heating.

Gas and Oil furnaces – which can combine with the “Observer” communicating wall controls for high-tech home comfort.

Air purifiers – designed for optimum efficiency and 100% air treatment, giving the cleanest possible air.

Ductless systems – the quietest and most efficient models they’ve ever made, with up to 30.5 SEER ratings, and Wi-Fi connectivity.

Geothermal solutions – which can save homeowners up to 70% on heating and cooling bills, while reducing a home’s overall carbon footprint.

Thermostats – made with the latest technology, including touchscreen surfaces and seamless connectivity across devices using “SoftSound.”

Using the latest in communication-based technology, Comfortmaker provides consumers with a complete system for overall house temperature management. Beyond their high-tech pieces, they also offer entry-level systems for heating and cooling – they’ve got a system to suit almost anyone.

Why Choose Comfortmaker Products?

The reliable operation of their energy-efficient machinery, combined with advanced technology and stellar customer support, has made Comfortmaker a brand worth praising for many happy consumers.

Through superior engineering and top-quality manufacturing, the brand’s products offer unbeatable comfort. In fact, Comfortmaker is so sure of its ability to provide excellence that it offers an amazing warranty time: up to 10-years no hassle replacement. On top of that, customers can expect:

  • Exceptional and immediate customer service solutions
  • Reliable and effective heating and cooling systems
  • Energy efficiency in most of the Comfortmaker products
  • Quiet operation for a better home atmosphere
Brand Highlight Bryant

Brand Highlight: Bryant

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Heating, HVAC. No Comments on Brand Highlight: Bryant

The History of Bryant

The ability to control the temperature of your property at any given time is essential to optimum comfort and convenience. Not only do heating and air conditioning systems allow you to combat the impact of the seasons; they can also make a positive difference to your health, by filtering out unwanted toxins, helping you to function at an optimum level, and allowing those suffering from debilitating conditions to access a better standard of living.

The Bryant name in air conditioning solutions has become synonymous with superior quality and dependability. In fact, many regard Bryant as the premier manufacturer in the HVAC industry; and after more than a century of providing incredible service, the company shows no signs of slowing down.

In the world of temperature control, the early twentieth century represented a time of significant technological advancement. Approaches to HVAC solutions were just emerging for the first time; as bold entrepreneurs and innovators stepped in, to take advantage of a market desperate for reliable heating and cooling products. One of the most enterprising individuals during this time was a man from Cleveland, Ohio known as Charles Bryant — founder of the Bryant company.

In an effort to join the HVAC revolution, Bryant opened a small business in 1904, called the “National Gas Regulator Company” — starting his journey by manufacturing gas-powered water heaters. As his work became universally associated with unbeatable quality, Bryant’s growing confidence prompted him to rename his business “Bryant Heating, and Manufacturing.” By the 1930s, the brand had become the leading manufacturer of gas boilers in the nation.

Soon, the Bryant company branched out into gas air conditioning — introducing an innovative system for heating and cooling in 1937, known as the “Dualator.” Ever since then, the company has been producing ever more advanced solutions for temperature control, while maintaining the unlimited trust and loyalty of its customers across the country.

Bryant Products

Over more than a century, the Bryant range has grown significantly — it now includes oil and gas furnaces, fan coils, heat pumps, boilers, air conditioners, humidifiers, packed products, and more. These products are manufactured in sites across the United States, and sold by reliable dealers with a devotion to quality service. The Bryant plants are some of the largest facilities in the world, and incorporate some of the most advanced technology; maintaining incredible standards in the production, design, and testing of equipment.

With products designed to adapt to an ever-changing market (like the 80% efficiency boiler), Bryant’s range of impressive smart products includes:

Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps: The incredible “Evolution” system offers the highest efficiency home cooling solutions in the country — earning the Consumer Digest Best Buy Status. The premium air conditioner offered by Bryant today is the 180B; with a SEER rating of 21, and a two-stage compressor.

Thermostats and Controls: Using the latest technology (including Wi-Fi) for interconnected control, Bryant thermostat and control solutions provide everything from basic heat management, to zoning control, and more.

Evaporator and Fan Coils: Dependable Bryant coils can improve an existing system’s SEER ratings by up to two points — a boost to your savings in energy costs.

Ductless Systems: A flexible solution to cooling and heating needs, ductless systems are perfect for areas where ductwork may be challenging. There are several multi-zone and single styles to choose from — with capacities of up to 56K for multi, and 30k for single zone.

Furnaces: The best-in-class Legacy line of Bryant furnaces includes the incredible Evolution 987m — designed to offer unbeatable efficiency, and comfort within any property.

Why Choose Bryant Products?

The long history of the Bryant brand draws attention to the many advantages the company offers its customers. For instance, their commitment to innovation has allowed them to adapt to the evolutions of the HVAC industry in impeccable style — adopting sustainability and green technology, even before the law required manufacturers to use environmentally-friendly solutions. In fact, Bryant has helped to establish some of the industry standards for energy efficiency, through highlights such as their heat pump/air conditioner combos, and ground/air-source heat pumps — which act as eco-friendly alternatives to conventional units.

The standard for quality in Bryant products has remained steady throughout the years, and the brand continues to focus on delivering dependable systems to people across the country. Every product undergoes rigorous testing for reliability, and Bryant engineers are constantly searching for new ways to improve the solutions they offer.

Is a gas furnace better than electric

Is A Gas Furnace Better Than Electric?

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Central Heating System, Heating, Installation. No Comments on Is A Gas Furnace Better Than Electric?

Gas vs Electric, which to choose?

Choosing the right type of furnace for your home can positively impact the flow of the air in your home and the money of you spend on utility bills. If you find yourself in need of a new furnace for your home, deciding between gas and electric is one of the first choices you will make in the buying process.

So which are better—gas furnaces or electric?

A Look at Electric Furnaces

Price

The first thing you may notice about electric furnaces is that they are less expensive upfront. If you have not budgeted to replace your furnace, the lower price of an electric unit will seem attractive. But in most cases, the long-term cost of operating an electric furnace is higher than a gas one.

Safety

Electric furnaces also have the reputation for being safer than gas ones because they do not emit any carbon monoxide. Homeowners do not have to actively check the unit to see if it is operating safely; when something is going wrong with the unit, it is fairly obvious through interrupted service and rarely poses a danger to the people living in the home.

Installation

The installation process is easier with an electric furnace, done quickly by a certified professional without disrupting your household too much. Since the lifespan of most electric furnaces is 20 to 30 years, once it is installed it doesn’t need much. There are certainly some maintenance tasks like changing filters and scheduling regular tune-up appointments with a certified HVAC specialist, but altogether, an electric furnace is not difficult to own, have installed, or maintain.

Efficiency

For homeowners who are environmentally conscious, an electric furnace may not be an ideal choice because it is considered the least efficient way to heat a home. Most electricity is created through the burning of coal, which is a known cause of ozone depletion and other negative effects on human health.

A Look at Gas Furnaces

Price

You will spend more on a gas furnace unit, but lower utility bills will make up for that over the 10 to 20 years you own it. Energy obtained through natural gas is cheaper than electricity. This is a fact that is expected to remain true in the coming decades, with the cost gap likely widening too. Gas furnaces also work more quickly than their electric counterparts and operate with higher efficiency in extreme temperatures.

Safety

Any type of gas-powered appliance relies on combustion to operate, and combustion creates carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas. Exposure to it causes flu-like symptoms, dizziness, and confusion, and prolonged exposure causes death. Even though this is a scary thought, gas-powered appliances are safe when well-maintained and carbon monoxide is carried away from the home properly. Always have your gas furnace maintained 3-4 times per year, including changing filters, checking for leaks, and making sure the unit is in good overall condition. It is also important to keep all items cleared away from the furnace to prevent obstruction and fires. Contact a professional for help.

Installation

Unlike electric furnaces, the installation of gas ones is more complicated and requires the professional eye of a certified HVAC technician.

Efficiency

From an environmental perspective, natural gas furnaces are better for the earth because the fuel needed to create the energy burns much cleaner than the coal used for electricity. Some areas may not have as much access to gas energy, though electric furnaces will work in nearly every home.

The Final Decision

The decision to buy an electric or gas furnace comes down to preference on upfront costs, long-term utility costs, amount of maintenance required, and environmental concerns. You will own your furnace for at least a decade, so really weigh the options before making a purchase.
When you do decide on the unit you want, be sure to purchase it from a reputable HVAC company that will also provide professional installation and maintenance services to increase its lifespan.

Keep Your Furnace Efficient With Regular Maintnance

How Regular Maintenance Keeps Your Furnace Working Efficiently

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Energy, Heating. No Comments on How Regular Maintenance Keeps Your Furnace Working Efficiently

Why Maintain Your Furnace?

The furnace is a big ticket item in most homes across the nation. Furnaces are responsible for heating air and distributing it throughout the home, creating a consistent environment that is so crucial for comfortable living, especially during winter months. This means that furnace maintenance and efficiency can make a big impact on the comfort of the home and the utility bill.

How to Measure Efficiency

Furnace efficiency is measured by examining annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE). The AFUE rating is a measurement of how efficient the furnace is at converting energy to heat over the course of a year. This number is measured as a percentage of the fuel used by the system versus the heat produced. For example, an AFUE rating of 90% demonstrates that 90% of the fuel used by the system was converted to heat, and that 10% of that energy was lost, or inefficient in its conversion. This heat loss does not factor in the location of the heat ducts in the home or any other environmental factors.

The AFUE measurement is required to be displayed on modern furnaces so that the buyer can take the AFUE of each model into consideration during the purchasing process. The minimum AFUE rating for a furnace is 75-78% depending on the type of furnace and its intended home use. The overall efficiencies of a furnace can also be determined by factoring in additional features, including whether or not the system has a continuous pilot light, is sized correctly for the home, and whether the system is sealed or relies on natural draft combustion.

How to Maintain Efficiency

The key to an efficiently running system within the home is properly conducting routine maintenance. A properly maintained system will save money and extend the life of its parts. Along with many other home systems, yearly maintenance of a furnace is a must. Proper care and prevention can come at a much cheaper price than repair.

Maintaining

All systems should be checked routinely for signs of needed repair, including the following areas:

  • The condition of vent connection pipes and chimneys should be checked.
  • Heat exchangers should be checked for leaks.
  • Controls should be adjusted to ensure proper water and air temperature settings are configured for ideal efficiency.

Retrofitting

Many older systems can also be retrofitted to help increase the efficiency and grant the system additional life. It’s important to weigh the cost of replacing a furnace against the cost to retrofit, especially if the system is already near the end of its life. Retrofitting can improve a system through the installation of programmable thermostats, upgraded ductwork, or zone control.

Replacing

If retrofitting is not the ideal solution, replacing the system entirely with an updated model can greatly increase the efficiency of the furnace, helping it begin to pay for itself immediately. It can also decrease a home’s environmental impact by reducing its carbon emissions.

If the existing furnace is aged, oversized (as many older furnaces are), or in disrepair, replacing it with a high efficiency model is a great next step. This can be paired with an overall home energy efficiency overhaul, oftentimes allowing a homeowner to purchase a smaller unit and receive the same level of performance and output.

Regular maintenance of a furnace is critical for keeping it running efficiently, prolonging its life, lowering a home’s environmental impact, and maintaining a pleasant home environment. Efficiency of a replacement system can be preserved by taking note of the furnace’s AFUE rating, and also ensuring that the remainder of the home has been evaluated for efficiency prior to new system implementation.

Insulate this winter

Why Winter Is The Perfect Time To Insulate!

Written by Kevin on . Posted in Heating, Insulation. No Comments on Why Winter Is The Perfect Time To Insulate!

Why Insulate Your Home?

You don’t often think much about insulation until you are in the throes of the colder months, when you desperately need it. That’s why it’s the perfect time to insulate the home: it’s on your mind, and during the winter you are able to reap immediate rewards for your efforts in the form of a warmer home and a lower heating bill.

Energy Efficiency:

One of the most important reasons to insulate your home in the winter is to increase your home’s energy efficiency. Insulation helps impede the flow of heat. This means that it keeps your heat from seeking out cooler areas both within and outside your home—think unused attics or drafty doors that lead outside. Good insulation allows you to hold onto more of your precious heat.

Sound Buffering:

Insulation also provides sound buffering to help reduce noise throughout the home. Noise control can help create a more enjoyable atmosphere, especially if there are children or roommates about.

Value:

Insulation can also increase the value of a home. If you’re planning on putting your home on the market in the spring, insulation is a great way to include value that you can also enjoy during the months you need it most.

Temperature:

Insulation helps prevent temperature swings. This keeps a home predictably comfortable, and keeps your other appliances and home systems from having to run in overdrive.

Moisture Barrier:

Insulation also helps keep the dampness of the outdoors outside where it belongs.

Where to Insulate Your Home

Proper insulation from the roof on down to the ground is important, and it is most important in those areas where heat is most at risk for being lost. This includes unfinished spaces such as attics, areas around floor joists, and access doors to attics, garages, and basements.

Anywhere that air flows between walls, floors, and ceilings are important places to install insulation to help keep heat from being lost. Exterior walls and areas around doors and windows are also incredibly important areas to insulate. Sealing and insulating ducts can also go a long way toward saving heat.

Ducts that run through unconditioned spaces can cause heat to be lost on its way to its destination. Floors above unheated garages are also key areas to insulate, along with your foundation. A properly insulated foundation can help prevent more than heat loss: foundation insulation can also help prevent unwanted moisture from seeping into the house and can deter insects.

How to Choose the Best Insulation

There are many types of insulation products, including: cellulose, fiberglass, cotton, wool, foam, polyurethane, and polystyrene. It’s always important to read product labels and ensure that the product is indicated for your intended installation.

One of the most important factors in choosing insulation is the R-value of the product. The R-value is an indication of a product’s thermal resistance. The higher the R-value of a product, the better it is at its designated job.

But the R-value is not the only factor that you should pay attention to when installing insulation. Insulation must be installed correctly as well. Ensure that in addition to choosing quality products, you also choose quality installers who are familiar with your type of home and have a great reputation. Your installers should be able to provide product details and indications before installation and also be able to answer any questions you may have about the product and its eco-friendliness, effectiveness, and cost.

Google Rating
5.0
Based on 944 reviews
×
js_loader

Schedule Service

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.