Heating Oil vs Natural Gas – My Eyes Are Opened
July 18, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Yesterday I received a call from a customer in Rhode Island inquiring about a large Commercial Natural Gas Heating Unit for his Auto Shop. We discussed his options and it turned out that he wanted to replace his current “Fuel Oil” or “Heating Oil” furnace because of rising oil cost. Being from the Midwest, I have dabbled in Oil Furnaces over the years, but since that population is low in this area of the country, I did not have a true idea of the operating cost of a Heating Oil Furnace.
This customer made the decision to replace his current unit with natural gas, and here is why. In 2000, the average price for a gallon for fuel oil was $1.60, and compared to natural Gas, was the more economical of the two. By 2007, the cost was up to $2.85 per gallon. At this level, natural gas, even with its own increases over time was now the most cost effective fuel, from a cost of fuel only perspective. It was still a coin toss as to whether or not the replacement of equipment could be justified just for the fuel savings. Although, there are many other considerations that we are not going into here that would help make the decision to switch, including but not limited to Maintance, Fuel Oil Furnaces need to be maintained, and often the repairs are quite costly, and the cleanliness and safety of the fuel is another consideration.
Fast forward to yesterday’s conversation. I was told that current “summer lock” pricing for Heating Oil was around $4.85 HOLY COW! Read more
Heat Pumps And Natural Gas Price Predictions
July 14, 2008 | Leave a Comment
According to a report from Washington, the average price of regular gasoline is expected to remain greater than $4 per gallon until the fourth quarter of 2009, according to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Information administration. With oil prices staying high, it is now projected that the average price for regular-grade gasoline will stay above $4 per gallon for the rest of the year. This is an increase of more than a dollar per gallon above last year’s price. That trend is expected to continue in 2009, with an average price of $4.06 per gallon.
While the nation is currently focused on the high price of gasoline, by this winter the focus may well change to electricity and heating fuels. The EIA notes that the sustained high prices for petroleum are pushing up the spot price of natural gas. The spot price is projected to average $11.86 per thousand cubic feet (Mcf) in 2008 and $11.62 per Mcf in 2009, a 65 percent increase over the 2007 average. The trend is already apparent in the electricity market, where prices are projected to increase 5.2 percent in 2008 and 9.8 percent in 2009.
What can you do? Read more
Air Conditioning System Replacement – Efficiency
July 10, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Upgrading Efficiency:
In the last article we discovered how the age of your home cooling system can be a determining factor in the decision to replace your current Air Conditioner. Now let’s see how the upgrade of efficiency plays into the equation of a new Cooling system replacement.
Efficiency is the leading reason that most families replace their existing Air Conditioning systems. Let’s face it, if something didn’t improve, be it money savings on utility bills or comfort, no one would change out their working units. Cost savings are a serious trigger for homeowners these days and a new Air Conditioning System can prove to be an investment that pays off in a big way. Read more
Split Air Conditioner Replacement – The Age Consideration
July 10, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Age of Existing System:
One of the basic factors to consider when deciding to replace your old air conditioning system is that of age. The old adage, “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it” is not always the best, and in the case of older cooling systems that attitude can be costly. Let’s say your old cooling system, be it Air Conditioning or Heat
Pump, is a 13 year old 8 SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, the standard by which cooling systems are rated) system. Just because it is still running does not necessarily make it a good thing.
How can that be? Well, first off, let’s explore the efficiency. Today’s minimum standard is 13 SEER. Each numeric rise in SEER rating is equal to about an 8% increase in efficiency. So, replacing your 8 SEER system with a minimum 13 SEER will reward you with nearly a 40% increase inefficiency. Read more
The Heat Pump - An Air Conditioner in Reverse
July 9, 2008 | Leave a Comment
A Heat Pump is an air conditioner in reverse. The basic function of an Air Conditioner is to extract heat from the building as it is absorbed into refrigerant inside the indoor condensing coil located with your Air Handler in your basement, closet or attic. The refrigerant then carries the heat to an outdoor unit through refrigeration lines where it is transferred outside. That is the reason you feel hot air blowing out of your outdoor condenser. This leaves the air in the building cooler.
When the season changes and heat is needed in the home, a heat pump is, in effect, an air conditioner that operates in reverse and instead of pulling heat from your home, will actually use the heat that is above freezing (32f) in the outside air and will transfer that heat into your home. Read more
Is Your Home Making You Sick? Germicidal UV Lamps May be The Answer.
July 9, 2008 | Leave a Comment
What:
The ultraviolet germicidal lamps or IAQ UV Lights used for disinfection are short wave low-pressure mercury vapor tubes that produce ultraviolet wavelengths that are lethal to microorganisms. These wavelengths are in the region of maximum germicidal effectiveness and is highly lethal to virus, bacteria and mold spores.
Why:
UV air duct disinfection may be used in residential, commercial and industrial applications. An Ultraviolet air duct disinfection fixture can be applied for two types of applications in HVAC equipment, either treatment of the air stream or surfaces within the air handler. With the proper system design and installation the moving air can be disinfected with germicidal ultraviolet light.
Ultraviolet lamps sanitize air that is passed directly in their path to destroy pathogens that come in contact with the UV rays. Musty, moldy type odors can be eradicated, along with tuberculosis, cold and flu viruses, smallpox, and other airborne diseases. Read more
Air Handler Installation Requirements
July 7, 2008 | 1 Comment
INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS
The following is an excerpt from the actual product installation guide. The complete guide can be obtained free of charge from HomeAirDirect.com
These instructions are intended as a general guide only for use by qualified persons and do not supersede any national or local codes in any way. Compliance with all local, state, or national codes pertaining to this type of equipment should be determined prior to installation. Read this entire instruction manual, as well as the instructions supplied in separate equipment, before starting the installation. All models are designed for indoor installation only. The installation of the air handler, field wiring, warm air ducts, etc. must conform to the requirements of the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA No. 70 (latest edition) in the United States, and any state laws, and local ordinances (including plumbing or wastewater codes). Local authorities having jurisdiction should be consulted before installation is made.