Home Heating Oil Roller Coaster - Now What Do You Do?
November 24, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Below is a reprint of an article from “The NEWS”. The weekly publication for HVAC contractors. I decided to reprint it because it does a great job of explaining the recent turbulence of the Heating Fuel Oil market as it relates to end users.
The bottom line though, is that of all the home heating fuels available (Gas, both Natural and LP, Electricity, and Fuel Oil), Fuel Oil is by far the most volatile recently and without a doubt, the most difficult in relation to making a change when the cost becomes unbearable for the budget.
Is there a solution? One possible answer, especially if the homeowner’s current equipment is getting age on it, is to change over to a more efficient Duel-Fuel or Hybrid home comfort system. The Duel-Fuel or Hybrid system incorporates the use of a high efficiency Gas Furnace and a high efficiency Heat Pump in combination. The Heat Pump starts as the primary source of heat, and operates the most efficient until outdoor temps drop into the upper 20s or low 30s. At this point, the Thermostat senses the outdoor temperature and creates a call for heat from the Gas Furnace. The two work in combination to maximize the utility costs.
As the article below explains the roller coaster effect that heating fuel oil has had on those that utilize this source of fuel, brings to mind a recent statement that I heard on the news. In comparison, the recent drop in gasoline prices has given to a concern that consumers and the government will become complacent about the need to seek new and more efficient sources of energy for our future. Read more
Hybrid Heating Systems
November 12, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Hybrid Heating Systems are a Growing Trend
The use of “Hybrid” Heating Systems is becoming a very common practice. With fuel prices acting like a ride at the county fair, (out of control and unpredictable) the installations of Hybrid, or Duel-Fuel Home Comfort Systems has increased dramatically. These Duel Fuel application allow you, the homeowner to have more control over your heating expenses by only using the most economical fuel choice when needed.
Home Comfort for the Energy-Conscious
For colder climates, a hybrid heating system, including a gas furnace, heat pump and coil, offers the flexibility of dual fuel sources to establish and maintain a comfortable indoor environment with optimal energy efficiency.
What is Hybrid Heating?
Hybrid heating systems consist of an electric heat pump and a gas furnace that alternately work to maintain desired indoor temperature and humidity levels year-round. When moderate heating is required, the system selects the heat pump as the most energy-efficient source of heat. On colder days, the system automatically switches to the gas furnace for more economical heating efficiency. During warm weather, the heat pump reverses its cycle and functions as a central air conditioner. Read more
Buying Your Next Furnace Direct - Some Tips
October 10, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Why should I choose one furnace over another?
When shopping for a new furnace, you may find yourself in a position where you are faced with the question “Is there a reason to pay $100 more for a furnace of the same size.” Sure there is.
Just because two Gas Furnaces are both 90%+, 75,000 BTU and each has a 3 ton blower, the idea of comparing them on cost alone is a fools game. Besides, if you are In the process of shopping for and purchasing your own replacement furnace, and you are concentrating on a few dollars price difference between furnaces, you are missing the big picture, or as I like to say, “Swallowing Elephants and Choking on Ants”.
Let me explain. Before going into the physical differences that should be considered when purchasing, that may lead to paying a little more to get the best value, let’s first talk about the bigger picture of purchasing direct. The fact that you have taken a very personal role in controlling your project cost by buying direct, means that you have been doing your homework and know that you can save up to and in some cases over 50% by taking this approach. This savings will come from employing the contractor of your choice and you will not be paying the sometimes huge profits that are charged for theses installations.
Don’t get so caught up in saving money that you overlook the fact that you not only have the opportunity to save big money during your installation process, but you also have the opportunity to own a higher quality product with the savings that you are realizing.
So let’s get to some of the quality differences that should be considered. Read more
Your Furnace - Waiting Can Be Expensive
October 9, 2008 | Leave a Comment
Below is a reprint of an article published over on the AskBoyd Site. AskBoyd is the advocate for and the protector of the homeowner who is facing the replacement or repair of their home heating and cooling system and is trying to stretch every dollar. Be sure and check out AskBoyd.com to learn all you can about the pitfalls of dealing with some HVAC contractors and get tips on making your money go much further with your home heating and air issues.
The below article explains how not being proactive in taking care of your home heating problems can be very expensive. Always great information from AskBoyd.com Read more
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