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
Heat Pumps are “Hot”
October 6, 2008 | Leave a Comment
According to newly released industry stats, the AHRI (Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute) is reporting large increases of central air conditioners and air-source heat pumps for July 2008. The sales of these units are up 6.2% from the same period a year ago.
In the height of the cooling season, heat-pump shipments rallied posting a 17.3 percent increase totaling 198,686 units for the month of July.
Despite the fluctuations in the residential and commercial markets, homeowners are still looking to save energy and money, according to a report written by Kermit Baker, Ph.D., chief economist for the American Institute of Architects (AIA).
“Households are looking for new technologies, while interest in alternative energy generation techniques and energy management systems is growing, 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
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