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
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