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