It is a pleasure to have Dan come to my home, knowing my heating and or air conditioning problems will be solved in a correct and orderly way. -Mimi B.
Q. How much can a programmable thermostat save us vs. the cost of installation?
A. If you use a 5 degree setback you can save between 5-10% on your annual cost to run the furnace. The cost to install a programmable varies greatly depending on what you purchase. It may take between 5-10 years or more to get a full payback.
Q. How is efficiency rating measured and should I always buy the best efficiency rating?
A. Gas or Oil Furnaces are rated in AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency), Heat Pumps in HPSF (Heating Season Performance Factor) and Air Conditioners in SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating). With gas furnaces you should buy a model with a 92% rating if you run the blower continuously for better air filtration as it has a more efficient blower. However, if you allow the air to turn off when not heating, a 95% model will save you energy in the long run. On the A/C side it has more to do with comfort as you get to the higher SEER ratings in our climate. The base A/C is a 13 SEER for each point you go higher it uses about 10% less energy to run.
When it comes to a residential heat pump, homeowners can expect one to last 10 to 20 years with proper maintenance. Learning how to maintain your home's heat pump isn't difficult and will save you money now and in the future.
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Is a lack of whole-house humidification causing problems for your household? Low humidity can cause uncomfortable health issues like dry sinuses, allergy flare-ups and itchy skin. Dry air also has a damaging effect on your home's structure and furnishings, causing cracked trim and floorboards, furniture that may fall apart as solvents dry, or cracks that emerge in protective coatings or the wood itself.
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