A Guide to Home Heating

A GUIDE TO HOME HEATING WHICH TYPE OF HEATING IS RIGHT FOR YOU ? The right heating system depends on your home's size, the location of your house and the existing heating infrastructure. A professional HVAC contractor can help you make an informed decision based on your unique needs. Furnaces Heat and circulate air using air ducts Affordable Clean COSTS WITH INSTALLATION $ GAS FURNACES OIL FURNACES $2.5K to $2K to $14K $8K GAS Vs. EFFICIENCY AFUE GAS FURNACES OIL FURNACES OIL is popular and practical in areas where other energy NATURAL GAS is the most common energy source and often more affordable than oil. Natural sources are less available, Oil systems are also less costly to install. gas is also generally more efficient and cleaner to burn. 80% to more than 98% 80% to more than 90% Boilers COSTS WITH INSTALLATION $ GAS BOILERS OIL BOILERS Heat and MAINTENANCE distribute hot water or steam through pipes All home heating systems $2.5K to $2.5K to require regular maintenance $9K $9K once a year, before winter. REGULAR MAINTENANCE EFFICIENCY improves efficiency, helps control bills, prevents costly Heat is dispersed via radiators, radiant floor systems or air coils GAS BOILERS OIL BOILERS repairs and extends operating life. GENERAL MAINTENANCE Practical and cost-efficient includes inspecting electrical and fuel systems, cleaning fans and filters, replacing essential fluids and liquids, and calibrating for maximum efficiency. 82% to 82% to more than 90% more than 90% Heat Pumps EFFICIENCY RATINGS COSTS WITH INSTALLATION $ AIR-SOURCE GEOTHERMAL AFUE - Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency HEAT PUMPS HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS Fuel-burning furnaces and boilers 90 AFUE means that 90% of the fuel is used to produce heat, with Ideal for milder climates 10% waste HSPF - Heating Seasonal Performance Factor Heat pumps Run on electricity $1.5K to up to $25K HSPF = total heating output divided by total energy input $ZK Use refrigerant to add or extract heat from outside air SEER - Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio EFFICIENCY Heat pumps and air conditioners SEER rating HSPF rating SEER = total cooling output Note: A geothermal heat pump installation may cost more upfront, but it offers the most money and energy savings-up to 70 percent more savings than conventional systems in the heating model divided by total energy output 16 to 20 9 to 13 RETROFITTING EXISTING SYSTEMS CREDITS Older systems can be retrofitted to increase efficiency, improve safety and extend life. Basic retrofit options include new filters, programmable & REBATES thermostats, improving ductwork and upgrading wiring and fuses. 25C FEDERAL TAX REBATES: Get up to $500 back from Uncle Sam by purchasing high-efficiency furnaces and heat pumps LOCAL UTILITIES: New systems may qualify for up $1,300 in utility incentives SPACE HEATERS Space heaters can quickly boost temperatures in mid-sized rooms, without heating your entire home. They can be efficient for people sensitive to cold temperatures or if you are only using a room for short periods of time. FACTORY REBATES: Save up to $1,450 on qualifying systems COMFORT BUNDLES: Up to $1,500 savings on select products with qualifying systems from your local Comfort24-7 provider LIFE EXPECTANCY 12 Well-maintained furnaces and boilers should be replaced if they are more than 12 years old. Comfort247.com Newer furnaces and boilers can last as long as 20-25 years with regular maintenance and cleaning. Your Neighborhood Heating and Cooling Experts