Ongoing Costs of Operation Are Just As Important as the Upfront Costs of Purchase and Installation

Buying a new home heating system is an important investment. The right heating system for your home will not only keep you and your family warm and safe, it will also run smoothly with minimal problems. It could significantly lower your monthly heating costs, and it can even enhance the value of your home. And, since this is an investment you’ll probably live with for years to come, you’ll want to invest wisely.

When shopping for a new heating system, you need to compare not only the initial cost to buy and install the system, but also how much it will cost you, on average, to operate your system.

Make sure you know the energy efficiency of the heating system you are getting. Older, conventional furnaces or boilers can often have an energy efficiency lower than 65%. Today’s more efficient heating systems have efficiency ratings that range from 78% to 97% for forced air systems and 80% to 95% for hot water systems. That’s why upgrading to a new, more efficient heating system has the potential for reducing your monthly heating bills by 20-40%.

The extra money you spend for a high-efficiency heater or heating system will pay you back in energy savings in a relatively short time. For example, suppose you are choosing between a heating system with an efficiency rating of 78% and one with a rating of 93%. The higher-efficiency heating system will cost $500 more, but will probably save you, on average, about $137 each year in operating costs. So you will recover the $500 additional upfront cost in less than five years. That's a big saving.

If you are not planning to stay in the home long enough to reach the payback point, you may wish to choose a lower-priced heating system. But remember, a high-efficiency heating system can be a good selling point when it comes time to sell your home.

Our Recommendation: Schedule a FREE In-Home Comfort Analysis from Horizon Services. One of our experienced Comfort Consultants will come to your home, study your house from top to bottom, get a sense of your heating requirements, then give you a complete report with recommendations on a heating system that is just right for your situation, as well as assist you in determining how much you can actually expect to save in monthly heating costs by upgrading to a more efficient heating system.

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The Energy Star Label Takes The Guesswork Out of Shopping for Energy Efficient Heating & Cooling Equipment!

With so much emphasis on improving energy-efficiency, minimizing utility bills and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, the Energy Star seal has come to the forefront of the environmentally (and fiscally) responsible homeownership movement. But what exactly is the Energy Star program and how does a product receive the Energy Star endorsement?


What is Energy Star?

Energy Star is a program sponsored by the federal government that tests, reviews, and certifies major home appliances, equipment and entertainment devices for energy efficiency -- including HVAC equipment such as furnaces and air conditioners. The main goals of the Energy Star program are to help consumers save money on utility costs and to reduce our impact on the environment.

The Energy Star program was established to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions and pollutants released when fossil fuels are burned to produce energy. The Energy Star program is also aimed to make it easier for consumers to shop for and purchase products that are better for the environment without sacrificing quality, performance, and state-of-the-art features.


How Does the EPA Determine a Product’s Energy Star Eligibility?

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets forth Energy Star efficiency standards and grants the label to products that meet these requirements. The EPA has developed the Energy Star specifications based on a set of key principles:

• Product categories must contribute substantial energy savings in most areas of the country.
• Products must deliver both features and performance customers want, as well as demonstrated energy efficiency.
• If the product is more expensive than comparable, less efficient models, buyers must be able to recoup the initial investment in energy efficiency through savings on utility bills in a reasonable length of time.
• Energy efficiency is achieved through readily available, non-proprietary technology offered by an array of manufacturers.
• The energy consumption and performance of the product must be able to be measured and confirmed with testing.
• Affixing the Energy Star label would effectively set products apart and make them more visible to consumers.

Does the EPA Ever Revise Energy Star Requirements?

Usually, when the market share of Energy Star rated products in a particular category -- such as refrigerators, televisions, or dishwashers -- reaches 50 percent or more, the EPA will consider revising standards in that category. Such market saturation indicates that manufacturers are easily able to comply with Energy Star specifications and that perhaps the requirements are not as stringent as they could be. This will usually prompt the EPA to take a closer look at categorical qualifications and make changes if necessary.

Some other factors that may impact a decision to revisit Energy Star specifications include:

• Adjustments in the federal government’s minimum standards for energy efficiency
• Technological advances in energy efficiency that would result in even greater energy savings if Energy Star ratings were changed
• Availability of products
• Substantial problems with consumers’ expected energy savings or inconsistencies with promised savings
• Quality or performance issues
• Problems with research or testing procedures
  

How Reliable are Energy Star Ratings?

Because the EPA reviews Energy Star specifications frequently, you can trust that purchasing an Energy Star rated appliance or other device ensures that you’re getting an efficient, money-saving product. The next time you’re in the market for an electronic device, shop the Energy Star label and you may be pleasantly surprised by your next utility bill.

This is especially true with HVAC (Heating, Ventiliating and Cooling) equipment. Today's heating and air conditioning systems are much, much more energy efficient than those made just 10 years ago. When you purchase and install heating and air conditioning equipment that carry the Energy Star seal, you can be confident that they not only meet but exceed the government's requirements and recommendations for energy efficiency ratings.

Horizon Services is proud to sell and install only Energy Star rated heating and cooling equipment furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, boilers and water heaters. Contact Horizon Services today to discuss Energy Star rated equipment from many of the industry's most trusted HVAC manufacturers including: Lennox, Trane, Rheem, York, Comfortmaker, Janitrol, American Standard, Carrier and Bryant.


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• Green Your Home...Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

According to HVAC (Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning) industry data, the average American homeowner spends approximately $1300 a year on heating and cooling bills. While green overhauls are all the rage in the home improvement and construction industry, it’s not necessary to gut your home’s existing heating and cooling system. There are many ways to make your home more energy efficient without breaking the bank. Making a few simple changes and taking the time to maintain your current HVAC system can result in hundreds or thousands of dollars saved on utilities.

One of the best ways to ensure your home’s energy-efficiency is to choose Energy Star appliances. These machines have been certified by the government’s Energy Star program, which assures they meet high standards of efficiency and reliability. If you’re in the market for a new refrigerator, air conditioner, television, microwave, or other major appliance, look for the Energy Star label to guarantee you’re getting the most efficient device with a low operating cost.

Maintenance is the best way to prevent undue wear and tear on your home’s heating and cooling system. Not only will regular maintenance keep your HVAC system running at optimum performance, but it will detect problems or malfunctions before they become major issues.

To keep your HVAC system running as it should, follow these basic tips:

Be Heat Vigilant and Observant This Fall and Winter!

We tend to take our hot water and home heating for granted, but when something goes wrong with our home heating systems, we can easily go into panic mode. The professionals need to be contacted in some cases, but for a lot of smaller matters it’s possible with a few basic tools and some elementary knowledge of how the system works to fix the problem ourselves and save time as well as money. Here are the some of the things you need to be aware of and be prepared for before and during heating season.

The main components of any home heating system are the heat source, the system for distributing the heat and finally the thermostat which controls the temperature. A breakdown of any of these three will seriously interfere with your comfort and convenience.

A simple loss of power may be the cause of a failure in the furnace or boiler which supplies the heat in the first place. The fuel needed by the unit for it to work may not be reaching it. Even if it is reaching it, ignition may be the problem in the case of gas or oil. Or everything may be fine with the heat source but the heat itself is not reaching its destination, which would point to a problem either with the blower that gets the heat from the source or else the distribution system that carries it around the house. A fault in the thermostat will cause the unit not to switch itself off and on as it should in the heating cycle to control the level of heat in the house. So isolating the problem is the first step to solving it.

First off, check the power source for any blown fuses, and then try resetting the furnace or boiler using the reset button near the motor. The thermostat may not be set to the proper adjustment, so try raising or lowering it to see whether the unit will then activate. Check whether the pilot light is lit and that the gas supply is on, or in the case of oil that there is an adequate supply of it.

With gas heating systems you need to be especially careful, as the air quality is a major factor when these are replaced or undergo maintenance. By-products from the combustion process can damage your health, and ensuring that the chimney is unblocked and that there is proper ventilation for the gas heating system can help ensure no leakage of these harmful products into the home environment.

Keep an eye on the vent connection pipe and the condition of your chimney, as there is inevitable deterioration as time passes and repairs can be costly. In the case of the boiler or furnace, check the control settings for their provision of optimal temperature and water levels, and check for any cracks in the combustion chamber. Clean the blower and remove any debris such as soot that may have accumulated.

Just making a few regular checks to your boiler or furnace, and the distribution system of vents or pipes, will help maintain their condition and ensure a longer effective life.


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Some Key Points About Heating To Keep In Mind Before Winter Arrives

Generally speaking, most people usually don’t have major troubles with their home heating systems. But as Murphy’s Law states, “anything that can go wrong, will go wrong.” And with home heating systems, that is usually in the middle of winter...and at a time when you least expect it or that is inopportune.

Preparation and prevention are the best ways to deal with Murphy and his law. The autumn months are always a good time to familiarize yourself with the essential workings of your home heating system. Before grief strikes and you experience a heating system breakdown, take some time to review your system’s manuals and paperwork for proper operational instructions as well as simple adjustments that you can make yourself. Also, take some time to visit the manufacturer’s website; it’s always a great place to pick up a few tips on both operation and maintenance so the worst is less likely to happen.



Nothing Beats a Pre-Season Tune Up

During the year, your heating system accumulates dust and dirt, making it less efficient and costing you additional money in utility bills. The vast majority of heating service calls and repairs are caused by lack of regular heating system tune-ups and maintenance.

A pre-season tune-up, inspection and cleaning of your heating system is an easy way to prevent costly furnace and heating system breakdowns BEFORE they occur and to assure that your heating system is performing at peak efficiency throughout the winter. Without a doubt, it’s the smartest thing you can do to guarantee a warm, worry-free, energy-efficient home during those cold winter months. You wouldn’t think twice about giving your car a tune-up before a long trip; doesn’t it make similar sense to give your heating system a tune-up before the long winter ahead?



Use All Your Senses

Energy efficiency in home heating systems is a natural result of good maintenance, and regardless of your system type there are certain general rules which, if observed, can save you time and expense in the long run. Now’s a good time to stop, look, listen and feel; give your heating system a complete inspection using sight, sound and touch to see if something is out of place or if something odd is going on.

In terms of maintenance, there are a number of factors to bear in mind when seeking to keep your home heating system in good working order. Regardless of the system, always keep an eye on the condition of the chimney and the vent connection pipe. Problems with the chimney can be a real pain and expensive to sort out. The heat exchangers in boilers leak water, which is pretty easy to pinpoint. With furnaces it is a bit more serious as combustion gases will be mixing with air in the house, and this is why it’s especially important to have furnaces regularly inspected for leaks.

Make sure that the controls are always set appropriately to provide the recommended air and water temperatures. This will assure that you are not putting unnecessary stress on your heating system, as well as maximize your energy efficiency and comfort.. Consult the manual if in doubt.

Air quality is also an important factor in connection with home heating systems. Unintended air leaks in many homes provide some of the combustion air for the heating system, and a number of the combustion by-products can be harmful to health. Making sure that the chimney is properly cleared and maintained -- and that the system is adequately ventilated -- will reduce these risks. Purchasing a sealed-combustion unit is often recommended for safety and optimal efficiency.

If you have one of the old horizontal, plastic venting systems this should be replaced with a steel vent pipe, as all horizontal venting was recently recalled due to risks of gas leaking into the domestic air.



Upgrading Your Home Heating System

Autumn is also a great time to upgrade from an old heating system to a more modern, energy-efficient heating system. Nothing provides more peace of mind than going into the winter season with a factory fresh heater!

Furnaces and boilers are the main heat sources for homes in the United States. Furnaces distribute hot air through ducts, whereas boilers use hot water through pipes. The efficiency rating of both is measured in AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency).

Older furnaces and boilers can be upgraded for increased efficiency, although it may work out cheaper to get a new one. Fuel bills can be reduced by installing one of the modern systems which typically have energy ratings of around 97%. A heating contractor can recommend the type of furnace or boiler you’ll need after you optimised your home’s energy efficiency. Choose a unit of the appropriate size for your needs, and go for a sealed-combustion model which is more efficient.

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What's Old is New Again in Home Heating!

While home heating technologies and efficiencies have advanced significantly in recent years, many homeowners these days are taking a more retro approach to home heating and installing wood burning furnaces in their homes.

Wood burning furnaces have been around just about as long as the United States. Benjamin Franklin built his first Franklin Stove -- the world's first practical home heating system -- back in 1742, and for over a century, it set the standard for home heating until the advent of coal, oil and other heating fuels.

Whether you’re concerned about the impact of fossil fuel consumption on the environment or are just tired of being subjected to the high cost of home fuel, wood burning furnaces are an attractive alternative to traditional home heating sources.

There are plenty of reasons why folks are turning to yesteryear to heat their homes today. Wood is a biomass fuel, which means that burning it doesn’t increase carbon dioxide in the atmosphere nor contribute to greenhouse emissions. Wood is also a renewable resource, which means that wood harvested responsibly can last forever.

Purchasing wood for fuel also gives you greater control over your heating costs—you can choose to buy local, buy only as much as you need, and even save as much as 25 percent on your heating bill. Wood burning furnaces can hey certainly can add a charming, traditional touch to your home decor.


Types of Wood Furnaces

Even though a wood burning furnace may seem somewhat out-of-date in the 21st Century, today's wood-burning furnaces actually employ some interesting and modern technologies and features.

• Central Wood Furnace: Installed inside your home, usually in the basement or garage, this type of wood-burning furnace uses forced air or hot water to distribute heat throughout your home.


• Outdoor Wood Furnace: Usually set in a shed or enclosure outside the home, outdoor wood furnaces are effective within 50 to 150 feet of your house. The furnace is surrounded by a water tank; water is heated by the furnace and then pumped into the house through insulated pipes underground. The heat from the water radiates throughout your home. These are safer than some other models, as the fire is outside the house.


• Multi-Fuel Furnace: These models can be installed either inside or outside the home, and are capable of burning several types of fuel including wood, gas, oil, or coal. These are popular because of their flexibility, allowing owners to use wood as a primary fuel source with the option of using another kind of fuel as a backup alternative.

Each of these types of wood furnace is controlled by a thermostat, just like more traditional heat systems. When the interior temperature of the house reaches the set level, a damper on the wood furnace closes and causes the fire in the furnace to smolder. If the temperature inside the house drops, the damper opens and the fire is stoked again.


Installing a Wood Furnace

Most wood-burning furnaces can use the existing pipes and ductwork in your house, so converting from another type of heating system is generally easy. It is important to work with a professional to help you match the furnace to the square footage of your home. Your contractor will calculate the size of the blower and BTU output that’s appropriate for your home, as well as determine the air filter, humidifier, and blower mechanism that best fits your system.

Before you decide that a wood furnace is right for you, make sure you have ample access to a reliable, responsibly harvested wood supply. Most wood furnaces average about five to 10 cords of wood a year, but that amount can be higher if you live in a colder climate.

While some consumers still associate wood-burning appliances with increased fire risk, but industry and government safety regulations have made wood furnaces safer than ever. In fact, since many of these measures went into effect nearly thirty years ago, wood burning furnaces are now just as safe as any other type of home heating system.


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When if Comes to Home Heating, The Right Relationship is Everything!

Heating season is now upon us, and that means the inevitable need for heating system maintenance or repairs. Most homeowners are capable of handling the most basic heating system maintenance tasks: changing disposable filters, washing electrostatic filters, lighting or relighting the pilot light. But when it comes to more complex heating repairs or furnace tune-ups, the sheer complexity of most heating systems makes them inaccessible to even the handiest do-it-yourselfer. So it pays to have a reputable heating repair professional that you know well and can trust on-call to handle both common repairs and emergencies.

The following is a list of reasons why developing a relationship with an experienced heating repair technician is good common sense.

Stay on Top of Heating Repairs:
Your home’s heating system is only as good as its equipment. It is important to give these systems plenty of attention to help keep them functioning properly. A heating professional can inspect your heating system to prevent future issues, make sure your furnace or heater is up to code, make repairs, replace old parts, and recommend updates. These kinds of regular check-ups are especially important if your HVAC system or furnace is older, as some parts or components may be out of date or not up to current standards.

Never Too Much:
The average American takes their car in for service 4-5 time per year. Since you probably spend more time in your home, don't you think it needs at least half as much professional maintenance? Don’t worry if you see your heating repair professional at least two or three times a year; that's average for most homeowners. Having your heating system inspected and cleaned frequently can translate into significant savings on your utility bills, your safety, and your schedule.

You’ll Save Money:
Replacing your entire heating system can be very costly. And the number one reason that heaters and furnaces break down is because of neglect or deterioration. To help you avoid the expense of buying a new heating system or incurring a major heating repair, have a heating professional come to your home to inspect and clean your existing unit several times a year. You’ll actually end up saving money in the long run.

You’ll Save Time:
You don’t have the time to learn everything there is to know about heater or furnace maintenance, but a qualified technician does. Having a number you can call when your heating system breaks down means you can spend more time enjoying your life. To save even more time, do a heating system test run during the mid to late fall. Because winter is the busiest time for any repair professional, it helps to have an idea of your problem before you call.

You’ll Save Your Health:
Hiring a heating contractor to come inspect your property a few times a year helps guard against potential safety hazards like leaks, allergens, fire, and carbon monoxide poison. This can ultimately improve not only the health of your heating system but the health of your household, too.

Familiarity Breeds Success:
Every heating system is different. Heaters and furnaces have their own peculiarities. Do you want to waste time and money with a heating repairman who has little or no experience with your type of heating system or who has to learn on the job and familiarize himself with the workings of your heating unit? It pays to have a heating repairman who already knows your heating system inside and out and is familiar with your particular heating unit's performance and repair history.

How to Find a Heating Repair Professional You Can Trust

This is not something to take lightly. Choose a heating repair professional as carefully as you would choose a new doctor or dentist. Ask around to friends, family, local companies, or the Better Business Bureau to compile a list of trusted, quality heating contractors. Heater and furnace emergencies are no joke, and you want to be sure the heating professional you have on call is the best person for the job.

If you live in Delaware, Pennsylvania or Maryland, you can't go wrong by choosing Horizon Services for your heating service needs. Our heating technicians provide a level of quality and professionalism that is unequaled in the industry. Friendly, accountable, experienced technicians with a personal touch. It's a relationship that you'll treasure for years.


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Energy Efficient Home Improvements Can Help Your Bottom Line at Tax Time!

As you probably know, the Federal Government has been offering tax credits up to $1,500 for homeowners who make energy-efficient improvements to their homes -- everything from installing energy-efficient heating and air conditioning systems to new water heaters to new windows, doors and roofs. Not only are these incentives a great way to save cash now and in the future, they're stimulative to the economy and help improve our environment.

But there are some things about these tax breaks you probably don't know. For one thing, the $1,500 tax credit is currently set to expire on December 31, 2010--and that deadline is rapidly approaching. Some people think that means they only need to purchase a new energy-efficient improvement by that date to get the tax credit. NOPE. In order to get the tax credit, you not only need to make the purchase, but you need to have it INSTALLED by December 31, 2010. So if you've been thinking of investing in a new energy-efficient heating system, air conditioning system, hot water heater or any green home improvement, TIME IS REALLY RUNNING OUT. Act now!

Another little known fact is that for higher-end renewable energy sources like solar or geothermal power, you can claim a tax credit of up to 30% of your cost. Since these alternative systems are usually much more expensive to install, these credits can seriously offset your costs. Furthermore, this high-end credit can be used toward the Alternative Minimum Tax liability and unused credits can be carried over to the next tax year.

Naturally, not every heater, air conditioner or other piece of equipment qualifies for the $1,500 tax credit and other green tax breaks; there are restrictions. So before you buy, make sure you have all the facts. You can find a complete list of all the federal green tax credits as well as full details and qualifications for each at http://www.energytaxincentives.org/.



Green Tax Breaks in YOUR State

In addition, most states now offer their own green tax credits on top of the federal program. Unfortunately, the current economic climate has dramatically affected many state green programs. Because, unlike the federal government, states are not allowed to operate with a budget deficit, many states are having to make spending cuts that are likely to impact or even eliminate state tax credits altogether. This has made several state programs very selective about when and how credits are offered.

If your state does offer a generous green tax break, be sure to do your homework to make sure you’ll qualify before undertaking a big project. Some states, like New York and California, limit green credits based on project completion dates and other qualifying criteria.

A comprehensive list of green tax credits organized by state is available at http://www.dsireusa.org/.



Additional Considerations About Green Tax Breaks:

Don’t assume anything. Not all green improvements are subjected to federal or state tax breaks and there are certain qualifications—like purchasing approved equipment or using a certified contractor—that have to be met. Get all the facts before you begin a project.

Many green tax credits are available only to contractors, not homeowners or do-it-yourselfers. Talk to a trusted professional about your options and shop around to find someone willing to pass along their tax break to you in the form of lower costs.

Get out your calculator and figure how state and federal credits will work together to impact your project’s bottom line. A renovation that seems completely out of reach for your budget may cost significantly less when you combine both state and federal incentives. On the other hand, you may not be getting as much of a break as you think if your project only qualifies for one and not the other.



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A Little Preventive Medicine for Your Heating and Air Conditioning System Can Go a Long Way!

As summer is coming to an end and winter's cold weather is just around the corner, you'll definitely want to make sure your home’s heating system is functioning properly for the winter ahead...and that your air conditioner has successfully survived the long, hot summer without any damage or problems. The following checklist can help you decide if you need to make some improvements, replace equipment, or consult a professional about more extensive repairs.

If your heater, heat pump or air conditioner is more than 10 years old, consider replacing it with an Energy Star rated system. When installed by an expert, these units will improve your home’s energy efficiency and can help you save up to 20% on your utility bills.

If your furnace or boiler is more than 15 years old, you may want to research Energy Star certified units. These newer systems are almost 15% more energy efficient than older furnaces, while an Energy Star boiler is about 5% more efficient than an older model.

If you’ve noticed a dramatic increase in the number of times you have to call in a professional to repair your heating and cooling system, or your utility bills keep rising no matter what you try to do to save energy, your current system is not working as efficiently as it should and it may be time to replace your unit.

If you notice that certain rooms in your house are always too hot or too cold, your heating or cooling system may be malfunctioning or your ductwork or insulation could need some attention.

If you spend the better part of the day away from home and you don’t have a programmable thermostat, you could be wasting energy—and money. An Energy Star certified programmable thermostat lets you control the temperature of your home when you’re not there, saving energy and money.

If you notice condensation on windows and sills or the humidity in your home is never quite right, your system could need work and an overhaul. Leaky ducts can also make your home too humid in summer and overly dry in winter.

If you find it nearly impossible to keep up with the dust inside your home, it could mean that your ductwork is leaking. Improperly sealed ducts pull air and dust particles from attics, basements and crawl spaces, circulating them throughout your home.

If your heating or cooling system makes a lot of noise, your ducts could be too small or one of the key components of your system could be malfunctioning.

Use the Home Energy Yardstick found on the EPA's Energy Star website to determine your home’s energy health. To complete the survey, you’ll need to gather your utility bills from the last 12 months or request a 12-month summary of charges from your energy provider, information about your home’s energy sources—natural gas, oil, electricity, propane, kerosene—and the total square footage of your home. Simply enter this information in the right places and let the yardstick calculate your home’s energy efficiency rating. If you score lower than five, your home is using more energy than average and you are likely paying more than you have to on your utility bills.

Finally, it's always a great idea to give your heating and air conditioning system a tune-up and cleaning before the start of the summer or winter season. A tune-up will make sure that your heater or air conditioner starts the season in optimal working condition and will operate at peak energy-efficiency. It will also extend the life of your heating and air conditioning system and is your best assurance that your heater or air conditioner won't break down at an inopportune time -- like right in the middle of a heatwave or cold snap!



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Selecting the RIGHT Heating and Cooling Equipment and Systems for Maximum Energy Efficiency!

If you’ve done all you can to improve the energy and cost efficiency of your home’s current HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Cooling) system, but nothing seems to work, it may be time for an upgrade. If your system is more than 15 years old, it’s probably time to replace it with a newer, more efficient model. Today's state-of-the-art HVAC systems offer far superior heating and cooling performance and cost much less to operate than the heaters and air conditioners of 10, 20 and 30 years ago.

Before you commit to such a significant investment in your home, make sure you understand the different types of HVAC systems out there and do your research to find the one that’s right for your home.

• Furnaces: Furnaces are probably the most common type of residential heating system. Most furnaces are gas-powered, but they can run on oil, propane, or electricity. Heat is delivered to the different areas of the home through a series of ducts, vents, and registers. Energy-efficient furnaces usually use blower motors—either electronically commutated motors or some other type of air circulating fan.

• Boilers: A boiler produces heat by burning propane, oil, or gas to heat steam or water. The hot water then circulates through pipes in baseboards, radiators, or radiant heat flooring instead of ducts. Energy Star rated boilers have several features that help improve their energy efficiency including electronic ignition switches (which eliminates the need of a constantly-burning pilot light), and other features that extract a greater amount of heat by using the same amount of fuel.

• Central Air Conditioners: Most residential air conditioning systems are split systems: There is an outdoor unit that houses a condenser and compressor, and an indoor component that has an evaporator coil. Both of these components must be replaced at the same time, or you’ll end up with low efficiency and possible system failure. There are two measurements most commonly used to determine efficiency. Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) measures how efficiently an air conditioner will operate through an entire season; Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) measures how efficiently a system will operate when the outdoor temperature is 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Some experts recommend replacing your furnace at the same time as your air conditioning system, as they both use the same blower motor and ductwork.

• Heat Pumps: Heat pumps produce both warm and cool air in a single integrated unit. Two types to consider:
  
  Electric air-source heat pumps (ASHPs) are often used in moderate climate regions, and take the difference between outdoor air and indoor air temperatures to determine appropriate levels of heating and cooling inside the home. ASHPs have higher SEER and EER ratings than other models, and rank higher on the Heating and Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF), which measures overall heating efficiency.
  
  Geothermal heat pumps (GHPs) use natural heat from the ground to warm the air inside your home. Because GHPs use a completely natural heat source, they are the most efficient heating system available. The initial cost of these systems can be significantly higher than that of other units, but the savings they produce on energy costs is substantial. Most units pay for themselves in less than a year. GHPs require ducts and are most often installed in new residential construction.

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Installing a programmable thermostat is a simple way to improve the energy efficiency of your existing heating and cooling system. If you are away from your home for long periods of the day, a programmable thermostat allows you to set the temperature so that you’ll save energy during the times when your house in unoccupied but still be comfortable when you return home each day. By properly setting a programmable thermostat, you can save nearly $200 a year on energy costs.

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When purchasing a furnace, heat pump or air conditioner, ALWAYS ask about its Efficiency Ratings. They will tell you will tell you how efficiently your heating and cooling equipment uses fuel (gas, oil or electricity). These ratings and standards are determined by the Environmental Protection Agency and other government and industry authorities, and all new heating and cooling sold today must meet certain efficiency rating minimums.

The most-frequently used efficiency ratings are:

• SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio): This ratio tells you the amount of cooling your system will deliver per dollar spent on electricity The SEER rating of any unit can range anywhere from 13 to 17. The higher the SEER the more efficient the system will be and the less it will cost in the long run to own and operate.
  
• HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor): Similar to SEER,it is a measurement of efficiency of the heating portion of a heat pump. HSPF ratings range from 6.8 to 10; high-efficiency units have efficiencies of 7.5 HSPF or above.
  
• AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency ratio): A measurement of the percent of heat produced by a furnace for every dollar of fuel consumed. The higher the AFUE rating, the lower the fuel costs. All furnaces manufactured today must meet at least 78%. Older furnaces (10 – 15 years or older) may fall below this minimum. Furnaces with AFUE ratings from 78% to 80% are considered mid-efficiency; ones with AFUE ratings above 90% are considered high-efficiency.
  
• MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value): Not a former talk show host. MERV is a filter rating system relating to the size of the holes in the filter that allow air to pass through. The higher the MERV rating, the smaller the holes and the higher the efficiency in capturing contaminants. MERV rating range from a low of 1 to a high of 16.
  
• ENERGY STAR: An Environmental Protection Agency designation attached to HVAC products that meet or exceed guidelines for high-efficiency performance above the standard government minimums.

If you have a furnace, air conditioner or heat pump that's 15 years or older, there's a good chance that it falls below the recommended ratings. If so, the chances are even higher that you're using too much energy and paying too much on your utility bills. You may want to consider upgrading to a more modern heating and cooling system that meets or exceeds today's recommended energy efficiency ratings and standards.



Look For The Label

When shopping for new HVAC equipment or any electrical appliance, look for the EnergyGuide label, which should come with the equipment's paperwork or be posted on the appliance at retail stores. The EnergyGuide will help you compare the energy use and efficiency of a particular model relative to other available models with the appropriate ratings listed above.

The federal government requires manufacturers to affix the label to the following products:

• Furnaces
• Boilers
• Central air conditioners
• Room air conditioners
• Heat pumps
• Water heaters
• Pool heaters
• Refrigerators and Freezers
• Dishwashers
• Clothes Washers and Dryers

ENERGY STAR-qualified models will have the ENERGY STAR mark on the label or somewhere on the appliance.

More About Efficiency Ratings...

• SEER, AFUE and HSPF Ratings Explained

Buying and installing new home heating system is an extremely important investment. The proper heating system for your home will not only keep you and your family warm and safe, it will also run smoothly with minimal problems. It could significantly reduce your monthly heating costs, and it can even enhance the value of your home. And, since investing in a new heating system is a decision you will have to live with for many years, you’ll want to put a lot of thought and legwork into your decision and choose wisely.

Here are six basic rules, concepts and considerations to guide you in the process of shopping for and choosing the right heating system for your home and family.

1. BIGGER IS NOT BETTER.

In order to get the most heat and most efficiency, you should invest in the biggest heating system possible, right? WRONG! One of the most common and most costly mistakes customers make when buying a new heating system is getting one that is too big for their home. For most people, an oversized heating system will cost you more to purchase and to operate...not to mention leave you less comfortable.

If your heating system is over-sized, it will overheat quickly, cool down, then overheat again. Your house will cycle between feeling too warm and feeling too cool. This wastes energy, increases your heating bill and results in a home that is less comfortable. Plus, it increases the wear and tear on your heating equipment and shortens its life.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, nearly half of all existing heating systems sold are over-sized, and this results in 20% wasted energy each year! How does this happen? Many heating contractors simply replace an old heating system with one of the same size or larger. Or they’ll make a rough, ballpark guess on how large the system should be based on the square footage of your house. Or they'll simply go along with the homeowner who unknowingly asks for a bigger system, thinking that “bigger is better”...even though the contractor knows otherwise.

Rule #1...don’t buy an oversized heating system just because you want to make sure your home is warm. Choose a heating contractor who will take the time to help you determine the heating system that best fits your size and style of house to keep the home at a nice even, comfortable temperature, with the most efficient effort, the least waste of energy and the least wear and tear on equipment.

2. SMALLER AND CHEAPER IS NOT BETTER.

Another common mistake is to buy a new heating system that is too small to keep your home warm and comfortable. There are two reasons why this happens.

One reason is because a heating contractor may recommend a smaller, less expensive heating system so that he can underbid everyone else and get your business. He’ll look like a hero, because his price will be so much lower...but you'll be left shivering on cold winter days.

Another reason may have to do with improperly sized and installed air duct and forced-air systems. The National Comfort Institute says that as many as one-third of the nation's air duct systems are improperly sized and installed, and many return air systems are undersized by up to 30-50%! If you’re air ducts are too small, your furnace will have to work harder to push the air through them and this results in equipment problems and system breakdowns.

Rule #2...make sure you buy a big enough heating system to keep your home warm and comfortable without straining your equipment.

3. DO YOUR HOMEWORK.

Any heating contractor you work with should study your home thoroughly before giving you a proposal. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends that you should only hire a heating contractor who asks questions; measures windows, doors, floors and ceilings; checks insulation; calculates system load,and fixes system problems that may compromise comfort and cost you money. More specifically, you should make never purchase a heating system from a contractor unles he first completes an analysis of your home and checks a list of factors that include:

• The size and style of your house
• How well insulated or airtight your home is
• How much useful sunlight comes in through the windows
• How much heat the lights and appliances give off
• The condition of ducts and pipes
• Your typical thermostat settings
• The number of occupants in the home

Your contractor should take all of these factors into account by doing a computer load calculation. This calculation helps the heating contractor determine how much heat the heating system must generate on the coldest days in order to keep you comfortable. The heating contractor should measure all rooms, check insulation, check windows and doors, and input all data into special industry software to calculate heat loss/gain.

In addition, your heating contractor should ask you a lot of probing questions, such as:

• Are there any drafty areas in the home?
• Do you have moisture problems?
• Do you have hot or cold rooms?
• Are you about to make any changes to your home?
• How have your heating bills been the last several months?
• Has anyone in the home been sick or had trouble breathing recently?

Finally, you heating contractor may perform tests to check for drafts and measure indoor air quality. These tests help determine exactly where and how your house might be leaking air, and what you can do about it. They should also check for carbon monoxide, dust, pollen, allergens and other invisible air emissions that can cause respiratory and other health problems. These tests will show you ways to make your home safer and more comfortable while lowering your monthly utility bills.

4. THE INSTALLATION EQUATION

How well your heating system is installed is as important as the quality of the system itself. Even with the right equipment, if your heating system is not installed properly, you could end up with higher energy costs and a less comfortable home.

According to industry data, about 65% of how well a heating system's performance is directly related to how well the heating system is designed, installed, and calibrated. Bad installation accounts for the loss of 30% to 50% of the heat in most homes. And over 66% of equipment failure is a result of poor installation and lack of proper maintenance.

When installing your new heating system, your heating contractor should make sure all the elements of your heating system are tuned and adjusted to work together properly. Your heating contractor should balance the airflow by making sure that the setting on the furnace fan is matched to the size and specs of your ductwork and furnace; this ensures that air flows smoothly and consistently through your home without annoying hot and cold spots.

Your heating contractor should also customize and calibrate the setup and operation of your new heating system so that it operates at peak performance and efficiency within the unique conditions of your home. After installing your heating system, your heating contractor should always tune your furnace or boiler and test for efficiency; this is very important because heating equipment which was tuned and adjusted at the factory is probably not attuned and adjusted to work in your home's environment.

5. KEEP AN EYE ON COSTS

The ongoing costs of operation of your heating system are as important as the upfront costs of purchase and installation. To determine which model is the best buy for your needs, you need to compare not only the initial cost to buy and install the system, but also how much it will cost you to operate your system. Your heating contractor or technicians can help you determining which make and model is the most cot-effective to operate andhelp your calculate how much your can expect to save in monthly heating costs by upgrading to a more efficient system.

Make sure you know the energy efficiency of the system you are purchasing. Older, conventional furnaces or boilers can often have an energy efficiency rating lower than 65%. Today’s more energy-efficient heating systems have efficiency ratings that range from 78% to 97% for forced air systems and 80% to 95% for hot water systems. Upgrading to a new, more efficient heating system has the potential for reducing your monthly heating bills by 20-40%.

The extra money you spend for a high-efficiency model will pay you back in energy savings in a relatively short time. For example, suppose you are choosing between a unit with an efficiency rating of 78% and one with a rating of 93%. The higher-efficiency system will cost $500 more, but will probably save you, on average, about $137 each year in operating costs. So you will recover the $500 additional upfront cost in less than five years. If you are not planning to stay in the home long enough to reach the payback point, you may wish to choose a lower-priced model. But remember...a high-efficiency heating system can be a good selling point when it comes time to sell your home.


6. THINK “OUTSIDE THE BOX”

Try to think about home heating as an integrated system rather than as pieces of equipment. Many heating contractors focus on getting the sale by pricing “boxes” (heating equipment only) instead of offering total heating solutions. But to get the heating system that is just right for your home, you have to realize that there is a lot more to your heating system than just a “box in the basement.”

When getting bids from companies, don’t just get a bid for installing a new furnace or boiler. You should also get bids on the cost of buying and installing a complete new system, including any fittings and adjustments required and any changes to the ductwork and piping, plus balancing and adjusting the whole system to work together. It may cost more to have everything done right, but the benefits and the payback are almost always well worth it. Remember: you are investing for the long term. The heating system you finally get will affect your comfort and your heating bills for years.

More From Horizon Services...

If you're thinking about installing a new heating system or replacing your existing heating system, Horizon Services help. Horizon comfort consultants and installation technicians follow all of the guidelines described above. A FREE In-Home Energy Analysis from Horizon is your first step in finding the right heating system for your home.

These days, many homeowners are exploring alternative heating sources as a means of heating their homes and reducing heating bills during the winter months. Pellet stoves, wood stoves, fireplaces and space heaters are among the many home heating solutions that have seen a resurgence in recent years -- both as primary and supplementary heating sources -- as homeowners try to do their parts to save on heating bills.

• Be sure that carbon monoxide detectors are installed in throughout your house


• Make sure that smoke and fire alarms are working properly


• Make sure that there is plenty of clearance bertween the stove and floors, walls and ceilings


• Keep combustible items such as books, newspapers, clothing and furniture far away from the heating source


• Make sure that your stove or heating source sits on a non-combustible, fire-resistant base


• Burn only dry-well-seasoned wood


• Dispose of ashes in a closed metal container outside of your home


• Regularly clean vents, flues and chimneys


• Check power cords frays, cracks and breakage


• Never let a fire burn unattended or overnight while you sleep


• Keep a fire extinguisher handy

Additional Information from Horizon Services:

• Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
• Heating Systems: Installation and Replacement

Now that October's here, you've probably started using your furnace at least for a few hours each day. Pretty soon, though, you know you're going to be running it much longer, maybe even all day. And if you're not careful, your heating bills can go through the roof.

Nearly half of all the energy used in American homes goes to powering heating and cooling systems; the annual cost of maintaining these systems is more than just about any other home utility. Residential HVAC units also emit millions of tons pollutants into the air, including carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. With so much at stake, both economically and environmentally, it makes sense to reconsider your home’s HVAC efficiency as the cold weather approaches.

Putting just a handful of these tips to work can save you hundreds in utility costs each year and will help reduce your carbon footprint.

• Clean or replace furnace and air filters regularly. Most filter manufacturers print a replacement schedule right on the packaging. It’s also a good idea to invest in a professional cleaning and tune-up once a year just to make sure everything is functioning as it should.



• Keep air registers, baseboard heaters, radiators and vents clean. Check for excessive dust or debris, and make sure heat outlets and returns aren’t blocked by carpeting, furniture or draperies.



• Use ventilation fans in kitchens and bathrooms only when absolutely necessary and just long enough to clear the air. It may seem like a small thing, but in just 60 minutes these fans can draw out an entire houseful of warmed air—along with your money.



• Close doors and turn the heat down—never off—in unoccupied rooms. This will lessen the load on the rest of the system significantly and can make a noticeable difference on your heating bill.



• Set your thermostat two or three degrees lower than normal. It may take some getting used to at first, but you can keep warm in the cozy new sweater you’ll be able to buy with the money you’ll save.



• Invest in a programmable thermostat and customize a heating schedule for your home. Set the thermostat lower when you know you’ll be out of the house for long periods of time, and then program it to kick on just before you return. The hour or two of chill you’ll have to put up with when you get home will be a minor nuisance when you see the eight hours’ worth of savings on your utility bill.



• Seal gaps under doors and in ductwork. Check ducts in attics, crawlspaces, unheated basements and garages for leaks or tears. Repair them using sealant or foil tape, then insulate. Use door stops to plug gaps under doors where drafts can sneak in. These simple steps can improve your heating system efficiency by more than 20%.



• Run heat-producing appliances during the warmest time of day. Dishwashers, dryers and ovens all give off heat. Using these devices at the right time can actually help heat your home and take the load off your heating system, saving you money.



• Consider purchasing an EnergyStar rated space heater. These units are great for supplementing the heat in a small area of your home, or to help keep infants, small children and the elderly comfortable without having to overheat your entire house.

Visit Horizon's Tips and Articles Library for More Useful Energy Efficiency Info!

This is the question we at Horizon Services hear more than any other around this time of year. As the temperatures begin to get cooler, you know you need to be prepared with a furnace that will get you through the winter ahead. Should you invest in a new furnace...or do you still have a few more years left in that existing furnace? Here are some important factors to consider:

Most HVAC experts will tell you that a good quality heating system should last at least 10-15 years. With proper maintenance, many systems will continue to work for 20 years or more, but energy efficiency becomes an important factor with units that old. If your furnace is more than 15 years old, you could be throwing money away on high utility costs.If you have an older furnace you should have it inspected by a licensed HVAC professional who can determine if there are any urgent issues that could lead to a system malfunction. Beyond that, think about the following if your furnace falls into the 15-25 year old range.

Could you increase your home’s fuel efficiency—and save money—by replacing the unit? The annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) is a measurement of how energy efficient appliances are over the course of a typical year of use. A higher AFUE percentage means a product is more fuel efficient and cheaper to operate over time. AFUE was first used in 1992, but you can still get a general sense of your furnace’s AFUE percentage if it is older than that. Low-efficiency furnaces have an AFUE between 68-72%. They use natural drafts to move combustion gases, have a continuously lit pilot and a heavy heat exchanger. Mid-efficiency furnaces have an AFUE of 80-83%. They use exhaust fans to control gas flow, have electronic ignition instead of a pilot light and are lighter and more compact. High efficiency units register an AFUE of 90-97% and use condensation to move heat more economically.

Could retrofitting your older furnace take care of major issues? Many systems can be upgraded with things like programmable thermostats, new ductwork or temperature zone controls. These improvements will spare you the expense of replacing the unit while increasing efficiency and lowering your utility bill.

Was your furnace converted from coal-burning to oil or gas? Ancient coal-burning furnaces that were switched to gas or oil burners are prime candidates for replacement as they are notoriously inefficient, and the cost of a new system will pay for itself in a relatively short period of time thanks to the increased fuel efficiency and lower operating expense. If you have a gas furnace with a pilot light—not an electric ignition—you could also save significantly by replacing the unit.

Is your unit an oil-burning furnace that is more than 22 years old? While most oil furnaces can be perfectly reliable and surprisingly efficient for many years, once these systems hit the 20 year mark their efficiency and dependability begin to decline. If total replacement is not in the cards, consider upgrading your unit with a newer standard efficiency flame retention head burner. This is a special fixture that mixes a fuel oil spray with the air needed to cause combustion and can increase your furnace’s AFUE to around 80%. The flame retention head provides a more controlled fuel/air mix and makes the burning process much more efficient.

If you're on the fence about replacing your furnace, Horizon Services recommends that you do at least one of the following:

• Schedule a Precision Tune-Up for Your Existing Furnace: A Horizon heating technician can perform this 21-point check in less than an hour. It's your best guarantee that your existing furnace will start the winter season in the best condition possible and get you through the cold months ahead. While performing your Precision Tune-Up, your Horizon heating technician can check to see if there are any broken or damaged parts and give you an accurate assessment of how much useful life your furnace still has.

• Schedule an In-Home Energy Analysis: Horizon Services can do this for you for FREE. One of our Comfort Consultants can come to your home to examine your existing furnace, measure your home and understand your family's heating needs and budget. Your Horizon Comfort Consultant will give you an honest appraisal of your existing heating system and show you multiple options for heating your home more efficiently and affordably.