Bryant
Furnaces
Heating
and air conditioning systems are the biggest users of energy in the home,
up to 75% of the utility bill. A new high efficiency furnace can save up
to 50% in operating costs over a ten year old furnace. Many 1990 and
earlier model furnaces have efficiencies of 65% or less. The minimum
efficiency furnace that can be sold in the United States today is 78%.
Furnaces are available that are up to 94% efficient.
Air Conditioners
Air conditioners may look
similar, but check the SEER ratings. Higher SEER numbers save more
money. A 13 SEER rated air conditioner uses 23% less energy then a
10 SEER unit. 13 SEER will be
the minimum efficiency standard by 2006.
Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are rated in SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) and
HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor). SEER
and HSPF ratings are like Miles per Gallon rating of automobiles. Higher
SEER and HSPF ratings mean greater energy savings.
Fan Coils
The fan coil is the indoor component of a
heat pump system. It includes the fan and the heating/cooling coil. The
fan coil is designed for a particular refrigerant, so it must match with
the heat pump. A variable speed fan coil can improve comfort with improved
humidity control and warmer heating temperatures, and save energy in
cooling.
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
Today's homeowners are realizing that keeping a home comfortable is
about more than just temperature control. The quality of the air you
breathe is too important an issue to ignore! Learn how to control the
humidity in your home, and how to keep your indoor air clean and fresh.
