Heat Pumps are getting “Hotter”

A recent post on the Home Air Direct Blog indicates that the sales of Air-Source Heat Pumps in the US are growing at an accelerated rate amid the rising cost of energy fuels.  It also suggests that homeowners are taking control of their finances during these unstable economic times, by making improvements to their current home comfort systems in order to become more efficient and in turn, more “Green”.

Green is a multiple use term in this case, as many who make these upgrades are not only being “Green” by the very nature of reducing the use of non-renewable resources by becoming more energy efficient, but they are also being “Green” by increasing their financial efficiency as well.

You can view the entire article over on the Home Air Direct Blog, by clicking here.

Home Heating Oil Roller Coaster - Now What Do You Do?

Below is a reprint of an article from “The NEWS”. The weekly publication for HVAC contractors. I decided to reprint it because it does a great job of explaining the recent turbulence of the Heating Fuel Oil market as it relates to end users.

The bottom line though, is that of all the home heating fuels available (Gas, both Natural and LP, Electricity, and Fuel Oil), Fuel Oil is by far the most volatile recently and without a doubt, the most difficult in relation to making a change when the cost becomes unbearable for the budget.

Is there a solution? One possible answer, especially if the homeowner’s current equipment is getting age on it, is to change over to a more efficient Duel-Fuel or Hybrid home comfort system. The Duel-Fuel or Hybrid system incorporates the use of a high efficiency Gas Furnace and a high efficiency Heat Pump in combination. The Heat Pump starts as the primary source of heat, and operates the most efficient until outdoor temps drop into the upper 20s or low 30s. At this point, the Thermostat senses the outdoor temperature and creates a call for heat from the Gas Furnace. The two work in combination to maximize the utility costs.

As the article below explains the roller coaster effect that heating fuel oil has had on those that utilize this source of fuel, brings to mind a recent statement that I heard on the news. In comparison, the recent drop in gasoline prices has given to a concern that consumers and the government will become complacent about the need to seek new and more efficient sources of energy for our future. Read the story »

Mr. HVAC Contractor, “It’s the Economy Stupid”

The other day in an effort to practice what I preach, as well as to give the professional contractors a first opportunity, I requested a quote from a local HVAC contractor (who does not know me) to replace my current 12 SEER Air Conditioner with a new 14 SEER (R410a) Heat Pump System.  The fact is I can pick up the phone and call a couple of contractors that will be happy to do my install for time and material, but I feel that I owe it to the all-inclusive contractor to at least see if he is within a reasonable range.This turned out to be an interesting test.  Let’s face it, I report the stories of others and from time to time, it is a good idea for me to wade into the pool to get a dose of reality myself.When Mr. High Profile contractor came to my home, I explained that I am wanting to make a change and then proceeded to explain to him that with economy as tight as it is, I really wanted to do this on a very tight budget.  He understood and started measuring my home and existing ductwork.  He told me that he needed to ask me some questions to determine my “True Need”.  I knew what was coming and played along.  He first launched into the “What is important to you” questions.  I always find that one funny, because, let’s face it, Comfort, Reliability, Value, Personal Health, really, which one of those are you going to say NO to?  The point of his quiz is to get me in the habit of saying “Yes”.  It is a sales trick as old as the hills. Read the story »