The Equipment
Existing Buildings New Construction Training

Fuel Type

There are a variety of fuel sources availabe when it comes to heating your home. Electricity, Natural Gas, Propane, Oil, Solar, and bio-mass (wood or pellets) are all available in our region. Each of these fuel sources has its pro's and con's. Here are a few things to weigh-out when considering your options:

  • Operational cost and equipment efficiencies
  • Fuel price stability
  • Environmental pollution
  • Delivery method (tanks, electric lines, etc.)
  • Labor requirements (i.e. chopping wood)

Equipment Capacity

Is the system sized correctly based on the needs of the building? If the system is too small, you won't be comfortable. If the system is too large, well... you still may not be comfortable. Large systems also cost more money to operate and require that MORE air be circulated through the ductwork and the house to deliver the btu's.

Common symptoms of oversized & poorly performing systems:

  • Poor humidity control
  • Dry winter air
  • Higher operating costs
  • Noisy - high airflow
  • No fresh air introduction
  • Increased maintenance requirements
  • Higher upfront cost
  • Shortened equipment life
  • Poor filtration
  • Draftiness - high airflow

 

System Efficiency

All HVAC equipment has had its efficiency "rated" or measured in the laboratory. Generally speaking, more efficienct machinery costs more upfront but consumes less fuel while operating. The decision one is typically faced with is to spend money now (on more efficient equipment) or later (on larger utility bills).

Efficiency labels are specific to the type of appliance. Here's the basic breakdown:

  • Heat pumps and air-conditioners (air-to-air): This is the common heat pump that you're used to seeing. The heating efficiency is rated as "HSPF" (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) while the cooling efficiency is rated as "SEER" (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). Common SEER ratings between 13-19 and HSPF ratings up to ~10.5 HSPF.
  • Gas furnaces and boilers: AFUE rating (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency) - commonly seen as high as 95%
  • Ground-source heat pumps: EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio) - commonly seen between 14-30 EER

What we notice is that INSTALLATION plays a huge role in how efficiently the system actually operates (Graph at RIGHT), along with how well the distribution-system is functioning. With existing systems, these installation and distribution problems should be addressed before upgrading the unit itself. It won't matter how efficient the unit is if the rest of the details aren't working properly.