Tuesday, 8 November 2016

Programmable Thermostats are Important for Us All


While programmable thermostats of the past were complex and frustrating to use, today’s models are user-friendly, easy-to-read and simple to program. Some thermostat models, such as Sensi, even create customized home climate programs based upon your comfort habits. Don’t put off installing a programmable thermostat, whether you opt for a do-it-yourself or professionally installed model. use prevents energy waste—and could help you save up to 30 percent on annual utilities.

Simple Steps to Energy Savings with Programmable Thermostats
Achieve significant energy and money savings that are possible through the proper use of your programmable thermostat. Learn how to:


For more information about HVAC performance, efficiency and safety, visit the ENERGY STAR™ website or CALL 519-903-6038 to schedule a home climate or indoor air quality consultation.

Friday, 28 October 2016

Your Furnace Explained: Part 2

By understanding some of the furnace basics, it can help keep some of that hard earned money in your wallet.

In Part 2 of Furnaces Explained, I'm going to talk about AFUE and BTUs. Though these two words might contort your face into the 'huh' look but these two words are important for every homeowner to know (and can help save $$$).

WHAT IS AFUE?
AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. 
This measures how efficiently your furnace can utilize it's fuel.
It is a ratio of useful energy output to energy input that is expressed in %. 

For example, a 80% AFUE for a gas furnace means it outputs 80 BTUs* of useful heating for every 100 BTUs of natural gas input (where the rest may be wasted heat in the exhaust).

*BTUs will be explained next, don't worry.

The more efficient your furnace, the more heat you will get per unit of fuel.

Believe the self pronounced "HVAC Expert" when I say, AFUE Matters!




SIZE & EFFICIENCY, WHY IT MATTERS
(The BTUs thing)

BTU is a unit of measurement for energy. One BTU is equal to the amount of energy used to raise the temperature of one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit.
A gas furnace has an input rating that is expressed in BTU per hour (which represents the size of the unit).
Common sizes are 40000, 60000, 80000, 100000, and 120000 btu/hr. 

It is extremely important that your unit is the proper size for your home.

The size you choose not only influences the initial cost but everything from maintenance and monthly fuel costs to the comfort level and temperature in your home. In this situation, bigger isn't always better.
 Click Here for the BTU Calculator
Click Here to use the BTU Calculator






Saturday, 22 October 2016

Your Furnace Explained: Part 1

Furnace, heat, efficient, $$$, expensive, reliable, safe, green, AFUE, protection, energy, BTUs.

A new homeowner to someone who has lived in their house for 20 years to a person that isn't old enough to spell the word 'furnace', we all know heat is a necessity. It's second nature that when we are cold, we need to be warm.  It's so habitual that truly knowing about your furnace and what it entails is overlooked.

A furnace is designed to add heat to your home. 
(we all know that...I hope)
okay, that was a joke. When I said simple, I didn't mean that simple.
 Read on.

HOW A GAS FURNACE WORKS



Wednesday, 5 October 2016