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July 2019

Jul 09
Love4
Heat Pumps at Hauck Brothers

Heat Pumps

By Heat Pumps

When properly installed an air-source heat pump can provide efficient heating and cooling for your home or business. When properly installed in the Miami valley an air-source heat pump can deliver one-and-a-half to three times more heat energy to a home than the electrical energy it consumes. Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) is the rating of the unit in terms of the cooling output during a typical cooling season divided by the total electrical energy input during that same period. In other words, the higher the rating, the more efficient the unit is and the more money you can save in utility bills. Heat Pumps that are 16 SEER and above are Energy Star Qualified and may qualify for rebates from your utility company.

Estimated Cooling Energy Saving, Based on 9 SEER 3 Ton Unit,
Unit New Unit SEER Estimated Saving for 15 Years
Bryant® Legacy™ 13 $2,300+
Bryant® Legacy™ 16 $3,250+
Bryant® Preferred™ 17 $3,500+
Bryant® Evolution® 18 $3,750+
Bryant® Evolution® 20.5 $4,100+

 

The other determining factor for energy use by an air-source heat pump is the Heating Season Performance Factor (HSPF). The HSPF represents the total heating output of the unit during a normal heating season as compare to the total electricity consumed during the same period. As with SEER, the higher the HSPF rating, the more efficient the unit is.  To qualify for Energy Star, the split system heat pump must have a rating of over 8.5 HSPF.

 

Estimated Heating Energy Saving, Based on 3 Ton, 10 SEER, 6 HSPF Unit at $0.13 per kWH*
Unit New Unit SEER New Unit HSPF Estimated Saving for 15 Years
Bryant® Legacy™ 13 8.2 $8,500+
Bryant® Legacy™ 16 8.5 $10,750+
Bryant® Preferred™ 17 9.5 $13,250+
Bryant® Evolution® 18 11 $16,000+
Bryant® Evolution® 20.5 13 $19,080+

* Annual costs exclude the initial purchase price. All costs, except initial cost, are discounted over the products’ lifetime using a real discount rate of 4%. A 17% savings is assumed if you are using a programmable thermostat. Actual savings may vary based on usage and other factors. This tool uses an electrical cost rate of $0.13 per kWh. These are the maximum savings based on seasonal operating hours. Actual realized savings may be less based on use and other factors.  Calculator is based on a combined average of the Erie and Harrisburg, PA heating seasons. Calculations based on data provided by energystar.gov.

There are some other benefits of upgrading your heat pump as well, compressor type, operating noise reduction, dehumidification performance, better exterior cabinet, internal crankcase heater included, and a TXV valve included are some of those benefits.

Want to learn more? Contact us today!

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Jul 03
Love6
furnaces

Gas Furnace Manufacturer Notice

By Furnaces, Heating

As of 7/3/2019 manufacturers of gas furnaces are no longer able to make units with Permanent Split Capacitor (PSC) motors. Electronically Commutated Motors (ECM) motors are now required in all new manufactured furnaces. The furnace fan uses electricity to circulate air heated or cooled through a buildings ductwork system and into the occupied space. ECMs feature two modes of operation; constant airflow within the system or constant torque on the motor.

The Department of Energy (DOE) has mandated a new minimum fan energy rating (FER) standard. Read about it here. DOE also estimates that for products sold over 30 years (2017-2046), the proposed standards will reduce energy consumption nationwide by about 500 billion kilowatt hours, an amount equal to the annual electricity use of about 47 million U.S. households, and will save consumers $29 billion. The energy savings from the new standards will translate to reductions in CO2 emissions of about 180 million metric tons.

What does this mean to the consumer?
The ECM motor driven furnaces can save you money in heating and cooling costs by up to 75%. ECM motors have less moving parts and generally last more than double the lifespan of PSC motors. Your comfort level will be improved as ECM fans can use slower speed to better treat the air. The air quality will also be improved by the more constant airflow through the filtration system. The only downside is that the initial cost for a standard furnace will likely increase when the changeover occurs.

When will they be available?
Most models of furnaces already had a ECM motor, the standard level of furnace is the only models adapting the new standards. Although manufacturers can no longer make new standard units with PSC motors, there are still plenty of old models to go through before this changeover occurs. Stay posted as we at Hauck Bros., Inc. transition over to the new furnaces, we will let you now when the old PSC motors are done with.

DIY

  • Check to make sure the furnace pilot light is on, if not lit re-light according the manufacturer owners manual.
  • Make sure all return and supply registers are clean and unobstructed.
  • Make sure to check and change or clean the air filter, on some models at least once a month.
  • Make sure the area around the furnace is clear of debris and combustible materials.
  • Check your thermostat and turn to heat to make sure it comes on.
  • Check to make sure your Oil or Liquid Propane tanks are full. Generally, they are cheaper to fill during the cooling season than the heating season.

Service

With normal maintenance and care, furnaces can last over 20 years!  Our experienced technicians can help you maintain the life of your equipment by performing a Home Comfort Protection Plan check on your furnace. Some inspections the technician will perform are checking the air filter, blower motor, blower wheel, transformer, gas leaks, flame sensor, thermostat, and more!

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