Vol. 8: Issue #16 Letter: #164 (Previous newsletters available in archives on web site)
"Comfort is our specialty...Quality is our method...Satisfying you is our goal".
The Ultimate Heating/Cooling System (Part III)
 Recently, one of our readers wrote: “I have oil heat and window units for air conditioning. I also have natural gas available. How about a new(s) letter on the pros and cons on different options for heating and cooling”?
We thought we had pretty well covered that subject in our 2 newsletters of 11/8; and 11/22 (2005; Parts I & II) entitled “The Ultimate Heating System” which are still available from our archives (click here).
…but the reader’s query is a good one if for no other reason than to serve as a reminder of how important it is to periodically evaluate your HVAC system…to be as fully informed as possible… and to be reminded about how important it is when making a decision re HVAC systems…because HVAC systems are expensive and sometimes you have to live with a mistake for along time…and is in a nutshell, the reason for our newsletters.
As a general rule, if your heating system is 10 years old (or older) and the costs to repair it are in excess of $750, serious consideration should be given to replacing it rather than repairing it…not because of the actual dollars needed to repair it but because the amount suggests that the physical condition of the equipment is suspect and that other expenditures may soon be required. The economic benefits of replacement are quite impressive.
If, for example, you replace a furnace with a 60% efficiency rating (average of furnaces more than 10 years old) to one with a 90-95% rating (quite common today), it is possible to save 30-40% on your heating costs…or put another way, instead of wasting .40 out of every fuel dollar, you only lose .05 of every dollar.
Getting back to the reader’s question, it actually consists of two parts: The first pertains to the type of energy (fuel) to use and the other to the type of distribution system (window unit vs central system).
At first glance, the latter would seem to be the easiest to answer, as there are many reasons why a central cooling system for example, is preferable to multiple window units…not the least of them being appearance, noise, uneven cooling, to name a few. In fact, now that houses can be so easily and economically zoned, I can’t think of a single reason why window units would be preferable to a central system.
But as with most things, simplicity is not the norm and when it comes to selecting a specific distribution system, there are several choices. In our area, the predominant system of choice is one that uses air (as opposed to one that uses water) to provide year round indoor heating and cooling, so we will confine our remarks to it.
There are many reasons “forced air” systems are predominant. First, the basic system is less expensive to install than a water system (and is the major reason why most of the houses built in the great housing boom of the ‘50’s and ‘60’s used warm air). But far more importantly today, are the options available to improve the comfort of the homeowner.
Most important is the option of adding air conditioning to the basic system (hot water systems require a separate system). Equally important is the option of using filter technology and moisture controlling devices so that you can not only choose healthy, breathable air but actually create a healthy, comfortable indoor climate.
NEXT TIME: Part IV; “Choosing the Right Fuel”.
Second Alert:
Readers of our last newsletter received an advanced preview of our annual fall 32 Point “Tune-up/Check-up” of heating systems to prepare them for winter…and the whopping discounts (up to 40%) available for early subscribers. Click here to review the letter and details.
To Order NOW: Two ways to order (1) On line at www.climatemakers.com & get an additional $5 discount or (2) by phone dial HOT-COLD (468-2653). Either way you must order by 09/13/07 to get the full 40% discount. Discount schedule follows:
Schedule of discounts for early placement of order. |
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(Price of Tune-Up Before 8/15/07 & After 10/31/07…………$150.) |
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Save $60 (40% Discount if order placed by 9/13/07) You Pay $90.00 |
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Save $45 (30% Discount if order placed by 9/30/07) You Pay $105.00 |
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Save $30 (20% Discount if order placed by 10/31/07) You Pay $120.00 |
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(additional discounts for multiple units) |
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P.S. Visit our newest web page “Climatemakers Presents the Perfect Technician” by clicking here.
P.P.S. You can get an instant overview of all the page titles of our 250+ page web site, by clicking here including our newsletter archives, where there are over 150+ letters with similar tips and helpful hints to make your life in your house, more comfortable.
Or you can select from some of the most popular accessories like a programmable thermostat that automatically regulates the heating/cooling in your house to suit your lifestyle (click here) or an electronic air cleaner that removes dirt, dust and pollen to improve your health (click here) or an automatic humidifier to add moisture to the air in the winter (click here) or how to add a zoning system that will save you money as it increases or decreases the heating/cooling in those rooms where and when it is not needed (click here). |
