For nearly a half century I've been answering people's questions about heating and indoor comfort in general. Oddly enough,  even though the energy cost for heating & air conditioning is about 50% of their annual ultility bill, most people's understanding of home heating and air conditioning begins and ends with the thermostat. We turn it up for heat and down for cooling and if that isn't satisfactory, we either complain or call the Service Company.

Before you can do any thing about reducing your annual operating costs you need to learn two semi-technical terms. HVAC is an acronym for Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning. The Department of Energy's mandatory standard for the rating of heating systems is known as A.F.U.E. (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency). (For a complete glossary of HVAC terms just CLICK HERE).

Every gallon of fuel (or therm of gas) contains a specific amount of heat (usually measured in BTU's). The heating system's ability to extract and utilize the heat from the fuel it consumes is its efficiency. I.e., a furnace with an A.F.U.E. of 80 means that 80% of the heat goes towards home heating.

Ten to fifteen years ago, even the best furnaces were capable of achieving A.F.U.E.'s of only 50 to 60%. Today's high efficiency furnaces operate at A.F.U.E. levels of up to 97%!

We've found that most people's troubles begin and end with the false assumption that all HVAC contractors and heating equipment are about the same and will keep them comfortable. As a consequence, too many of them concentrate on the PRICE.

Now we would be the first to admit that price IS important but concentrating on price alone can have serious consequences if it is the primary consideration when making a decision that will affect the health and comfort of the entire family. (For other criteria to assist you in selecting a Quality Contractor, CLICK HERE).

For answers to some of the most Frequently Asked Questions about Heating Systems just click on the "What's Your Problem? (Get The Solution!)" on the title bar.

For additional reasons to see how you will benefit from the results that accrue from annual Preventative Maintenance of Heating Systems just CLICK HERE.

To order a Pre-season check-up on your heating system that assures safety and economy of operation and to receive Special Web Site Discounts just CLICK HERE.

To schedule a service call other than a fall check up of your Heating System, CLICK HERE.

To make a Sales Call Appointment, CLICK HERE.

For specifications of Lennox High Efficiency Heating Systems, CLICK the appropriate box.

Gas     Heat Pump      Oil

By the way, if you have any questions about Heat Pumps see my brother at "Ask the Heat Pump Answer Man. Just CLICK HERE.

If you have any questions about Cooling Systems, see my other brother at Ask the Cooling Answer Man. Just CLICK HERE.

P.S.   Do your friends and family a favor. E-Mail them the link below so they too can get these Buying Secrets and other answers to their HVAC questions....They will thank you for it!

www.climatemakers.com