Heating and Air Philadelphia

Understanding Furnace and Heat Pump Efficiency Ratings

These days, virtually everyone accepts the fact that greenhouse gases are warming the planet and melting the polar ice caps. If you want to do your part to heal the planet, you should fill your home with energy-efficient appliances. Here’s a brief guide to furnace and heat pump efficiency ratings to get you started:

Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency 

The Federal Trade Commission requires furnace manufacturers to accurately display their products’ Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) ratings. An AFUE rating, which is expressed as a percentage, shows how much fuel a heating system converts into heat. For instance, a furnace with an 80% AFUE rating converts 80% of its fuel to home heating, while 20% escapes elsewhere. The minimum AFUE requirement is 78%, though some systems go all the way up to 100%.    

Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating

Heat pumps reverse the natural flow of heat, making indoor areas either warmer or cooler as needed. A heat pump’s Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating (SEER) is its total cooling capacity divided by the amount of energy it consumes. Cooling ability is measured in British thermal units (BTUs), while energy is measured in watt-hours. The U.S. Department of Energy has set the minimum SEER rating at 13, and modern air conditioners go as high as 27.   

Heating Seasonal Performance Factor

Just as SEER measures a heat pump’s cooling ability, so does the Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) measure its heating ability. A heating system’s HSPF is its heating capacity in BTUs divided by its energy consumption in watt-hours. Like SEER, higher HSPF ratings denote higher efficiency. The minimum industry requirement for HSPF is 6.8, with some models going up to 9.5 or higher.

If you’d like to learn more about furnace and heat pump efficiency, contact Fahrenheit of Elkins Park. We’re proud to provide furnace repairs and installation to clients throughout Camden County in New Jersey, and Philadelphia and Bucks Counties in Pennsylvania. Call us today at (888) 606-0280 if you have any questions about our heating services.

Check Out The Resources Below To Learn More About Heating Your Home

Contrary to popular belief, it is possible to stay warm without breaking the bank. If you have a skilled furnace technician on your side, you could save hundreds on heating every year. For more information about furnace maintenance and repair, check out these articles. For home heating service you can count on, call Fahrenheit at (888) 606-0280.

• How can you stay warm this winter? Find out at this page from GoodHousekeeping.com.
• The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient a cooling system is. Lean more at this page from the Environmental and Energy Study Institute.
• Are you having trouble finding a new gas furnace? Check out this guide from ConsumerReports.com.
• There are lots of ways to reduce your heating bill. Discover a few of them at this page from Today Money.
• What does an AFUE rating mean? Find out at this page from the U.S. Department of Energy.

Why Now is the Time to Have Your Furnace Inspected and Maintained

Though the temperatures around Philadelphia are still fairly warm, winter is only a few months away. Although you may be tempted to address heating problems only as they arise, doing so can result in a significant amount of money and discomfort. Here are a few reasons why you should have a furnace technician inspect your system as soon as possible:

Ensure comfort

Without a functional furnace, you and your family will be cold and miserable inside your own home. By hiring a professional heating expert to inspect your system, you can ensure that everything is operating properly and will continue to do so until warm weather returns. No family should have their furnace break down in the dead of winter.

Boost efficiency

It’s not enough for a furnace to provide warm air—it has to be energy-efficient as well. If it’s been a while since you’ve had a professional look at your system, you could be spending much more on energy than necessary. That’s why you should have a technician inspect your system now, before it sees heavy use.

Avoid the rush

Since winter sees the most furnace use, it also sees the most repairs. If your system breaks down during a particularly cold spell, you may have to wait awhile for a technician. If you have a professional inspect your system now, however, you’ll avoid the repair rush while ensuring maximum comfort.

Avoid costly repairs

Just as with your car, maintenance is the key to your furnace’s longevity. If you fail to change the filter, for instance, your furnace will eventually become clogged with debris. By hiring a professional technician, you can successfully avoid huge problems by addressing them while they’re still manageable.

If you’re looking for a skilled furnace repair company in the Philadelphia area, contact the experts at Fahrenheit. Family owned and operated since 1985, we have extensive experience installing and repairing commercial and residential furnaces. Call us today at (215) 881-9900 to speak with one of our friendly representatives.

How to Save Money on Your Heating Bill

Now that fall has arrived, many Philadelphia-area homeowners are cranking up the heat. Before you exercise your heating system, however, you need to make sure that it’s running efficiently.

In this episode of “Ask Umbra,” Umbra discusses several ways you can cut down on heating. She says that investing in a programmable thermostat can end the “I forgot to turn down the thermostat” guilt by automatically reducing the heat when you don’t need it. It also helps to insulate your home and fill in cracks so precious heat can’t escape. Watch the clip for more tips.

One of the best ways to make your home more Earth-friendly is to ensure that your furnace is operating properly. For high-quality furnace installation, maintenance, and repairs, call Fahrenheit today at (215) 881-9900. One of our skilled technicians will be glad to address whatever problems you’re experiencing.

Fahrenheit HVAC Citysearch Review - "I would recommend this company for there honesty and good work ethic."