The Lennox National Promotion puts impeccable indoor comfort well within reach.

As the weather gets hotter and hotter, Lennox is ready to help. Lennox is offering rebates of up to $1,700 on a qualifying Lennox® home comfort system* now through June 12, 2015.

It’s a sweet deal for every homeowner, because the Lennox National Promotion means savings on extremely capable, full-featured systems that can lower energy use while still delivering custom-tailored comfort to any home.

The Equipment

This year’s Lennox Spring Promotion features some pretty impressive performers.

• The SLP98V Furnace, the quietest high-efficiency furnace you can buy(1).  Because it can adjust its flame to more than 60 different intensities, the SLP98V can perfectly balance heating demand with fuel use.
• The XC25 Air Conditioner or XP25 Heat Pump, the most precise and efficient air conditioner and heat pump you can buy(2).  Built with compressors that can adjust their speed like a dimmer switch, the XC25 and XP25 can find the perfect combination of comfort and smart energy use for even the hottest days.
• The iComfort Wi-Fi® Thermostat, lets you monitor and adjust your home temperature from anywhere.  A bright, high-definition color touchscreen thermostat that offers cloud connectivity, smart scheduling, an energy-saving One Touch Away Mode, live weather forecasts, automatic updates and more.
• The PureAir™ Air Purification System, cleans the air in your home better than any single system you can buy.
• iHarmony® Zoning, a major advance in precision climate control that directs heating and cooling to specific areas in your home, to allow more even, steady temperatures from room to room and floor to floor.

The Deals

• Get up to $1300 in rebates when purchasing a complete qualifying Lennox® home comfort system that includes gas furnace or blower coil, air conditioner or heat pump and thermostat, for example The XC25 air conditioner or XP25 heat pump, the SLP98V furnace, the iComfort Wi-Fi® thermostat and the PureAir™ Air Purification System.
• Save up to $300 in rebates when you buy four or more solar panels for use with the SunSource Home Energy System.
• Save up to $100 in rebates on the addition of a iHarmony Zoning system.

To take advantage of the innovation, and the savings, simply contact Betlem Residential. 

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(1)Based on sound pressure levels during steady-state, high-fire and low-fire operation of Lennox SLP98UH070XV36B and leading competitive units as of July 2013 at mid-point temperature rise and minimum external static pressure when set upper Section 4.4.4 of AHRI 260-2012. Based on AFUE efficiency rating of Lennox SLP98UH090XV60C and leading competitive units listed in AHRI directory as of January 2015. Efficiency ratings established per test standard ANSI/ASHRAE 103-2007.

(2)  Efficiency claim based on comparison of air conditioning and heat pump products’ SEER as published in AHRI (January 2013). Actual system combination efficient may vary; consult a Lennox Dealer or AHRI for exact system efficiencies. Precision claim based on the cooling capacity range of the XC/XP25-036 units as compared to equivalent-sized competitive variable capacity compressor units.

*Some restrictions apply. System rebate offers range from $200-$1,700. Rebate offer is valid March 23, 2015 through June 12, 2015 with the purchase of qualifying Lennox products. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Additional add-on rebates for iHarmony® Zoning System and solar panels valid with a qualifying system purchase only. See your participating Lennox dealer for complete details.

Introducing the Newest Air Conditioners and Heat Pumps in the Lennox Lineup

For more than 120 years, Lennox has been synonymous with innovation in the field of home comfort. In fact, the company’s first product was an improved furnace that prevented harmful fumes from escaping into the living space of a home.

That same commitment to innovation is readily apparent in the XC20 Air Conditioner and XP20 Heat Pump, which will be available later this year.

The XC20 and XP20

When it comes to creating your perfect environment, you’re trying to strike a balance between temperature, humidity and energy savings. After all, it’s hard to enjoy a cool space if it’s too humid, and it’s hard to enjoy any combination of temperature and humidity if it’s costing you a fortune. Enter the XC20 and XP20.

Better than on and off

Before you understand what makes the XC20 and XP20 so special, you must first understand how a normal air conditioner and heat pump work. At the heart of every heat pump and air conditioner, you’ll find a compressor. That’s the component that pressurizes the refrigerant to help it transfer heat.

Most compressors are either on or off, like a light switch. That means they’re either running full blast, or not running at all. But the XC20 and XP20 use a different type of compressor operation.

Efficiency and comfort on a sliding scale

Rather than totally on or off, the XC20 and XP20 have the ability to adjust the speed of their compressors to more than 60 different levels, making them operate less like a light switch and more like a dimmer switch.

This allows the XC20 and XP20 to find the perfect balance between cooling or heating output and energy use, because they’ll always operate at just the right speed. Not too fast, not too slow. Just right, like the environment they create.

Precise humidity control for greater comfort

Humidity is a big factor in the way the air in your home feels. With proper control of it, you will not only enjoy a more comfortable environment, you can spend less on energy. That’s because properly humidified air still feels comfortable even at higher temperatures.

Slow and steady

Because they have the ability to adjust their cooling output, the XC20 and XP20 can help remove moisture from your air with greater precision when paired with a Lennox iComfort thermostat.

This happens because an iComfort thermostat can work with the XC20 or XP20 and the furnace or air handler to adjust airspeed and cooling capacity, to make sure the air travels slowly during startup. This allows more moisture to be drawn out before the air begins to circulate.

To learn more about the XC20 or XP20, contact Betlem Residential 

Is it time for a new home comfort system?

Replacing your home’s HVAC system may seem like a daunting task, but it’s easy if you know what features to look for. We’ve compiled the ultimate “things to consider” checklist to help you take the plunge:

Some of your rooms are too hot or cold

Duct problems, inadequate air sealing or insulation could be the cause. No matter how efficient your heating and cooling system is, if your home is not properly sealed and insulated against air leakage, you will not be as comfortable and your system will have to work harder.

Your home has humidity problems and/or excessive dust

Poorly operating or improperly sized equipment could be to blame. Leaky ductwork can also cause these problems, so having it sealed may be a solution. Monthly maintenance of your heating and cooling equipment’s filters may also help.

Your cooling system is noisy

Your duct system could be improperly sized or there may be a problem with the indoor coil of your cooling equipment.

Your equipment needs frequent repairs and your energy bills are going up

In addition to the rise in energy costs, the age and condition of your heating and cooling equipment may have caused it to become less efficient.

Your air conditioner or heat pump is more than 12 years old

Consider replacing it with newer, more efficient equipment. And, remember, high efficiency levels begin with ENERGY STAR.

Your furnace or boiler is more than 15 years old

Consider replacing it with ENERGY STAR® qualified equipment. ENERGY STAR has set high efficiency guidelines for both types of heating systems.

You leave your thermostat set at one constant temperature

You could be missing a great energy-saving opportunity. A programmable thermostat adjusts your home’s temperature at times when you’re regularly away or sleeping.

Source: “A Guide to Energy-Efficient Heating and Cooling,” U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

7 things to look for in a home comfort system

When it’s time to replace your home comfort system, it’s important to consider what a newer system can offer. Here are seven items to consider when purchasing an HVAC system:

1. Reliability

Chances are, your heating and cooling system is the most expensive equipment you will purchase for your home. That’s why it’s important to choose proven products from a reputable manufacturer.

2. Efficiency

A new ENERGY STAR®-labeled system, when properly sized and installed, can save you up to 30% on your annual heating and cooling costs.* Plus, it may qualify you for utility rebates** in certain regions. To ensure your system is installed properly, choose an air cleaner to match your furnace or air handler. That way, you can have peace of mind knowing your system is working to capture small contaminants in every room of your home.

3. Quiet operation

The sound of a standard furnace can be as loud as 100 decibels, comparable to the sound of a kitchen garbage disposal! Air conditioners can produce sounds as high as 80 decibels. Look for technologies and features that help keep operating sound at a comfortable level.

4. Consistent temperatures

With a typical furnace or single-speed air conditioner, indoor temperature can vary as much as seven degrees from the thermostat setting. A properly installed programmable thermostat, though the use of pre-programmed settings, can save you about $180 every year in energy costs. Variable speed and/or two-stage systems give you the assurance of precise temperature control*.

5. Balanced humidity

To maintain proper moisture levels in your home, choose a thermostat that controls both temperature and humidity. You might also consider a variable speed and/or two-stage comfort system and dehumidifier.

6. Proper airflow

A typical furnace motor runs at one speed and circulates a constant volume of air, so it responds to changing comfort demands by repeatedly cycling on and off. This frequent cycling increases air stratification and stagnation. For optimal air circulation, choose a variable speed model.

7. Healthy air

One of the best ways to combat indoor pollution is to attach an air cleaner to your furnace or air handler. That way, you can have peace of mind knowing your system is working to capture small contaminants in every room of your home.

*Source: www.energystar.gov
**Check with RG&E about rebates in our area.

Time To Consider Furnace Replacement?

Time to consider replacement?

When temperatures start to dip below 40, your thoughts turn to keeping cozy and warm in the comfort of your own home. But is your furnace ready to handle the heat? If it’s time to replace your furnace, consider the tips in this handy guide:

Talk to an HVAC professional to determine the correct size system you’ll need. If the heating unit is too large for your home, it will waste energy by frequently cycling on and off.

Choosing an ENERGY STAR® qualified system will allow you to save money on energy bills by heating or cooling your home more efficiently.

Here are some common questions you may encounter when shopping for a new heating or cooling system:

What does AFUE mean?

Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency: Like your car’s miles per-gallon rating, a higher AFUE rating means a higher efficiency unit. A furnace’s AFUE of 90% means 90% of the fuel is used to heat your home, while the other 10% is wasted in gases vented outside. Choose a higher AFUE to save more energy.

What is a BTU?

BTU stands for British Thermal Unit, the unit of heat energy that’s necessary to raise the temperature of one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit, from 58.5 to 59.5. How does this apply to your home? Well, a 10,000 Btu air conditioner can remove 10,000 Btus of heat per hour.

What does EER mean?

The EER, or energy-efficiency ratio of a cooling system, measures how efficiently the system will operate when the outdoor temperature is at a specific level (usually 95F). A higher EER means a higher efficiency. What is the difference between EER and SEER? The SEER (seasonal energy-efficiency ratio) is a measure of air conditioning system’s efficiency over an entire cooling season, as opposed to a single outdoor temperature.

What is HSPF?

Heating System Performance Factor: This is the measure of a heat pump’s estimated seasonal heating output during spring and fall. Heat pumps with higher HSPFs are more efficient than heat pumps with lower HSPF ratings.

Get smart about home energy efficiency

Did you know as much as half the energy consumed in your home goes to heating and cooling?

If you haven’t replaced your HVAC system with a high-efficiency, ENERGY STAR® qualified model, you’re probably spending significantly more on home utility bills—up to 20% more if your heat pump or air conditioner is more than 10 years old, and up to 15% more if your furnace is more than 15 years old.

Here are a few more steps you can take to increase energy efficiency and savings in your home:

Close the envelope

Insulating and sealing the exterior of your home, often referred to as the “envelope,” can help keep air from leaking into the home from the outside, or vice versa, helping you to save up to $200 per year on home heating and cooling costs.

Seal the ducts

Duct sealing can save up to $120 per year in coastal areas, and as much as $190 if you’re inland.

Install a programmable thermostat

An ENERGY STAR qualified programmable thermostat can save you up to $100 per year in coastal areas and over $150 inland. Lennox’ icomfort Wi-Fi Touchscreen Thermostat lets you set your home’s temperature to save energy from anywhere in the world, using a smartphone, tablet or laptop. It also offers a live weather forecast and automatic updates for added convenience.

Add a power strip to areas with high-traffic devices

Using a power strip in home offices or entertainment areas can help you save up to $100 annually on your utility bill.

Replace old windows

Installing new, ENERGY STAR windows in place of old windows can save you between $150-500 in annual energy costs.

Install a new shower head

A new 2.5 gallon-per-minute shower head can help you tuck away an extra $145 a year in electricity costs, in addition to saving you 5 gallons of water per shower.

Add a ventilation fan

Installing a ventilation fan to control moisture, mold and mildew growth in the bathroom can save you up to 60% more energy than standard models when using an ENERGY STAR qualified model.

Replace incandescent lightbulbs

Substituting CFL bulbs for just five of your highest-use fixtures can save up to $70 per year on home utility bills.

Replace old appliances with new, high-efficiency models

For the greatest savings, choose ENERGY STAR approved models: They’re up to 40% more efficient than standard models. Here’s a breakdown of how much you’ll save by replacing your home appliances with an ENERGY STAR approved model:

• Dishwasher—Save up to $40 per year on utility bills when replacing a 1994 or older model.
• Refrigerator—Save 20% per year on home energy costs. Unplugging an extra refrigerator in the basement or garage can equate to an additional $300-700 per year.
• Washing machine—See approximately 30% in energy savings per year compared to standard washers. Full-sized washers save 10-20 gallons of water per load.
• Clothes dryer—Save more than $135 a year if your dryer is over 10 years old.
• Water heater—Save up to $80 per year on gas bills; larger families will see even more savings.

For more energy-saving tips, take a virtual home tour with ENERGY STAR’s Save Energy @ Home tool.

Source: EnergyStar.gov.

Fall Home Energy-Saving Tips

Fall energy-saving tips

Shorter nights, a new school year and the beginning of football season are an annual rite of passage into fall. They also signal cooler days ahead — and with that comes worry of increasing utility bills due to high heating costs to combat chilly winter temps.

Making small, budget-friendly improvements to lower energy costs around the house can add up to extra cash fast, making utility bills less of a shock to open. Follow these energy-saving tips around the house and the change will add up in no time:

In the laundry room

Wash clothes at a lower temperature, dry laundry outside during warmer months, and use drying racks and hangers as much as possible during cooler months. If you prefer to use the dryer, experiment with setting dry times lower to prevent over drying. Not only will this show an increase of savings on your utility bill, your clothes will be in better shape and won’t come out of the dryer piping hot.

In the kitchen

Refrigerators and freezers are often overlooked when it comes to saving energy. A few ways to increase efficiency:

• Defrost your freezer on a regular basis.
• Keep your refrigerator organized so you can leave the door open less: Every time the door is opened, the refrigerator must work harder to cool down again.
• When storing left overs, be sure to let hot food cool before placing it inside the refrigerator or freezer.
• When cooking on the stove, be sure to boil only as much water as you need: It will take longer to heat bigger pans of water, wasting more energy in the process.
• Cooking larger portions of meals in bulk and freezing ahead will not only save energy, but save time in the future when you need to get dinner to the table fast.

In the bathroom

Take shorter showers and less baths. The less time water is heated, the less energy used. Plus, you can also feel great about conserving a valuable resource.

All around the house

• Lights: Turn off lights when you leave a room. And for increased energy savings, install light dimmers. To save even more—up to 75% less electricity per bulb—switch out regular florescent bulbs for CFL or LED bulbs.
• Electronic cords: Unplug all appliances and charging devices when not in use. Make use of power strips to switch off several items at once.
• HVAC: Install a programmable thermostat, like Lennox’ new iComfort Wi-Fi thermostat, which allows homeowners to adjust their home’s temperature and control energy costs from anywhere in the world, using a smartphone, tablet or laptop. Changing air filters regularly (at least once every three months) will also help your system run more efficiently.
• Windows and doors: Keep drafts at bay and heating bills low by checking for drafts. Fill any cracks with caulk. For added insulation during winter months, consider investing in window insulation film (plastic shrink film applied to the indoor frame with double-stick tape). Heavy fabric curtains, as well as door and window snakes, can also provide protection against drafts.