Keep Comfortable With Betlem Residential, And Stay In Control Of Energy Costs.

When efficiency is your priority, it pays to know the numbers.

If you’re in the market for a new heating and air-conditioning system, you’re probably concerned about energy efficiency. After all, heating and cooling account for almost half of a home’s annual energy use.* So the more money you spend up front for energy efficient equipment, the more money you’ll save every month on your utility bills.

But how do you know what is and isn’t considered energy efficient?  When you understand the terms, it’s easier to understand, and easier to compare different equipment to make sure you’re getting the most efficient bang for your buck.

Cooling Equipment

When comparing air conditioners or heat pumps (in air-conditioning mode), the most popular energy rating is the equipment’s SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio.  SEER is similar to Miles Per Gallon in an automobile, in that it’s a measure of how much you get out of the air conditioner, versus how much you have to put into it.

SEER is a measure of an air conditioner’s total cooling output over a typical cooling season, measured in British thermal units, compared to the amount of energy required to get that amount of cooling, measured in watt-hours.  Another way to think of SEER is, it is a measure of how much cool air an air conditioner can create over the course of a summer, versus the amount of electricity it will take to do so.

SEER regulations

The government mandates a minimum SEER rating for all equipment manufactured after January 2015, a rating that varies based on the part of the country in which you live.

The Northern region minimum is 13 SEER for air conditioners and 14 SEER for heat pumps.

The Southern region minimum is 14 SEER for air conditioners and heat pumps.

The Southwest region minimum is 14 SEER for air conditioners and heat pumps.

High SEER means high efficiency

If you want an air conditioner or heat pump that cools with high efficiency, look for a SEER rating of 16 or higher.  An air conditioner of at least 16 SEER will produce substantial savings during the summer compared to older equipment. For example, the Lennox® XC16 air conditioner can save hundreds of dollars a year in energy costs compared to air conditioners that are just a few years old.

For the highest-SEER air conditioner on the market, check out the Lennox XC25 variable-capacity air conditioner, the most precise and efficient air conditioner you can buy.** 

Because it can adjust its compressor up and down in tiny increments, like a dimmer switch,

the XC25 can use just the right amount of electricity to maintain a set temperature. So it provides plenty of cooling with very little wasted energy.

Heating Equipment

When it comes to warming your home, the two most popular methods are electricity and gas. Electric heat usually comes in the form of a heat pump, which is basically an air conditioner that can operate in reverse to move heat into your home, instead of out of it. Gas heat usually takes the form of a furnace, which uses a flame to heat a heat exchanger, a hot metal chamber that warms air as it passes through, and then circulate the warmed air throughout your home. Visit our heating products page on our website Betlem.com.

Heat Pumps

Electric heat from a heat pump is measured using HSPF, or Heating Season Performance Factor.  HSPF is similar to SEER, but instead of comparing cooling to electricity use, it compares heating to electricity use.

In other words, HSPF is a measure of the amount of heat a heat pump will create over a typical fall and winter, compared to the amount of electricity it takes to get that heat.  Like SEER, it is similar to MPG in an automobile.

An HSPF of 8 or higher is considered high efficiency, and will produce substantial savings compared to older equipment. Right now, the most energy conscious heat pump on the market is the Lennox XP25, the most precise and efficient heat pump you can buy.**

Furnaces

Gas furnace efficiency ratings are determined in a different manner than air conditioners and heat pumps. Gas furnace efficiency is measured in AFUE, or Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. AFUE is a measure of how much usable heat is generated when natural gas is burned in the furnace.  The higher the AFUE, the more heat you’ll get from your natural gas, and the less gas you’ll have to use to stay warm.

For example, an AFUE of 90 means that the furnace converts 90% of the fuel it burns into useable heat. An AFUE of 90 is also considered the minimum for a furnace to be considered high efficiency.

The most energy efficient furnace on the market right now is the Lennox SLP98V, the quietest and most efficient furnace you can buy.***

Oil Furnaces

Many homes in northern climates use heating oil as a source of warmth instead of natural gas. Fortunately, the efficiency standard for oil furnaces is AFUE, the same as it is for gas furnaces.

See The Savings

If you’d like to see how much high-efficiency Lennox heating and cooling equipment can save you, please visit the Lennox Energy Savings Calculator. You can also schedule a visit from Betlem Residential or call us at (585) 271-4328. We can can help you find the most energy-efficient solution for your home. And remember, every dollar you spend toward efficiency means less you’ll have to spend during summer and winter’s worst weather.

*SOURCE: Energy.gov

** Efficiency claim based on comparison of air conditioning and heat pump products' SEER as published in AHRI (January 2015). Actual system combination efficiency may vary; consult 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.

*** 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 up per 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 March 2015. Efficiency ratings established per test standard ANSI/ASHRAE 103-1993.

Betlem Residential Has The Solution For Toasty Winter Warmth.

When you talk about winter warmth, most people think of gas furnaces like the Lennox® SLP98V*, the quietest and most efficient gas furnace you can buy. But furnaces aren’t the only method of keeping warm.  In fact, Betlem Residential offers a wide variety of solutions that provide heat for different needs.

Heat Pumps

In the traditional whole-home heating and cooling system, an air conditioner provides cooling during the summer, while a furnace provides heat during the winter. Depending on where you live, a heat pump can be a smart way to provide energy-efficient warmth, especially during transitional seasons.

A heat pump is basically an air conditioner that can work in reverse.  During hot weather, it keeps the home cool by gathering heat from indoors and moving it outdoors.  However, during cool weather, the heat pump is capable of reversing the process, taking heat from outdoors and transferring it indoors to keep you warm.

See how a heat pump works HERE.

Heat Pumps and Dual Fuel

Heat Pumps can help maintain energy efficiency during cool weather, because in many parts of the country, electricity is cheaper than gas.  Because of this fact, many homes can benefit from the use of a dual-fuel system, which pairs a heat pump with a gas furnace.

During cool or transitional weather, the heat pump keeps you warm.  Then, when the weather becomes too cold for the heat pump to work effectively, the system switches to the gas furnace for warmth.  When the temperature falls somewhere between cool and cold, the system will automatically switch between the electric heat pump and the gas furnace based on whichever is most energy efficient for the weather.

Boilers

For many homes in northern climates, steam heat is the preferred method of keeping warm. Boilers work by circulating steam throughout a network of pipes in the home.  This steam can then be piped through radiators, which provide ambient heat without airflow.  Or, in other configurations, the steam travels through a heat exchanger where it transfers its heat to air that is then circulated throughout the home. For these homes, Betlem Residential offers a full line of boilers, including the GWM-IE boiler. 

Many boilers provide a smart benefit when used in homes: free hot water.  Since the water must already be heated to generate steam, it can also be repurposed to provide the hot water needed for bathing, laundry and washing dishes.

Oil Furnaces

Many homes in northern climates aren’t equipped with natural gas lines. Instead, they rely on heating oil to provide warmth. For these homes, furnaces like the Lennox SLO185V furnace can provide energy-efficient heat. For quieter operation and more even heating, the SLO185V uses a variable-speed fan motor to gently circulate warm air.

Packaged Units

In areas where space is at a premium, such as apartments or condominiums, a packaged unit is a smart choice for heating a home.  Available in either dual-fuel, heat pump or gas/electric configurations, a packaged unit combines all of a home’s heating and cooling equipment into one enclosure.

Dual-fuel packaged units combine an electric heat pump and a gas furnace.  During hot weather, the heat pump functions as an air conditioner.  During cool weather, the heat pump reverses itself to provide heat.  Then, during colder weather, the gas furnace takes over to provide warmth.  During transitional weather, the system will automatically switch between the heat pump and furnace to provide warmth, based on whichever is most cost-efficient.

Heat pump packaged units, frequently found in warmer climates, use a heat pump to provide both cooling in the summer and warmth in the winter. Gas/electric heat pumps, on the other hand, use an air conditioner for summer cooling, and a gas furnace for winter heat.

Air Handlers

Typically found in hot, southern climates, air handlers are frequently paired with air conditioners to provide cooling. Essentially, an air handler is a large fan that moves air throughout a home, often including built-in air filtration to maintain indoor air quality.

Since warmer southern climates usually have no need for heating, air handlers don’t typically offer heating capabilities. However, air handlers like the Lennox® CBX32MV, a quiet and efficient air handler for virtually any installation, offer optional electric heating that can be activated when unseasonably cool weather strikes.

Mini-Split Systems

Lennox Mini Split Systems are an ideal solution for areas of your home that can be difficult to heat, and where running new ductwork is not a practical option.  A mini-split system with a heat pump is essentially a miniature heating and cooling system designed to serve one, two, or three areas of a home.

Inside, an unobtrusive ventilation unit mounts near the ceiling, providing airflow.  Outside the home, an outdoor unit is used to either absorb or radiate heat, so that the indoor ventilation unit can blow either warm or cold air. A mini-split system requires no ductwork, and uses only one small hole to connect the indoor and outdoor components. 

Garage Heaters

Garages can be extremely cold spaces during winter. To help preserve your comfort, garage heaters provide a smart solution for continuous warmth.  Available in a wide variety of sizes and heat output levels, Lennox garage heaters combine a fan with a heat source, either natural gas or propane, to circulate plenty of warm air in one area.

Betlem Residential's garage heaters are like a furnace that blows directly into the room, without the need for ductwork.  They not only provide comfort when working on your vehicle, but can also help reduce vehicle wear and tear by eliminating the damage caused by repeated cold-starts.  They can also help preserve belongings that are stored in your garage, and provide comfort for pets that live in garage spaces.

No matter what your heating needs, your Rochester, NY HVAC contractor,  Betlem Residential has the right solution that will keep you comfortable, and energy efficient.  Be ready for winter, no matter what.  And no matter where.

*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 up per 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 March 2015. Efficiency ratings established per test standard ANSI/ASHRAE 103-2007. 

Building your complete system: the smarter way to better comfort.

If you’re in the market for a new heating and air-conditioning system, there are a few things to consider when making your purchase. Because when you have all the facts, you’ll enjoy greater comfort, better energy savings and an overall more enjoyable indoor environment.

When replacing a piece of air-conditioning equipment, it’s always good to consider the advantages of installing a complete new system instead of just swapping out one component.  There are several important reasons for this.

When you replace an entire system at once, it will be comprised of components that have been designed to deliver the same level of efficiency.  So all parts of the system can work together to save you energy, and deliver the savings you’re expecting.

Pairing compatible equipment also means longer system life as well.   When one part of the system is older, it creates a bottleneck that can make every other component work harder to compensate.

SOURCE:http://www.ahrinet.org/App_Content/ahri/files/Homeowners/perfect%20match.pdf

Communicating about comfort and efficiency

Another reason to consider equipment from the same manufacturer has to do with the “communicating” capabilities built in to a lot of modern equipment.  Communicating systems connect furnaces, heat pumps, air conditioners and air handlers in the same system together via special electronics.  This allows each piece of equipment to optimize its performance based on what the other parts of the system are doing.

As an example, the iComfort WiFi communicating capabilities found in premium Lennox equipment lets multi-stage and variable capacity furnaces and air conditioners fine-tune their output and energy use to deliver consistent savings, and even monitor themselves to ensure proper operation.

Unfortunately, there is no universal communicating standard shared among manufacturers.  So mixing and matching your equipment may provide you with heating and cooling, but without the communicating ability, your system won’t operate at its most effective or efficient level.

Building the right system for your climate.

When it comes time to create your new system, the equipment you select will be determined largely by the climate where you live. Because while you can technically build a system any way you want it, you may end up spending more on things you don’t need.

Warmer climates: Consider a heat pump and air handler.

In southern states where there are more warm days than cold, and the temperature rarely approaches freezing, the ideal system is most likely one that includes a heat pump and an air handler.  That’s because even during cold weather, there is usually plenty of ambient heat in the air for a heat pump to draw into your house.

Heat Pump

A heat pump functions as both a heating and cooling unit.  While a furnace would work just fine in this part of the country, a heat pump that uses electricity will most likely be the most energy-efficient solution even during cold snaps.

Air Handler

To circulate the air throughout your home every day of the year, an air handler makes a smart choice.  Essentially a blower motor in a cabinet, an air handler can circulate warm air in the winter and cold air in the summer.  While a furnace can do the same thing, the burners aren’t needed in warmer climates.

Colder climates:  Consider an air conditioner and furnace.

In northern climates, winter temperatures can drop below freezing fairly frequently.  This doesn’t leave much ambient heat in the air, making a heat pump a less-effective choice for warmth.  A gas or oil furnace is a much smarter choice, because it can convert fuel into warmth regardless of outside temperatures.

Moderate climates: Consider a dual-fuel system.

In moderate climates, temperatures can be warm in the summer, cool in the fall and cold in the winter.  And while the temperatures may not drop quite as low as they do in cold climates, they can still get low enough to make a heat pump ineffective.

For these climates that can experience everything from moderate to severe temperatures, a dual-fuel system is the most energy-efficient solution to choose.  In a dual-fuel system, a heat pump and a furnace are paired together to work for maximum efficiency.

Different temperatures, different functions

During summer, the heat pump functions as an air conditioner to keep your home cool.  When weather starts to get cold, the heat pump will switch to heating mode to provide warmth.  But if the temperature drops so low that the heat pump cannot get enough heat to keep your home comfortable, the system will automatically turn the heat pump off and switch to the gas furnace for heat.

When your Lennox® dealer installs your dual-fuel system, they will set the point at which the heat pump hands off to the furnace based on how much electricity and gas are in your area.  So regardless of what the temperature does, you’ll always stay comfortable in the most energy-efficient way possible.

To get the system that’s right for your home and your climate, have a conversation with Betlem Residential - call 585-271-4328.

(1) Efficiency claim based on comparison of air conditioning and heat pump products’ SEER as published in AHRI (January 2015). 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.