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.

Enjoy Cooler Weather And Tax Breaks While You Can.

Depending on where you live, fall may come as a breath of fresh air. After enduring long stretches of high heat and humidity, it can feel good to open some windows in your house and give your air-conditioning system a rest. Seeing your utility bills go down can also be a relief.

While your air conditioner is chilling out, or at least shifting from heavy to light duty, you might want to give your furnace consideration. If it’s old or has required a lot of repairs in recent years, it may be time to think about getting a new system installed. This can give you the comfort of knowing you won’t be caught without heat when the extreme winter weather hits. Plus, if you live in the U.S., you’ll likely have the opportunity to take advantage of federal HVAC tax credits, which are set to expire at the end of 2016. It all adds up to affordable HVAC heating and cooling options.

A limited-time window for hvac tax credits

If you’re considering a new HVAC system, now is the time to take advantage of the innovation of Lennox and take comfort in federal tax incentives.

In 2015, the U.S. government renewed the 25C tax credit for high-efficiency heating and cooling equipment. This credit is effective through December 31, 2016, and is part of a larger energy-efficiency incentive for home improvements. A $150 maximum credit is available for qualifying high-efficiency furnaces, and a $300 maximum credit can be claimed for qualifying central air conditioners and heat pumps. A separate 25D solar tax credit is available for solar-ready air conditioners and heat pumps from the Dave Lennox Signature® Collection.

Local energy incentives also available

You may be eligible for additional home energy tax credits or rebates in your region. Contact your local utilities company to find out, or visit dsireusa.org to search the DSIRE Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency®. 

Fall rebates and financing from Lennox

Lennox offers several products to meet your comfort, budget and installation needs. If you buy a qualifying Lennox® high-efficiency system before November 25, 2016, you can get HVAC rebates of up to $1,600 and get 9.99% financing. Or, you can take advantage of 0% interest for up to 60 months. 

Financing your system can make your purchase more affordable over time. It also gives you the flexibility to bundle the cost of your HVAC units and accessories, such as air cleaners and controls, with service fees. With Lennox financing, affordable heating and cooling can be yours, as more comfort options than ever are now within reach. 

For details call Betlem Residential at 585-271-4328.

A full bounty of rewards

This fall, you have the opportunity to make your most-used appliance—your home heating and cooling system—your most rewarding. You’ll be making a smart choice that can significantly reduce your monthly utility costs. Plus, you may be able to take advantage of federal tax credits, local energy incentives and rebates from Lennox. Your local Lennox Dealer may offer additional savings on Lennox products.

The mild fall weather won’t last for long, and neither will the opportunities to save on a high-efficiency heating and cooling system. Be sure you make the most of both while you can.

How Is Your Furnace Like The Heart Of Your Home?

How Is Your Furnace Like The Heart Of Your Home?

It’s the unsung hero sitting out of sight. You don’t think about it unless something is wrong. And after a while, you don’t even notice when it comes on and goes off. In a way, your furnace is the heart of your home’s heating and cooling system.

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It's all about the flow.

Like a heart, your furnace is responsible for keeping everything moving. Winter, summer, spring or fall, the furnace is pushing air through your ducts.

To move this air, your furnace has a blower motor connected to fan blades. The type of fan motor your furnace uses can affect the comfort level in your home, and the amount of energy you use.

Single-speed motor(PSC): Operates at full blast, or not at all. Found in less efficient furnaces.

Constant Torque Motor: Can adjust airflow based on heating or cooling need to maintain even circulation. Operates quieter on continuous fan speed and offers efficiency savings up to 33% more than standard single speed motors.

Variable-speed motor: Provides the highest level of comfort and energy efficiency.Variable-speed motors can operate at high speeds, low speeds, and anywhere in between, ramping up and down like a dimmer switch. Because they can fine-tune airflow to heating or cooling demand, they minimize wasted electricity and ensure the money spent on utility bills goes directly into the comfort of your home.  Variable-speed motors also prevent blasts of uncomfortable air that occur when single-speed systems start up, providing year round comfort.

It never stops.

In the winter, your furnace pulls double duty by both warming and circulating the air. It does so by passing air over a metal structure called the “heat exchanger” that has been warmed to a high temperature by gas or electric heat.

During the summer months, when heating isn’t needed, your furnace turns off its heating capabilities.  However, it still works hard every day to circulate cooled air through your home.

It helps keep clean air circulating.

Your heart moves blood through your kidneys to remove impurities.  Your furnace does the same thing by moving air through your home air filtration system. As long as your filter isn’t clogged, and the air is flowing, impurities are being captured and taken out of circulation.

You can help it last longer by taking care of it.

Your heart can affect your health like few other things. When it’s sick, nothing works right. In much the same way, a healthy furnace can make your whole home feel better, and help you use less energy every month.  The best ways to keep your furnace healthy and happy include:

Checking your air filter

A clogged filter makes your furnace work harder, because the air doesn’t flow as freely.  Regular replacement of disposable filters, or regular cleaning of washable filtration components, will keep the air moving like it should.

Getting a professional opinion

Regular seasonal system checks from Betlem Residential Heating & Air Conditioning will keep your equipment working at peak efficiency, and help you detect and address any maintenance issues before they become serious. Call us at 585.271.4328 or e-mail us to learn more.

Expert advice to help make your system run better.

Let a Betlem Residential's professionals help you enjoy longer system life and greater comfort.

As we all know, a heating and cooling system is a substantial investment for any homeowner to make. So how can you make sure you get the most comfort out of your system for the longest time?  Ask our experts.

Below is some good advice for homeowners looking to maximize their comfort and the longevity of their heating and cooling equipment.

Get Professional Help

First and foremost, getting your system inspected by a Betlem Residential's NATE trained HVAC professionals before peak heating or cooling season.   Letting us give your system the once-over every spring and fall can do more for longevity and performance than nearly anything else.

Spring and fall are the best times because you want our pros checking your system out before you really need it.

A fall inspection is especially important for customers in the northern United States, because the increased cold of winter places a particularly strenuous demand on HVAC equipment.

A system that’s not in good working order will have to work a lot harder to cool your home.  That wastes a lot of energy.  It also puts a lot of stress on the components, which can reduce system life.

What Betlem Residential will do

During a professional inspection, there are several things  Betlem Residential will do.

• Check the filter status. Dirty filters make the system work harder because it’s pulling air through greater resistance.  Dirty filters also affect the quality of the air in your home.
• Check refrigerant charge. A system with too little refrigerant will have to run longer, wasting energy and creating extra system stress.  A system with too much refrigerant won’t cool very efficiently, and will also suffer damage as it runs.
• Check electrical connections. Over time, screws and connectors can come loose, which can create arcing and sparks that could damage electrical components like control boards, compressors and blower motors.
• Clean coils. The outdoor coil can gather dust and dirt, harming efficiency.  The indoor coil can likewise become jammed with household dust, which increases energy use and can even cause the coil to freeze over.

Regular maintenance will prolong your system life. This becomes important as your system nears the end of its life.

The average system life is around 11 years, but 15 to 17 years is not unheard of.  

What you can do yourself

The most important thing a homeowner can do to preserve system life is a regular check of the filter.  Every home is different, but typically, you’re looking at getting 1 to 3 months out of your filter.  Any longer than that, and your system is going to have to work against the bottleneck of a clogged filter.

Installing a programmable thermostat can extend system life and reduce energy use.  “A programmable thermostat lets your system run at peak performance when you’re home, but then it ramps down system use when the house is empty.

Although thermostats vary, the simplicity and intuitive scheduling found in most modern programmable thermostats makes them easy to set up and operate.  Of course, your dealer can always help guide you if needed.