Stay warm and save!

Want to get better heating performance while lowering monthly energy costs? Follow these tips below to increase your home’s heating efficiency:

Choose a system with automatic, precision control

The newest technology will automatically provide just the right amount of heat and airflow to keep your home perfectly comfortable, regardless of the temperature outside. Lennox developed the SLP98V gas furnace with innovative Precise Comfort™ technology to make automatic adjustments—in increments as small as 1%—for the ultimate temperature control. Custom settings can be selected for effortless year-round comfort.

Take advantage of dual-fuel options

You can enjoy even better efficiency with a gas furnace that’s designed to be paired with an electric heat pump. Dual-fuel systems seamlessly alternate between heating with electricity when temperatures are above freezing, and heating with more efficient gas when it’s colder outdoors.

The simplest advice: turn it down

Saving energy on your home’s heating can be as simple as turning down your thermostat at night or while you’re away during the day. Using a programmable thermostat makes it easy. Keeping your thermostat between 68-72°F while you’re at home—and lower while you’re asleep or away—can help reduce your heating bill dramatically.

Honeywell Home Backup Generators From Betlem Residential

Protect your home and family—everyday, whether you are home or away. Home, family, assets—the things that matter most—remain protected during a power outage with the installation of a Honeywell standby generator. It’s the reliable answer that ensures necessities, conveniences and amenities are always available, automatically backed up when the power goes out. Visit Betlem.com to learn more.

At home or away, know you’re protected with a Honeywell backup generator.

Take a glance around your home and you’ll see a thousand reasons to protect what you’ve worked for: treasured photographs, a piece of furniture passed through generations, and most important, those who matter most to you. You’ve earned the lifestyle you lead, and now the name you’ve trusted in your home for decades will help you keep everything running in the event of a power outage. Power loss is more than an inconvenience—it can quickly affect the safety and security of your family and your possessions. Honeywell generators will help you protect what matters most.


A Honeywell backup generator takes care.

Reliable electricity is easy to take for granted—at the touch of switch it’s almost always there. And while weather-related outages make news across the country, demand on an aging power grid is making brownouts an all too common occurrence. Your home relies on power more than ever before to run your refrigeration, lights,well pump, sump pump, appliances, home offices, entertainment systems and more. Trust a Honeywell automatic backup generator to protect what matters most during a power outage, whether you’re home or away.

It fuels automatically. 

A permanently installed backup generator is fueled automatically, much like your furnace or other natural-gas or liquid propane powered appliances. The generator is connected to your existing fuel supply to deliver clean, worry-free power. If you’re away from home when the power goes out, you won’t have to worry about a thing.

It starts and stops automatically. 

Just like your heating and cooling system is controlled by a thermostat, a Honeywell generator is controlled by a transfer switch that senses when utility power fails, starting the generator automatically within seconds. When utility power resumes, your Honeywell generator shuts itself down and automatically switches back to utility power. It even “exercises” itself automatically once a week, starting and stopping to ensure it’s ready for the next power outage.

Premium features are standard on Honeywell backup generators.

Mobile LinkTM Remote Monitoring
Every Honeywell backup generator comes complete with Mobile LinkTM, our new wireless remote monitoring system that lets you check on your generator’s status and receive timely notifications when something is needed using your computer, tablet or smartphone.

Aluminum Enclosure
Also standard is a sturdy aluminum enclosure that resists corrosion for long life, even in salt-air, coastal climates.

SyncTM 2.0 Transfer Switch
The SyncTM 2.0 transfer switch is also included, to provide more backup power through smart load management.

Comprehensive 5-YEAR Warranty
One of the best available, ensuring your peace of mind. 

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.

Prepare your HVAC for winter with preventive maintenance

While the changing season provides a great opportunity for homeowners to save on HVAC costs by opening windows and temporarily powering down units, it will soon be time to turn on the heat.

Will your system be ready to handle this year’s chill?

Regular preventive maintenance, performed twice a year, can help your system keep up with seasonal temperature swings. Plus, it can increase HVAC performance and help you avoid costly emergency repairs—because no one wants to be left without heat in the middle of a snowstorm. While most newer heating systems require little maintenance, a quick tune-up can greatly extend the life of your HVAC equipment, ensuring it always runs at peak efficiency.

As always, major furnace maintenance should be handled by Betlem Residential's licensed HVAC technicians. But there are some steps you can take on your own that can result in a more comfortable winter:

Power down

Turn off all power to the unit before performing any maintenance; wait for the blower to stop.

Replace filters

Replace air filters at least once every three months. Dirty filters can cause your system to work harder, resulting in lower efficiency.

Run a sound check

Turn your unit on, and check for unusual sounds, like banging or rattling.

Look for signs of moisture

Check for moisture on windows, or rust or dirt accumulations on the vent pipe. This can indicate improper operation.

Assess the room temperature

Check your thermostat’s temperature while the unit is on to ensure rooms are reaching their full comfort potential.

If, during your basic checklist rundown you discover any unusual noises, excess moisture or other signs your unit is not functioning properly, contact Betlem Residential's certified HVAC technicians. Our technicians will perform a variety of diagnostic procedures in addition to regular pre-season maintenance. This will ensure that all parts are cleaned, drained and lubricated, and all assembly and burner controls are working correctly. A thorough inspection will also verify that the heat exchanger is doing its job and the flue system is free of cracks and corrosion.

Once maintenance is complete and your system is running at peak capacity, you can relax in the comfort of knowing your system will provide ample and consistent heat throughout the season.

Turn summer health sunny side up with whole-home filtration

As U.S. heat waves reach record highs this summer in many states, a large portion of the population is experiencing a great deal of discomfort due to excess heat and humidity. But the temperature isn’t the only thing rising—so is the risk.

While many can stay out of harm’s way by staying cool and hydrated, the risk is even greater to those who suffer from respiratory ailments. Especially in metropolitan areas, where poor air quality accompanies skyrocketing temps.

That’s because during a heat wave, the sun’s rays virtually “cook” the outdoor air, mixing with the excess chemical compounds it contains. This “soup” it creates combines with the air’s naturally occurring nitrogen oxide, resulting in a smog of ground-level gas. When this happens, breathing becomes difficult, leaving those with respiratory illness more susceptible to illness and infection. Add this to the excess amount of allergens—such as seasonal pollens and molds already present in the summer air—and things can become downright unbearable.

Short of jumping in the nearest swimming pool, the first line of defense for many is to retreat indoors, where air conditioning can provide cooling relief. However, the same airborne particles plaguing individuals in summer heat can follow them indoors, where they becoming trapped inside and continue to circulate.

A whole-home filtration system, like Lennox’ new Healthy Climate® Carbon Clean 16 Media Air Cleaner, can provide families with much-needed relief rom these potentially harmful particles, dramatically improving the quality of indoor air. Compatible with any HVAC system, the HC16 provides hospital-grade filtration of airborne allergens and other particles, with a removable MERV 16 Precision Pleat™ media filter that eliminates more than 95% of allergy-aggravating particles from indoor air. These include pet dander, pollen, dust mites, viruses, bacteria, mold and fungi—all factors that can further contribute to and aggravate asthma and respiratory illnesses.

What’s more, the Carbon Clean 16 reduces ground-level ozone—a known lung irritant—from indoor air, converting it into clean, healthy oxygen while also neutralizing odors and airborne pollutants before they’re circulated back into the air.

For more information on indoor air quality issues, its impacts and more home solutions, visit http://betlem.com/air-quality-home.htm.

A few small energy-smart changes can add up to a big difference.

With energy costs going up every day, there’s never been a better time to start thinking about conservation. Changes don’t have to be drastic, either. Every little bit helps, because over time those little things add up to big savings.

Get yourself in hot water.

Water heaters use up to 18% of your total energy bill every month*, which gives you a big opportunity for big savings. The more you do to hold in the heat, the better.

Consider buying a water heater blanket, a simple insulated wrap that goes around your water heater, to reduce lost warmth. Also consider insulating the pipes in your basement that lead to and from your water heater. This preserves warmth on your water’s journey to the faucet or showerhead so you can set your faucet at a cooler temperature to stay comfortable.

Insulate yourself against waste.

Is your attic properly insulated? Millions of them aren’t. Without adequate insulation, you’re making your air conditioner or furnace work harder than it should to keep you comfortable. And you’re letting money drift up into the atmosphere. A small investment in proper insulation will help you hold on to every last dollar, while making your home feel better all year long.

Invest in energy-smart comfort.

Even if your home heating and cooling system is only a few years old, advancements in efficiency may make replacing your system a smart move. Air conditioners like the Lennox® XC21 can offer energy efficiency ratings of up to 26 SEER as part of a system. That can save you hundreds of dollars every year.

Likewise, with fossil fuel costs going up, a furnace like the Lennox SLP98V can help save money all winter long, because its AFUE rating of 98.2 means it converts more than 98% of the fuel it burns into useable heat. That’s serious efficiency.

Put your comfort on a schedule.

Heating and cooling your home can account for half of your total energy bill. So if your system runs less, the savings will become apparent immediately. One of the ways you can reduce use without sacrificing your perfectly comfortable air is by installing a programmable thermostat.

Programmable thermostats like the ComfortSense® 7000 or iComfort Wi-Fi®can adapt your heating and cooling to your life by running your furnace or air conditioner less often during the hours that nobody is home.

Make a switch with your lighting.

A single light bulb may not seem like much of an energy drain. But when you think about how many rooms you have in your home, and the fact that each room probably uses multiple light bulbs, you can see the opportunity for savings.

It’s probably a no-brainer to replace standard incandescent light bulbs with energy-saving CFL or LED bulbs, but why not take it one step further? Consider putting some of your interior and exterior lights on a timer to limit daily use. You can increase outdoor security by having lights that come on automatically when it’s dark, without accidentally leaving them on all day.

Also consider using motion-activated light switches for rooms that see little use.  These switches turn the light on when they sense movement, and turn it off again after a few minutes when movement stops. So you’ll have light when you need it, but won’t risk leaving a light on when you leave the room.

Switch your showerhead.

Every drop of hot water that comes out of your showerhead is a drop that had to be heated in the basement. So it stands to reason that the less water you use in the shower, the more you’ll save on your energy and water bills.

Unfortunately, the words “low-flow showerhead” used to be practically synonymous with an unpleasant showering experience. But that’s changed. New designs can help you use less water and still enjoy a refreshing shower experience.

*SOURCE:  http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/tips-water-heating

Replacing your A/C? Consider a home comfort system.

After a long, distinguished career, your air conditioner is ready to retire.

You’ve shared a lot of summers together, but the inefficiency, high temperatures and uncomfortable indoor humidity have made it time to say goodbye. Don’t think of it as a hassle, think of it as an opportunity.

Replace the entire system, or just one part?

Anytime you need to repair or replace a part of your home’s heating and air-conditioning system, ask yourself a few questions. Are you spending a lot on repairs on a regular basis? Is your system more than just a few years old? How high are your energy bills? A new system may be a smart decision for many reasons.

It doesn’t have to be old to be inefficient.

With the continuing advancement of home comfort technology, equipment is becoming more energy efficient. A new system may offer you substantial energy savings even if your current system is only a few years old.

Balanced performance.

By replacing your entire system, rather than just a single component, you get equipment that’s been designed to work together. Because of this compatibility, you’ll enjoy greater energy efficiency and optimized comfort.

It’s just like replacing a flat tire on your car. Using one tire of a different size would reduce the performance of the entire vehicle.

Know the parts of a home comfort system.

When you understand how a home comfort system works, it’s easy to understand why a matched system can offer greater energy savings and comfort.

The furnace or air handler.

The furnace or air handler is the center of the system, almost always found indoors. It circulates heated or cooled air all year long.

The air conditioner or heat pump.

Found outdoors, the air conditioner or heat pump connects to the furnace or air handler to cool air in the summer and, in the case of a heat pump, warm air in the winter.

The thermostat.

The brains of the entire operation, the thermostat coordinates heating and cooling based on the temperature you set indoors. Programmable thermostats allow your system to heat or cool on a schedule, saving energy when you’re not home.

Indoor air quality.

For even healthier, more comfortable air, an effective air cleaning system is a must.

Help is here when you need it.

There are many resources out there to help you decide whether to repair or replace. The more you know, the better a decision you can make. Call Betlem Residential Heating & Air Conditioning at 271-COOL(2665) and we will go into detail about every aspect of your decision, helping you make the right choice for greater energy efficiency and comfort. Find out all you can, because replacing your system may be the best decision you’ll make all summer.