New Products Can Lower Energy Bills
Now's the Time to Act

Americans are spending more than $115 billion each year on fuel and electricity for their homes. More than 45% of these costs are for space heating and cooling systems, and water heaters consume an additional 20% of energy costs.

Sadly, many homeowners are being hit particularly hard because they are using antiquated equipment. By showing the potential savings that can be realized by switching to new high-efficiency products, “energy smart” plumbing, heating, and cooling contractors have a strong opportunity to help the consumer, help the environment, and increase sales.

The cost of a heating and cooling system has three components–the initial purchase price, the cost of repairs and maintenance, and the operating cost. To understand the cost of the system over its lifetime, therefore, homeowners must consider all of these costs. Often, the system with the lowest purchase price or best repair record is not necessarily the one that costs the least to operate.

Today, manufacturers must use standard test procedures, developed by the Department of Energy, to prove the energy use and efficiency of their products. Many of these tests are performed by independent laboratories. The results of the tests are printed on EnergyGuide labels, which manufacturers are required to put on many of their products, including water heaters, furnaces, boilers, central air conditioners, room air conditioners, and heat pumps. Some appliances also may feature the EnergyStar* logo, which means that the appliance is significantly more energy efficient than the average comparable model.

For example, a new high efficiency boiler will have an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating of 87% or greater, while older boilers typically have AFUE ratings of 60% to 75% (or less if they have not been well maintained). The more energy used, the higher the heating cost.

Almost every customer contact can present an opportunity for contractors to sell the savings by educating homeowners about the energy-saving payback and improved comfort of today’s high-efficiency products.

*EnergyStar programs are designed to prevent pollution, while saving money and increasing profits for Americans. For more information on the EnergyStar program operated by the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency, visit the EnergyStar web site www.energystar.gov.

Burnham Boilers Rate High in Efficiency

The Revolution™ — Burnham’s® gas fired boiler delivers efficiencies up to 88%. Available in five sizes, the Revolution is easily combined with an indirect water heater and zoning controls for total home comfort. And, because of the variety of venting options, the Revolution is adaptable to the floor plan of virtually any home.

The Revolution utilizes a cast iron sectional diamond pin configuration, which allows more heat transfer and reduced operating costs. Additionally, it was designed to adapt to a wide variety of installation challenges and can be installed in less time than most boilers. An EnergyStar Product.

The V8 Series Oil Boiler pays for itself in just a few years. The V8 is engineered and manufactured to provide years of dependable and efficient home heating. The V8 boiler is rated at 86.3% annual fuel utilization efficiency. This means that consumers can save as much as 30% off their heating bills (compared to the 60% efficiency of a typical 20-year-old boiler).

The V8 is available in several configurations for either water or steam applications, and is backed by a limited lifetime warranty. An EnergyStar Product.

Ultra Efficiency Heat Pumps from American Standard

Ultra efficiency means ultra savings. The Heritage 16 heat pump can save homeowners as much as 63% over the cost of systems more than ten years old. The Heritage boasts a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of 17.35–which is nearly three times higher than systems sold before 1990–and a Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) of 8.40. Features include: two compressors, sound insulators, Comfort-R™ enhanced comfort setting, warm air heat pump operation, superior humidity control, easy serviceability, and durability. For year-round, carefree comfort, the Heritage 16 is economical and efficient. An EnergyStar Product.

With a SEER rating of up to 17.20, the Allegiance 16 offers cool comfort and low operating costs. Featuring American Standard’s Comfort-R™ technology, this unit offers two stages of cooling, so no matter how extreme the weather, comfort is maintained. An EnergyStar Product.

KERR–High Efficiency Compact-multi Furnace

The newly redesigned Compact-multi oil-fired, multi-positional furnace from Kerr Heating Products combines versatility, reliability, and high efficiency in one convenient model. Up to 86% efficient, the Compact-multi’s advanced “Quick Heat” system warms up fast while offering lower home heating bills, as well as a proven level of comfort. Features include direct venting, Riello or Beckett burners, and a limited lifetime warranty.

Bock Water Heaters - Economical and Efficient

Bock’s high efficiency turboflue water heaters have been rated number one for certified efficiency by the Gas Appliances Manufacturers Association (GAMA). Bock’s 32 gallon oil-fired residential water heater can output 131 gallons of hot water per hour at an annual operating cost of only $169.

High Efficiency Means Lower Energy Bills

To determine your savings if you purchased a six-section V8 boiler, divide your current boiler’s efficiency by 86.3 (the efficiency of the V86 boiler). Multiply that figure times your current annual fuel bill. This will determine your estimated fuel bill. The difference between your estimated fuel bill and your current annual fuel bill is your estimated annual savings

Northeastern Supply carries a wide range of energy-efficient home heating and cooling products. For more information, contact Russ Everson, HVAC Sales Manager, at 877-574-1407, ext. 3028 or email: reve@northeastern.com.