Heating & Plumbing Co.
1781 Harmony Street
Charleston, SC 29407
843-556-9550
Financing provided by Wells Fargo Financial National Bank, a subsidiary of Wells Fargo Financial. Wells Fargo Financial is an affiliate of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
Here are some great tips to cut down on your energy bill:
- Instead of lighting the whole room use task lighting
- Replace current light bulbs with fluorescent lights with reflective backing and for your workroom, garage, and laundry areas
- Use light-colored, transparent curtains to allow daylight use
- Use lighter colored paint to reflect daylight
- Use three-way lamps to get just enough light for your task
- When you leave a room make sure you turn off the lights
Q. How long do air conditioners and furnaces last?
A. On average, air conditioners last about 15 years and furnaces last about 18 years. The newer furnaces have longer heat exchanger warranties (usually 20 years or longer), so we expect the current generation of furnaces to last longer than the older, less efficient furnaces.
Q. How do I compare the efficiencies of different air conditioners and heat pumps?
A. The measurement of efficiency is the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER). All air conditioning equipment is tested and assigned a SEER rating. The minimum SEER number allowed by government standards today is 10.00. Ten years ago, this was the maximum rating available, so the industry has made dramatic strides in increasing the efficiency levels of all air conditioning equipment. The higher the number, the more efficient the unit. Heat pumps use SEER for cooling and HSPF for heating ratings.
Q. How do I compare the efficiencies of different gas furnaces?
A. Similar to the SEER rating for air conditioners, the efficiency rating for gas furnaces is the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE). Most furnaces installed 10 years ago had AFUE ratings of approximately 65%, and, while today's minimum rating is 78%, some furnaces are as much as 92% efficient.
