Furnace, Heat Pump, or Both?

When it comes to heating your home, there are plenty of options to choose from.  Not only are there various brands, sizes, and efficiencies for you to juggle, but the equipment itself may also vary depending on your specific heating needs.  For such a significant purchase, it’s important to know what your all your options are.

For starters, most people in North America have a furnace as their primary home heating system, while boilers are more common across the ocean.  While a furnace can certainly do the trick, in certain situations, it might be advisable to include a heat pump into your heating system, as well.  In fact, sometimes a heat pump is all you need!

To see exactly how a heat pump can help, let’s explore how both heat pumps and furnaces work.

Tips to Prepare for the Fall and Winter

Heating season is on its way and it’s always best to be prepared.  Whether you’ll be up to your knees in snow or getting a nice tan, it’s important to take steps to ensure your home is ready for the coming months.

For your convenience, we’ve got 14 tips for you so that you can continue living in comfort all fall and winter long.  Not only will these tips help keep you comfortable no matter what climate you might be living in, but they also might help you save both energy and money!

Indoor Air Quality

Taking an active stance in managing your indoor air quality can be a relatively easy, although often overlooked, task.  Its importance arises from the fact that indoor air pollution can cause many health problems, both immediate and long-term, if it goes unrecognized and uncorrected.  Indoor air pollution can be caused by a variety of sources, some of which are more controllable than others.  If you’re able to keep your indoor air quality under control, you’ll be keeping harmful pollutants out and fresh, pleasant air in.

Energy Saving Tips

Did you know that one of the easiest ways to save energy can be completely automated?  Even better is that you might never notice the difference – except on your energy bill.  According to the US Department of Energy, you can save up to 10% on energy bills each year by setting your thermostat back 7-10 degrees for 8 hours a day. This way, while you’re away from home or sound asleep, your heating and cooling equipment isn’t using as much energy – or costing you as much money.

With today’s technology, you can automate this process with just a tap on your iPhone.  Using products such as the Ecobee EB-SmartSi-01 Home Series Smart SI Programmable Wireless Thermostat, you can make adjustments to your thermostat program on the go from your tablet, computer, or smartphone.  So if you’re coming home from work early and want to cool off your house before you arrive, you can change the settings from the office and enter a comfortable home. Many are using this flexibility for even greater savings.  In fact, ecobee users are saving an average of 26% a year, more than double what the DOE suggests!

Another great option for saving energy and money is using a tankless water heater. Conventional water heaters that use a tank will always try to maintain the pre-set temperature of the water stored in the tank.  This means that even if no water has been drawn from the tank, the temperature of the water will drop naturally (since the heater is not always operating) and periodically need to be reheated, using up extra energy when you're not even using the water.

On the other hand, a tankless heater, like one of these made by Noritz, doesn't store any water, so there's no need to expend needless energy maintaining a constant temperature.  In the case of a tankless water heater, water enters the heater only once you turn on the faucet, and the heater only turns on once it senses the water entering. Thus, since you only heat water when you need it (it only takes about 5 seconds to heat up), you save tons of energy that would wasted maintaining water temperature in conventional water heaters.  In fact, Nortiz suggests that with one of its tankless water heaters, you can save nearly 50% each month on your hot water energy bill!

Now that's a lot of savings - and it's nice to the environment too!  So why wait?
     

Get eComfort-able now!

Online Building Supplies Retailer e-ComfortUSA.com Moves to eComfort.com

Buffalo Grove, IL (PRWEB) March 06, 2012

e-ComfortUSA.com, a leading supplier of building supplies and home improvement products, is proud to announce the acquisition of eComfort.com. Effective immediately, e-ComfortUSA.com will rebrand itself eComfort.com. This move helps to cement the site’s branding strategy, setting it up to become the clear leader in its space.

"We're all really excited about the move to eComfort.com. For our customers, it's great because eComfort.com is simple, easy to spell, and easy to remember. For our dedicated, hard-working employees, the new brand is a validation of their unyielding efforts over the past years to build a rock-solid foundation for our business,” said eComfort.com’s President, Pavel Sokolovsky. “As eComfort.com, we will continue to aggressively grow our market share in the Building Supplies and Home Goods verticals."

eComfort.com provides a complete selection of high quality products for applications in heating, air conditioning, plumbing and home improvement. Expanded, extensive product lines from over one hundred high quality brands will be available for purchase to consumers in North America. Sought after, reputable products from brands such as Mitsubishi, Viessmann, LG and Honeywell will continue to be offered across the US and Canadian markets.

eComfort.com will continue to provide Unmatched Expertise™ to contractors, homeowners, businesses and government agencies. Products on the new site are intelligently categorized, allowing anyone to find any product in seconds. Everything needed for a new project or renovation is included in eComfort.com’s extensive catalog, minimizing the challenges of working with multiple vendors. Every item on the site follows this strict adherence to quality, from large items such as air conditioners and boilers to smaller products including thermostats, bath fixtures and more. As always, shipping is free.

The transition to eComfort.com is an opportunity to offer more than just great products and service. “In this transition, we are able to refocus and reevaluate not only our growing product offering, but the essential security features that are required more and more in online retail today,” said eComfort.com’s Director of Information Technology, Dmitry Fishkin. “That is why we have decided to take additional security steps for eComfort.com, including protection using VeriSign’s best in class SSL security.”

# # #

Based in Buffalo Grove IL, eComfort Holdings Inc. is a leading online retailer of building supplies and home improvement products. They have blazed new trails in both technology and shipping services in order to bring the best products to consumers’ front doorstep for fantastic prices. In house engineering staff, logistics professionals and strong partnerships with manufacturers and others have allowed eComfort Holdings Inc. to establish their brands as reliable, knowledgeable and helpful.

If you would like to discover more information about eComfort Holdings Inc., please call Chad Metzger at 866/554-4328 or Email Chad at Info(at)eComfort(dot)com.

e-ComfortUSA.com Adds Schluter's KERDI-BOARD Line

e-ComfortUSA.com is proud to add Schluter's KERDI-BOARD product line to its product offerings.

Kerdi Board Panels naturally provide the perfect substrate for tile. Their combination of durability and being a perfect rectangle provide tile setters with the optimal tool they need to lay perfect tile surfaces time after time. Kerdi Board is easily cut with a utility knife and has marked gridlines on it, offering tile setters everything they need to make flawless measurements.

Kerdi Board is durable enough to be used as not only a surface for supporting a raised substrate, but as a surface that can support body weight on its own when installed properly. This makes it the perfect support structure when used for building a shower or bathtub surround, as it can be easily cut and measured to the exact specifications one may need. Schluter offers a segmented board ideal for curved surfaces, making visually appealing curved tile surfaces a snap. Kerdi Board can even be used to construct a shelving structure for a bathroom vanity, as it can be cut to the exact specifications of a sink or countertop while being strong enough to support both.

Mitsubishi MSZFE09NA+MUZFE09NA Mr. Slim Wall Mounted Single Zone Heat Pump - 9,000 BTU

Mitsubishi Mr. Slim MSZFE09NA+MUZFE09NA Wall Mounted Mini Split Single Zone Heat Pump 26 SEER - 9,000BTU

The high efficiency of these Mitshubishi Mr. Slim Mini Split Ductless Systems like MSZFE09NA+MUZFE09NA helps them pay for hemselves by slashing electrical costs. Strong, quiet and efficient DC motors are used both indoors and outdoors. This Mitsubishi's Super High-SEER mini-split heat pump will provide you with 9,000 BTU of heating for winter and 3/4 ton of cooling for hot summer and it comes with 1-MSZFE09NA wall mounted 9,000 BTU unit with wireless remote control. This unit are connected to the modern MUZFE09NA - up to 12,000 BTU outdoor condensing unit. Complete system creat the perfect clymate control for your space. High performance fan blades, condensers and evaporators Combined with variable speed inverter-driven compressors makes for unmatched performance. Variable speed compressors automatically adjust to fluctuating room capacity requirements. Since mini splits have little-to-no ducting, they forego those energy losses typically associated central forced-air systems. Duct losses can easily account for more than 30% of energy consumption, especially if the ducts are not sealed tight or in an unconditioned space such as an attic or crawlspace. With ratings as high as 26-SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio), systems MSZFE09NA+MUZFE09NA and MSZFE12NA+MUZFE12NA are among the highest rated efficiency equipment available anywhere!

What is Mini-Split Heat Pump?

Like your refrigerator, heat pumps use electricity to pump refrigerant and transfer heat from one space to another. When we transfer heat from within our home to the outdoors, we call it "air conditioning". Conversely, when we transfer heat from the outdoors to within the home, we call it a "heat-pump". Because refrigerant is naturally much colder than outdoor temperatures even on a very cold day, it actually absorbs heat from outdoors, and transfers the heat it absorbed outside to within your home. The refrigerant's physical properties do this naturally. What you pay for is the electricity to pump refrigerant via copper tubing from outdoors to indoors. Because we move the heat rather than create it (as electric baseboard or resistant heat does), we can deliver up to 4 times the heat for the energy we consume!

Mitsibishi Mr. Slim Mini-Split Heat Pump Systems are Flexible and Quiet

Mini splits offer flexibility because they can be suspended from a ceiling, mounted flush behind a drop ceiling, hung on a wall or floor-standing. Ductless heat pumps allow for a peaceful inside environment by enabling the contractor to install components like compressors and motors outdoors. Bedrooms, living rooms, dining rooms, basements, sunrooms, new additions and renovations are applications that can take full advantage of the single and multi-room Mitsubishi systems

Mitsubishi Mr. Slim Inverter Technology.

INVERTER-driven compressor systems in the outdoor unit detect subtle changes in temperature and, like a car’s cruise control, automatically adjust compressor speed – unlike conventional units, which start and stop repetitively. Special components within the compressor increase the magnetic flux and reduce its weight, allowing the compressor to generate higher energy efficiencies with better performance than ever before – at low levels of sound during start-up and running. "Soft start" reduces the instantaneous peak demand associated with AC equipment starts. The compressor starts at minimum speed, avoiding high inrush current associated with standard compressors.

Mitsubishi Mr. Slim MSZFE09NA+MUZFE09NA Wall Mounted Mini Split Single Zone Heat Pump 26 SEER - 9,000BTU at a glance:

Wall Mounted MSZFE09NA Unit

Stylish, slim and elegant, wall mounted units are designed to complement any interior décor.

Compact size.

I-See Sensor.

I.A.Q. Blue Enzyme Anti-allergen filter.

Wide Vane swing Mode

Wireless remote control.

Automatic swinging louvers.

Mitsubishi's Multiple Filters for Cleaner, Healthier Air

Mitsubishi indoor units use a sophisticated multi-part filter system to remove contaminants such as allergens, viruses and bacteria from the air as it circulates. The hybrid catechin pre-filter absorbs odor-causing gases. A Blue-Enzyme anti-allergen filter reduces germs, bacteria and viruses and helps trap dust, pollens, mites and other particles; the filter uses an enzyme catalyst to help break down the sulfur atom bonds in allergen proteins, transforming them into non-allergen proteins. A hybrid-coating process makes the catechin filter washable and, if properly maintained with monthly cleanings, effective for more than 10 years.

Inverter Technology

Maximizes energy savings by making sure only the energy needed to cool or heat an area is used.

Mitsubishi Mr. Slim Integrated i-see™ Sensor - MSZ-FD/MSZ-FE models only

The i-see sensor detects the always troublesome regions of temperature closer to the ceiling and the floor. The i-see sensor also controls the airflow up to a wide 150˚ lateral angle for ultimate comfort (90˚ angle in cooling mode) by scanning the room and making adjustments based on the ambient temperature readings. Through this process the MSZ-FE09/12NA systems achieve superior cooling/heating performance with extremely efficient operation.

Mitsubishi Mr. Slim Programmable Comfort

Smart Set featured on MSZ-FE systems provides the option to program multiple settings into one "quick" press feature providing an additional level of comfort control.

Mitsubishi Mr. Slim Powerful Mode

The POWERFUL mode (found on select systems) is available to cool or heat any desired space quickly by lowering the set temperature in cooling mode or raising the set temperature in heating mode, both by 7˚ F. In Powerful Mode, the fan speed increases for 15 minutes then resumes standard operation.

Mitsubishi Mr. Slim System Control in the Palm of Your Hand

Mitsubishi Electric offers a comprehensive remote controller that controls temperature, fan speed and more. Choose from four modes: COOL, HEAT, AUTO and DRY. The controller also has a 12-hour ON/OFF timer for one-button control of your personal comfort.

Mitsubishi Mr. Slim MSZFE09NA+MUZFE09NA Wall Mounted Mini Split Single Zone Heat Pump 26 SEER - 9,000BTU Other Standard Features :

All Mitsubishi Mr. Slim Systems Have ISO and ETL Approvals for U.S. and Canada.

Environmentally Friendly and ARI performance certified.

Sleek, Modern Design with Easy to Access Controls and Visible System.

26 SEER, 10HSPF.

Hybrid Catechin pre-filters.

Sleep Timer.

12 Hour Timer.

Auto Louver: Up/ Down - Wall Mounted Units Only.

Coil Dry Mode - Wall Mounted Units Only.

Auto Restart.

Quiet Mode - Wall Mounted Units Only.

Dry Mode.

Cold Prevention.

Return Air-intake - Concealed Units Only.

Economy Mode.

Low Ambient.

Auto Changeover.

Auto Restart/Reset.

Branch Duct Capable - Concealed Units Only.

Wired/Wireless Switching.

Mitsubishi Mr. Slim MSZFE09NA+MUZFE09NA Wall Mounted Mini Split Single Zone Heat PumpWarranty

5 year parts / 7 years compressor

Mitsubishi Mini Split Ductless Heat Pump and Air Conditioner System - more Benefits:

The high efficiency of Mitsubishi Mr. Slim systems helps them pay for themselves by slashing electrical costs. Strong, quiet and efficient DC motors are used both indoors and outdoors. High performance fan blades, condensers and evaporators combined with variable speed inverter-driven compressors makes for unmatched performance. Variable speed compressors automatically adjust to fluctuating room capacity requirements.

Mitsubishi Electric is without exception the industry leader in split-ductless air-conditioning technology. Our innovations have defined cutting-edge technology for over 28 years. Compare, and you'll see that no one surpasses the Mr. Slim brand's performance for quiet, easy-to-use and energy-efficient operation. And because our split-ductless technology carries the Mitsubishi Electric name, you know every product is built to last. The bottom line is Mr. Slim systems deliver the ultimate in comfort control for your home or office. It's true today and will be comfortably evident for years to come. Mr. Slim systems have three main components: an indoor unit, an outdoor unit and a remote controller. Installation is as simple as mounting the indoor and outdoor units, connecting the refrigerant lines and making a few electrical connections. An easy installation for your authorized contractor means you will be quickly enjoying the comfort Mr. Slim systems provide.

Eternal GU145 and GU195 Hybrid Water Heaters 98% Efficiency

Eternal GU145 and GU195 On-Demand Hybrid Condensing Gas Fired Water Heater 98% - 145,000 - 195,000 BTU, 14.5 Gallons per Minute

Eternal GU145 and GU195 On-Demand Hybrid Condensing Gas Fired Water Heaters 98% - 145,000 - 195,000 BTU models GU145 - GU195 series is designed for up to 4 full bath homes and GU195 series is designed for up to 6 full bath homes. Eternal hybrid is a more effective water heating system. The advanced multi-pass heat exchanger drives heat downward then recycles it through 44 baffled stainless steel pipes for maximum efficiency. Water spreads thinly and evenly around the 44 heating pipes to absorb heat quickly. Cold water flows from the bottom up to prevent sedimentation build-up associated with other designs and the straight water-flow design eliminates pressure loss associated with coiled pipes. And because water flows around the pipes - not through them - there is no risk of build-up inside the pipes. Eternal GU145 and GU195S/M Models can be used as either Power-Vent or Direct-Vent appliance. When used as a Power-Vent appliance, the water heater should be located in an area where enough air is available for proper combustion and ventilation

Eternal On-Demand Hybrid Water Heater qualifies for up to $1,500 Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency! This energy tax credit covers 30% of the equipment, installation supplies, and labor costs up to $1,500.

Eternal Hybrid Water Heater - How it Works - Breaking the Laws of Physics

Eternal Hybrid and Eternal Condensing Hybrids work on the Counter Flow Principle. This is an opposite approach to the way industry has traditionally built water heating appliances. Unlike any other water heater appliance, Eternal has achieved the highest efficiency in the industry without sacrificing your comfort!

Eternal on-Demand Water Heaters - Hybrid Way

In Eternal's Counter Flow design, cold water enters from the bottom up as a way of self cleaning the sedimentation, while heat is pushed through 44 radiating transfer pipes. Eternal Condensing Hybrid GU145 engineered an unprecedented 3 cycle process by pushing heat in 3 directions through the water and maximized energy transfer. In simplest terms, our patent slows the exhaust of heat by reusing the energy multiple times, rather than reducing water pressure. The end result is a small heat exchanger that is capable of replacing multiple tanks, while supplying endless hot water with consistent water pressure and doing it efficiently time after time.

Eternal Water Heater -Condensing Technology.

No matter which Eternal you choose, you'll get endless hot water, consistent pressure and never a cold water sandwich. When installed in optional recirculation, you'll save water by never waiting for hot water again.

Eternal GU145 and GU195 On-Demand Hybrid Condensing Gas Fired Water Heater at a glance:

Eternal Clean Performance

316L Stainless Steel Heat Exchanger w/built in 2 gallon reserve tank.

Meets NSF Standards for health and cleanliness.

Ultra low emissions (1ppm CO) leaves almost no carbon footprint and is safe.

Patented self-cleaning utilizes turbulent flow to flush sediments out.

Eternal Clever Hybrid Technology

98%+ Efficiency saves cost, exceeds Energy Star standards, and qualifies for Tax and LEED credits.

Compact chassis can wall or floor mount; standard water connects on top.

Flexible NG / LP / Indoor / Outdoor / Direct Vent / Power Vent conversions in one unit.

2" PVC up to 35ft or 3" PVC venting up to 100ft.

Dual Core CPU displays error codes and optionally controlled by up to 3 remotes.

Clip-on components can be easily serviced by technicians.

Eternal Confident Way of Domestic Hot Water

Full flow design enables high output without water pressure drop .

Thermostat and Flow Activation is compatible with WaterSense fixtures.

Easy integration with recirculation and no startup lag eliminates cold water sandwich.

Meets UL / CSA / ANSI / NSF and UPC standards.

Industry's BEST 20 year residential and 10 year commercial Heat Exchanger warranty.

Eternal Remote Controller Kit - Optional

Eternal Condensing Hybrids can be controlled by up to 3 remote controller kits. The remote adds convenience where the main unit may not be easily accessible, or situations where a change in temperature setting may be desired at arm's length. Priority button allows temperature setting to be locked at either the unit or at the remote, and the kit also displays GPM and Error Code data.

Remote Control Thermo Sensor.

Eternal Outdoor Vent Kit - Optional

This kit allows the GU145(S) and GU195(S,M) to be safely installed outdoors. Specific venting holes are directionally engineered to prevent improper combustion in challenging weather, and the intake and exhaust are protected from large debris. Made of durable stainless steel, the kit stays clean year round.

Eternal Condensate Neutralizer Kit - Optional

As a condensing appliance, Eternal’s condensate discharge may be required by local code to be neutralized before draining into the sewage. This kit is easy to install and regulates the discharge at 7pH to meet such code requirement. The cartridge is replaceable and should be checked once a year.

Eternal GU145 and GU 195 On-Demand Hybrid Condensing Gas Fired Water Heater 98% Other Standard Features :

All Eternal Hybrid Water Heaters Have ISO and ETL Approvals for U.S. and Canada.

Environmentally Friendly and ARI performance certified.

Sleek, Modern Design with Easy to Access Controls and Visible System.

98% Efficiency.

Dual Flow Sensor for improved control.

ASME rated T&P valve is included.

Water pressure switch prevents dry-fire.

Computer controlled mixing valve injects cold water for precise outlet.

Hybrid Heat Exchanger insulated for efficiency.

Air pressure switch detects abnormal flue.

Dual stage air ratio full modulation gas valve works on low gas pressure at 3.5"WC.

Fully integrated controller board eliminates individual components for troubleshooting.

EBM motor with suspension to reduce vibrations and noise. Twist and lock flange for easy disassembly.

Shielded igniter box is protected from Electronic Magnetic Interference (EMI); from outer shell.

Eternal GU145 and GU195 On-Demand Hybrid Condensing Gas Fired Water Heater 98% - Warranty

5 year parts / 20 years heat exchanger/1 year reasonable labor

What advantages does Eternal Hybrid have over traditional tank?

Eternal Hybrid Water Heater has much higher efficiency and stores up to just 6.4 gallons of hot water; its compact and efficient design enables capacity to replace multiple tanks, but uses less energy than a standard 50 gallon gas water heater.

What advantages does Eternal Hybrid have over tankless?

Eternal Hybrid Water Heater is constructed with corrosion resistant stainless steel that requires no maintenance; tankless is made from soft copper which can clog and corrode with use. Tankless requires costly periodic flushing of heat exchanger with vinegar to ensure performance and longevity whereas Eternal is engineered with a patented self cleaning design.