As you know, rising energy cost to heat and cool our homes are starting to stretch the family finances. As a result, we are looking for new ways to get energy cost down to a manageable level. One way to reduce energy costs is by replacing the inefficient heating and cooling systems in our homes. The issue is understanding which heating and cooling system is best for your specific situation. Here at American Performance Heating and Cooling we will help you with this important money saving decision. Together we will compare the various advanced heating and cooling systems on the market today and selecting the best fit for your families needs.
There are steps that need to be followed and information collected before selecting a system that will meet our expectations.
1. Complete a heatloss/heatgain analysis (ACCA’s Manual J 8) of the structure
2. Verify all available energy sources
3. Calculate energy cost
4. Establish cost of installation
5. Complete an energy analysis comparing operating costs of each system
Complete a heatloss/heatgain analysis.
The purpose of heating and cooling equipment is to move or replace heat energy (Btu’s) in the home or structure. Heating and cooling system sizing is based on the heat energy (Btu’s) being replaced or removed. Properly sized equipment is important for getting the most energy efficiency, comfort, and lower equipment maintenance. Take a look at this technology fact sheet provided by the Department of Energy titled RIGHT-SIZE HEATING AND COOLING EQUIPMENT
Available source of energy.
The available source of energy determines which systems can be used in a particular area. Typical energy sources are:
Electric – readily available in all areas
Natural Gas – delivered by underground pipe lines available in mostly developed areas
Propane Gas – delivered by tanker trucks and is readily available anywhere.
Fuel Oil – delivered by tanker trucks and is readily available anywhere.
Caculating Energy Cost.
Energy costs are based on different units of measure and are as follows:
Electricity unit of measure is kilowatts per hour (KWH) and provides 3413 Btu’s per Kilowatt hour.
Natural Gas unit of measure is cubic feet (CCF) and provides 100,000 Btu’s per cubic foot.
Propane Gas unit of measure is gallons per hour (GPH) and provides 92,500 Btu’s per gallon.
Fuel Oil unit of measure is gallons per hour (GPH) and provides 140,000 Btu’s per gallon.
As you may have notice that every unit of measure has a Btu output rating. This will help determine operating cost. For example:
The annual operating cost for a typical 1400 sq. ft. home in Michigan using 68,260,000 Btu’s of heat energy is as follows.
Electric Heat at $0.08 per KW = $1597.28
Natural Gas Furnace at $1.05 per CCF = $791.81
Propane Furnace at $2.39per gal. = $1959.47
Fuel Oil Furnace at $2.69 per Gal. = $1634.20
Geothermal Heat Pump at $0.08 per KW = $402.00
Establish the cost of installation.
Once equipment is correctly sized and the available energy sources are established. An estimate of the systems can be completed where comparisons can be made.
Complete an energy analysis of the project.
Energy analysis are performed by using the Energy Audit software program designed by Elite Software and will let you know precisely how much that new, efficient heating and cooling unit will save you in utility bills. You can review several choices of HVAC equipment, and create comparison scenarios that let you make a decision that you will be confident is the right one. Contact us for a Energy Analysis. 
