Heating

Reduce Your Energy Bill

The cost of heating a home in Massachusetts or Southern New Hampshire is higher than anywhere else in the U.S. Of course, you already knew that from looking at your energy bills. But did you know your heating system may be burning money unnecessarily?

A checkup along with maintenance of heating and cooling equipment will prevent future problems while helping you avoid unwelcome costs. Regular maintenance will also keep your equipment running safely at tip top efficiency. And that translates into lower fuel bills.

With over 14 years experience and hundreds of satisfied customers you can count on Howard’s Heating & Cooling for expert, Budget Friendly service.

We Won’t Rest Until You’re Comfortable

If your heating system has been acting up, or if it hasn’t been inspected or serviced by a qualified technician recently, you should contact Howards Heating & Cooling today. We offer free estimates to residents and businesses located in Southern New Hampshire and Northern Massachusetts. See our service area…and

According to the U.S. Energy Energy Information Administration (EIA) a greater proportion of residents here in New Hampshire and Massachusetts use fuel oil as their main space heating fuel. The EIA publishes an enormous amount of data on their website for those of you who wish to understand the intricate details. To save you time we’ve compiled a list of key takeaways from the EIA data.

What is a boiler or furnace?

A boiler heats water

A furnace heats air

How much money goes up my chimney?

Annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE), which is displayed on new furnaces and boilers, tells you how much of your fuel is actually converted into heat. An old low efficiency system is likely to have an AFUE between 56%-70%. While newer high-efficiency heating systems can have an AFUE as high as 98%. At 70% 30 cents of every dollar is wasted.

How can I make my older system more efficient?

Retrofitting options are available for gas and oil fired boilers or furnaces. Before investing in a retrofit you should weigh the benefits of a retrofit with the advantages of replacement. A new high-efficiency heating system combined with energy efficiency measures can often cut your fuel bill in half. Not only that but you’d significantly reduce your home’s carbon footprint–by 2.5 tons per year if you heat with oil.

In addition to the options listed below you can improve the efficiency of your system by installing a programmable thermostat, upgrading ductwork, or adding zone control.

Possible retrofits include

Vent Dampers

Closes off boilers vent when boiler isn’t firing

Barometric Flue Damper

Low cost way to save possible 5% of fuel bill

Smaller Nozzle

Especially if you’ve improved your home’s energy efficiency this procedure can save 10% in fuel costs.

Modulating Aquastat

A device that adjusts the hot water temperature according to needs. It can save up to 10% on fuel costs.

Time Delay Relay

When the thermostat calls for heat the relay circulates hot water through the system for a time before firing up the boiler. It can cut fuel costs by up to 10%.

Intermittent Ignition Device

An older gas furnace or boiler with a continuous pilot light can be retrofitted with an intermittent ignition device. It may not be a cost effective solution, especially if you turn off the pilot in spring.

Retrofitting of your oil or gas heating system should always be performed by a qualified licensed professional. An upgrade will improve the safety and efficiency of older systems that are otherwise sound. To find out your potential savings with a retrofit or to learn about new high-efficiency heating systems contact us today and