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Things to consider when buying a Heating & Cooling System
1. Efficiency - Efficiency ratings are like gas mileage - the higher the rating, the more efficient the product. All products are given the following ratings, so you'll know exactly what to expect from your investment
AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency)
This measurement gauges heating fuel usage. The Carrier Infinity 96 gas furnace receives up to 96.6% AFUE.
SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio)
This measurement guages air conditioning cooling. All new models are required to have at least a 13.0 SEER rating. The Carrier Infinity 21 air conditioner receives up to 21.0 SEER.
2. Refrigerant
Freon-22 Refrigerant has been used in cooling systems since its debut in 1930. And while it's still available, the Clean Air Act of 1990 prohibits the production of Freon-22-based air conditioners and heat pumps by 2010, and Freon-22 production by 2020. As Freon-22 production declines, its cost is predicted to rise.
Puron Refrigerant introduced by Carrier, was the first non-ozone-depleting refrigerant - a full six years ahead of the competition - paving the way for the future. Puron refrigerant is chlorine-free, so it doesn't damage the Earth's ozone layer. As other refrigerants become less available, Puron refrigerant will be the refrigerant of choice for years to come.
3. Rebates
OPA (Ontario Power Authority) Cool Savings Rebate Program:
• $25 rebate for the installation of a programmable thermostat
• $125 rebate for the installation of a replacement high-efficiency furnace equipped with an ECM
• $250 rebate for the installation of a replacement Energy Star® qualified central air conditioning. Minimum 14 SEER.
• $400 rebate for the installation of a replacement Tier 2 qualified central air conditioing system. Minimum 15 SEER.
ECM means an Electronically Commutated Motor also known as Variable Speed Capability
Federal Government ecoENERGY Program & Ontario Home Energy Retrofit Rebate:
• $630 rebate for the installation of an Instantaneous Hot Water Heater that has an energy factor (EF) of 0.8 or better.
• $500 rebate for the installation of an Energy Star® qualified air conditioner ( 14.5 SEER minimum ).
• $1250 rebate for the installation of an Energy Star® qulaified gas furnace that has a 92.0% AFUE or better and equipped with an ECM.
• $1300 rebate for the installation of an Energy Star® qulaified gas furnace that has a 94.0% AFUE or better and equipped with an ECM. • $1580 rebate for the installation of an Energy Star® qulaified gas furnace that has a 94.0% AFUE or better and equipped with an ECM and is the first condensing furnace installed at that home
• $1500 rebate for the installation of an Energy Star® qualified condensing gas boiler that has an 90.0% AFUE or better.
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