Westinghouse Water Heating's Electric Water Heater is highly efficient and can save your family money! This residential electric water heater provides an ample amount of hot water without consuming much energy. Purchase one today & start saving!
The ACEEE strongly recommends a condensing furnace (AFUE 90% or higher), unless you live in a warm climate (in this case, you may want to consider retrofitting your system with a heat pump instead).
Did you know that all of Westinghouse Water Heating's high efficiency units are condensing? Westinghouse water heaters are leading products in the heating and hot water industry. With state of the art technologies and a focus on high efficiency water heating, Westinghouse water heaters pave the way in the heating industry and provide some of the best water heaters. One of the key components to Westinghouse water heater's success is the use of new technology along with its aesthetically pleasing stainless steel tanks. We are constantly developing new ways to improve the technology of our products and our process. Our goal is to raise heating efficiency while keeping water heater costs low. Head to our site to check out our products, or purchase one today!
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Calculate Your Return on Investment with these tips from ACEE! Calculate how much money you will save by switching to a high efficiency heating system.
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AFUE of New System
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AFUE of existing System
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80%
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85%
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90%
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95%
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50%
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$38 | $41 | $44 | $47 | |
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55%
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$31 | $35 | $39 | $42 | |
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60%
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$25 | $29 | $33 | $37 | |
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65%
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$19 | $24 | $28 | $32 | |
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70%
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$13 | $18 | $22 | $26 | |
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75%
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$6 | $12 | $17 | $21 | |
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80%
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$6 | $11 | $16 | ||
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85%
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$6 | $11 | |||
If you have an idea of how much it will cost to install a new system, use the chart below to calculate how much money you are likely to save each year with a more efficient system, and what your return on investment is likely to be. Remember, when fuel prices go up, your savings will go up.
1. Calculate Dollar Savings per $100 of Annual Fuel Cost
To determine savings from the table to the right, find the horizontal row corresponding to the old system's AFUE, then choose the number from that row that is in the vertical column corresponding to the new system's AFUE. That number is the projected dollar savings per hundred dollars of existing fuel bills. For example, if your present AFUE is 65% and you plan to install a high-efficiency natural gas system with an AFUE of 90%, then the projected saving is $27 per $100. If, say, your annual fuel bill is $1,300, then the total yearly savings should be about $27 x 13 = $351.
2. Calculate Return on Investment
ROI = first year savings ÷ installed cost
example:
ROI = $351 ÷ $2,500 = 0.14 = 14
(Original article: http://aceee.org/node/3065#savings)
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We came across this article from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy and thought it would be helpful to some of our readers!
Decide Whether to Replace Your Existing System
If your furnace or boiler is older than 20 years, chances are it is a good investment to replace it with a high-efficiency model with the guidance of a good contractor. Also consider a replacement now if your system is one of the following:
- Old coal burner that was previously switched over to oil or gas
- Old gas furnace without electronic ignition. If it has a pilot light, it was probably installed prior to 1992 and has an efficiency of about 65% (the least efficient systems today are 80%)
- Old gas furnace without vent dampers or an induced draft fan (which limit the flow of heated air up the chimney when the heating system is off).
If your furnace or boiler is 10–20 years old, and you are experiencing discomfort or high utility bills, hire a highly-qualified home performance or heating contractor who can help you evaluate your existing system. Often it will be more cost-effective to improve house insulation and air-tightness, repair or insulate ductwork, or tune up your system before purchasing a new one.
(Original article: http://aceee.org/node/3065#replace)
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Check out these tips from EnergyStar.gov on finding the right contractor to install your new unit!
10 Tips for Hiring a Heating and Cooling Contractor
1. Study up — Find out about license and insurance requirements for contractors in your state. And before you call a contractor, know the model of your current system and its maintenance history. Also make note of any uncomfortable rooms. This will help potential contractors better understand your heating needs.
2. Ask for referrals — Ask friends, neighbors, and co-workers for contractor referrals. You can also contact local trade organizations for names of members in your area.
3. Call references — Ask contractors for customer references and call them. Ask about the contractor's installation or service performance, and if the job was completed on time and within budget.
4. Find special offers — A heating and cooling system is one of the largest purchases you'll make as a homeowner. Keep your costs down by checking around for available rebates on energy-efficient ENERGY STAR qualified heating and cooling equipment. Begin your search at www.energystar.gov.
5. Look for ENERGY STAR — ENERGY STAR qualified products meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and offer significant long-term energy savings. Contractors should be able to show you calculations of savings for ENERGY STAR heating and cooling equipment.
6. Expect a home evaluation — The contractor should spend significant time inspecting your current system and home to assess your needs. A bigger system isn't always better; a contractor should size the heating and cooling system based on the size of your house, level of insulation, and windows. A good contractor will inspect your duct system (if applicable) for air leaks and insulation and measure airflow to make sure it meets manufacturers specifications.
7. Get written, itemized estimates — When comparing contractors' proposals (bids), be sure to compare cost, energy efficiency and warranties. A lowest price may not be the best deal if it's not the most efficient because your energy costs will be higher.
8. Get it in ink — Sign a written proposal with a contractor before work gets started. It'll protect you by specifying project costs, model numbers, job schedule and warranty information.
9. Pass it on — Tell friends and family about ENERGY STAR. Almost one-quarter of households knowingly purchased at least one qualified product last year, and 71% of those consumers say they would recommend ENERGY STAR to a friend. Spread the word, and we can all make a big difference.
10. Get the ENERGY STAR Guide — For complete information on keeping your home comfortable year-round, get the ENERGY STAR Guide to Energy Efficient Cooling and Heating 
(2.6 MB) en espanol — Guía para la Eficiencia de Energía en la Calefacción y el Aire Acondicionado (2.5MB) or 1-888-STAR-YES (1-888-782-7937).
(Original article: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=heat_cool.pr_contractors_10tips)
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