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Consumer Info

Ward Fuel Company believes the following information will help you, the consumer, select one of the largest purchases for your home.

Heating and air conditioning systems are the biggest part of your utility bills, choosing the proper system for your home will pay monthly for itself by saving $$$ on your operating cost.  Air conditioning units can last 15 years or more and furnaces 20 years or more.  The operating cost savings for the more efficient systems will pay the difference of the install expense.  Also keep in mind the higher efficiency equipment usually is higher quality, lasts longer, and is quieter than lower efficiency equipment.  It has also been proven that it increases the resale value of your home.

Efficiency Ratings:

You should always ask your dealer about the efficiency rating for your heater or air conditioner.  It tells you how efficient the unit uses fuel (gas, oil or electricity).  Furnace efficiency is measured as AFUE (annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency), and ratings range from 78% to about 96.6%.  Furnaces with AFUE ratings from 78% to 80% are considered mid-efficiency; ones with AFUE ratings above 90% are considered high-efficiency.

Air Conditioners have cooling efficiency ratings from 10 to 17 SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio).  High-efficiency units have efficiencies of 12 SEER and 7.5 HSPF or above.  Many older air conditioners have seers of 6.5.  If you buy a new air conditioning unit with a seer of 13, you will cut your cooling cost in half.  See more under Air Conditioning Units.

Remember, the higher the unit’s efficiency is, the more the install will cost but it will use less energy to heat or cool your home.  So the cost will be paid back through the lower utility bills. 

 Click on headings below to view more information on :

AIR CONDITIONING UNITS

AIR CONDITIONING MANDATES

FURNACES AND BOILERS

OTHER FEATURES TO CONSIDER