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  1. When Discussing Efficiency Upgrades, the HERS Index Helps

    How low can your HVAC work go?

    Quality home performance contracting and HVAC work involve plenty of measurement and verification.

    So what’s one more metric?

     

    In this case, the HERS Index is more for the general public’s consumption, as opposed to, say, a static pressure reading. Homeowners, and perhaps especially home shoppers, can use a HERS rating to compare current conditions and get a sense for likely energy costs or possible upgrade priorities.

     

    The HERS Index scale is a little different than most. A score of 100 means a home is dead-on average in its energy efficiency. (“Average” reflects the performance of a RESNET reference home, a “designed-model home of the same size and shape” as the home in question. RESNET is the industry body that oversees the HERS Index in the U.S. Its longer-term goal is a net-zero residential sector by 2040.)

     

    So a home can score over 100, but not in a

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  2. Four Ways HVAC Professionals Can Own Heating Season

    Heating season is a critical time for homeowners when it comes to achieving ideal indoor temps. It also presents a unique opportunity for your business to strategically get ahead of customers’ comfort needs.

    A recent Trane survey found that most homeowners aren’t taking the appropriate steps to prevent an HVAC breakdown, like scheduling bi-annual professional service checks, nor are they familiar with the average lifespan of their unit. And with so many systems out there, knowing the “right” solution can be a daunting decision.

    As a seasoned HVAC professional, you can leverage your industry expertise to help homeowners determine the best heating plan and help them stay warm and toasty whi

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  3. Residential Heating Showcase 2018: New Residential Heating Equipment for the Most Discerning Homeowners Numerous options available to keep warm this winter

    Numerous options available to keep warm this winter

    Every year, The NEWS introduces the latest heating equipment that is available for the upcoming winter season. The intent is to help contractors prepare for this busy period by doing the research that will help them to distinguish between brands.

    Like last year, this year’s Heating Showcase is split into two parts — residential and commercial. The residential/light commercial information is published in this issue, and the commercial products will be featured in the Oct. 1 issue. Included in the coverage is feature-specific information about each individual product that was submitted by the manufacturers.

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  4. OWN THE HOME with Smart Home Products and Services

    Consumers nowadays can't turn on the TV without seeing commercials for smart home products like Google Home or Amazon Echo. In turn, these trending voice-controlled digital assistants have helped raise consumer awareness of other home automation products, such as smart, connected thermostats. In fact, the global smart home automation market is expected to reach $130 billion by 2025, according to a report by Grand View Research Inc.

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  5. A More Energy Efficient Hot Water System

    Who really wants to think about a hot water heater?! It’s best out of sight and out of mind. That is, until the hot water runs out.

    When it’s time to replace a water heater, consider a product that is environmentally friendly and offers lower energy costs. An indirect water heater is one of the most energy-efficient, low-cost water heaters on the market. 


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  6. Cleanliness Protection for the Drain Pan

    ADP Indoor Cooling Products

    Protection ADP manufactures the only indoor cooling equipment featuring Microban® antimicrobial product protection. Microban protection is a unique feature that inhibits the growth of mold and mildew on the drain pan within your evaporator coil. Why does it matter? Just like air filters provide protection against dust, pollen and allergens in your home, Microban technology provides added protection against the build-up of mold and mildew within your system. ADP is a system upgrade to help you breathe easy.

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  7. Is Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) more important in the winter?

    Homes are designed to keep heat inside during the winter. In addition, most people make an extra effort to seal out the cold by adding extra insulation and filling any cracks that may cause drafts. By doing this, they are also sealing out fresh air. This lack of fresh air increases the concentration of both allergens and pollutants in the home and lowers the indoor air quality. According to the EPA, poor winter indoor air quality can contribute to respiratory conditions such as asthma.

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