How often should I check or replace my filter?
Manufacturers’ suggestions for changing filters vary depending upon the unit. It is suggested to check your filter regularly. Depending on use, age of the system and other factors, filters should be changed anywhere from every three months to once a year. Residential filters, such as the HC-10, only need to be changed annually.
How often should I have my equipment serviced?
At a minimum, equipment should be serviced at least once a year. The best scenario is to have the heating system checked in the fall and the cooling system checked in the spring. Having these systems serviced prior to the start of the season reduces emergency service calls and provides the opportunity for any needed repairs to be completed before the system demand is required.
What rebates and tax credits do you offer?
Rebates are available from manufacturers such as Lennox and Mitsubishi. The amounts available from the manufacturers vary depending on the type of system you select and the time of year the equipment is installed. NW Natural also offers instant rebates to customers who install new gas service to their residence or add an existing gas appliance. Tax credits are available through the State of Oregon, Energy Trust and Consumers Power.
What’s the difference between gas furnaces in terms of efficiency?
Furnace efficiency varies depending on the model of furnace you select. For example, an 80% gas furnace operates at 80% efficiency, which means that for every $1.00 you spend to heat your house $.80 is used for heating while $.20 is lost. With a 98% efficient gas furnace, $.98 out of every $1.00 spent is utilized and only $.02 is lost.
What does SEER mean?
SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. This is a number given to air conditioners and heat pumps to explain their efficiency. It’s comparable to “miles per gallon” in your car. The higher the SEER number the more money you save in cooling costs. Equipment ranges from 13-25 SEER.
