Bel Red Energy Blog

The regional energy standards saga continues. If you’re a Bel Red blog regular, you probably remember reading posts about the rollercoaster energy conservation litigation between the Department of Energy (DOE) and members of the energy industry, including the American Public Gas Association (APGA).

As we discussed in the first post on the subject, in July 2011 the Department of Energy published a direct final rule as part of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA) that would require certain energy efficiency standards in different regions throughout the country.  One of these regulations was the implementation of a minimum 90% Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) standard for non-weatherized gas furnaces in the northern regions. These standards were set to be implemented on May 1^st, 2013. Many industry members, including the APGA, thought this was too extreme and challenged the new regional standards.

In January of this year, the APGA (along with industry members) and the DOE reached what appeared to be an agreement to settle the challenge. The settlement agreement would, among other things, vacate the energy conservation standards, including the 90% AFUE requirements for northern regions. The settlement agreement required court approval, which turned out to take longer than expected. With the May 1^st, 2013 compliance date fast approaching, the settlement has still yet to be approved by the court. As we discussed in our most recent post on the topic, this delay has been causing much uncertainty within the industry. Without a ruling, many feared major problems when it came to installation and availability of certain furnaces. While some of these problems may still arise prior to an official court ruling, the Department of Energy recently released an important statement on the issue.

The Zamoras of Bellevue, WA had an old furnace that needed excessive repairs. Rather than go through the costly repairs and keep the old system, they decided to replace it altogether with the help of our Bel Red installation team.  The Zamoras decided to install an extremely efficient hybrid system—a combination of a high efficiency gas furnace and an energy efficient heat pump.

The gas furnace installed was a Rheem Classic Series high efficiency furnace. The Classic Series from Rheem is one of the higher rated AFUE gas furnaces offered. This 2-stage, variable speed gas furnace provides exceptional comfort and temperature management for the home. It also has a variable speed blower that will result in gently mixed air in the home for balanced and even temperatures in all rooms.

Old and new furnace

The Rheem Classic Series gas furnace was paired with a Rheem Classic Series heat pump—increasing the overall efficiency of the new heating system. This particular heat pump has efficiencies up to 15 SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio).  The Zamoras can also now expect added comfort during the upcoming summer months with the air conditioning this system brings—something they did not have before. This model also features an attractive low profile design with a wrap-around jacket that protects the coil from yard hazards or extreme weather conditions. The Zamoras also decided to improve the air filtration in their home and had a Honeywell F300 electronic air cleaner installed along with the new heating system.

The Hendersons, of Kirkland, WA, were recently faced with a big decision when it came to their home heating system. Their electric furnace had died and required extensive repairs to get it up and running again. Rather than spend a large amount of money repairing a system that wasn’t very cost efficient, they opted to have a new Trane heat pump and air handler installed.

Old electric furnace replaced by new Trane Air Handler

The Hendersons enlisted the Bel Red installation team to install a Trane XL16i Heat Pump and a Trane Hyperion XL Air Handler – both top-level solutions.  The Trane XL16i Heat Pump offers an extremely efficient home heating and cooling system. Its two-stage cooling and heating technology offers the ability to manage temperatures in all rooms of the house very easily and efficiently. In fact, the XL16i is one of the most efficient heat pumps on the market. The Trane Hyperion XL Air Handler will work in conjunction with the Henderson’s new heat pump to help circulate air  more evenly throughout their home. Its unique design is unlike anything else on the market today. With its double-walled cabinet design and embedded insulation, it is actually built much like a high-end refrigerator. This technology not only maximizes comfort and efficiency, but also ensures the system runs extremely quietly while it is improving the comfort in the home.

The Bennets, residents of Sammamish, WA, were experiencing some problems with their old furnace and heating system. They were also noticing some low indoor air quality, so they knew the time was right to call in a few members of the Bel Red team. The result – a brand new Trane XC95m furnace that will bring them improved comfort, efficiency and higher indoor air quality for years to come.

furnace before/after

This top of the line furnace model brings extremely high energy efficiency to the home. The fully modulated heating model registers up to 97.3% AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency). Due to its high efficiency ratings, this Trane furnace model is also eligible for up to $250 in rebates. The variable speed fan also ensures excellent comfort within the home.

The new Trane furnace, along with a Bel Red professional installation, will take care of a number of lingering issues the Bennets were experiencing. Their old furnace had cracked heat exchangers, which can be extremely dangerous. Cracked exchanges can lead to a higher risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

When the Hamilton’s, of Mercer Island heat went out, our service technician quickly made necessary repairs to get their heat back on. However, it was clear that the Hamilton’s would need a new heating system. Their furnace was quickly coming to the end of its life.

To replace their old furnace, the Hamilton’s decided to go with a value-priced standard efficiency furnace from Rheem. They chose the Single-Stage PSC Motor 80% standard efficiency value series furnace for the installation. As is the case with all Rheem furnaces, this model comes with a patented heat exchanger, which is extremely compact and provides a faster, more efficient transfer of heat. That will mean a much higher level of comfort for the Hamilton’s during the cold winter months.