Furnace Or Heat Pump -What Will Work Best For Your Home?

When looking at home heating systems, you are going to have to choose between a heat pump and a furnace. So, what is the better option?

• Measuring Performance And Efficiency:

Furnaces:

Furnaces burn fuel, so their performance is measured with an AFUE rating – the higher the rating, the more efficient the furnace is. For a gas furnace, it has to have a rating of at least 90% to be considered of a high efficiency.

 Heat Pumps

Heat pumps run on electricity, so their efficiency and performance are measured with a SEER rating. A good quality heat pump has a 14 or 16 SEER rating. 

• What Is A Heat Pump?

Essentially, a heat pump is an air conditioner that can also work in reverse, so it can cool your home in summer and warm it up in winter, giving you both solutions in a single system. It can either pump the heat into or out of your home. They are considered environmentally friendly because they do not require fossil fuels, but they can be more expensive to run because of the higher price of electricity despite often being more efficient than a furnace. They are also a bit heavier on maintenance, but that is because you use them all year round, so they work twice as hard as your air conditioner and furnace.

• Comparing Heat Pumps And Furnaces:

Heat Pumps:

Heat pumps are only efficient in weather that is above freezing temperatures, as they work by pumping heat from the environment into your home. If you regularly experience below-freezing temperatures in winter, this option will not work for your home unless you have supplemental heating systems like a wood-burning stove.

 Furnaces:

A furnace, on the other hand, can operate in even the coldest environments as long as it has fuel. Therefore, your energy bill will increase, as it gets colder and the furnace has to work harder.

Lifespan:

The lifespan of a heat pump is around 15 years, while a furnace can regularly last over 20 years (although you can expect to see a decrease in efficiency as it ages). Fuel expenses for a furnace will change according to the type of fuel it uses, and while a gas furnace is often more affordable to run than a heat pump, many people don’t have access to natural gas in their area.

Speak to the Specialists at Our Plumbing Supply Company in New Jersey 

At Crosstown Plumbing Supply, we can assist you with choosing a high-efficiency, low maintenance replacement for your furnace, heat pump, water heater or boiler and we can provide you with an extensive range of plumbing supplies to replace the necessary parts in your current system. As we are a wholesaler in a 3.5% sales tax zone, we can make your repairs and services the most affordable in town. Our sales consultants are highly experienced and happy to assist you with finding the right part for your needs. We work closely with reliable, affordable plumbing professionals whom we are happy to recommend to our clients for furnace repair.

For more information about our specials on replacement boilers or to find out more about the boilers we can offer you, please visit our plumbing supply company website at http://crosstownplumbing.com/ today.

Original content posted on https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/furnace-or-heat-pump-what-will-work-best-for-your-home

Is Your Home Heating System Energy-Efficient? Find Out:

In the fierce New Jersey winters, heating your home is essential! However, the last thing you want is to be surprised by a massive energy bill! This means carefully managing your home’s heating and, most importantly, ensuring that your heating system is as efficient as it can be. Here are some tips from our team:

• What Is Your AFUE Rating?

The AFUE rating, or annual fuel utilization efficiency rating, is the best indicator of how efficient your home heating system is. Essentially, this rating is the percentage of how efficiently your heater converts fuel into energy – the higher the rating, the better your system is because less fuel is wasted. For example, a 90% AFUE indicates that 90% of the fuel powering your heater is turned into heat and 10% is wasted. Older furnaces can perform surprisingly badly, often with an AFUE as low as 56%. This means that almost half of that fuel is wasted, so you are spending almost twice as much to heat your home as you would with a unit that has a 100% AFUE rating. You can find your system’s rating on its manual or on the sticker inside the furnace cabinet. To be considered a high-efficiency unit, it must have a rating of 90% or higher, and the lowest standard for new equipment is 76%.

• Compare Your Bills:

Energy bills fluctuate with the seasons and the use thereof. But, tracking them each month should help you spot unusually high bills that can indicate your heating system is no longer operating efficiently. It may need a simple service or repair, or it may have become worn out with age and may need replacing. Furnaces have an average lifespan of 20 or more years. However, recent breakthroughs in technology have meant that current new models may be worth investing in even if your furnace is just 10 years old; due to the energy savings they offer.

• Maintain Your Heating System:

Regular preventative maintenance is critical to the optimal performance of your heating system and the extension of its lifespan. It goes a long way to prevent the issues that reduce efficiency and thus increase your energy costs, and it stops small problems from becoming expensive ones. Try to time your maintenance schedule for the fall, before everyone turns on their heating and parts/service providers are in high demand.

Replacement Parts and High-Efficiency Home Heating Systems from Plumbing Wholesalers, NJ 

If you would like to replace your home’s HVAC system, furnace or water heater with a state-of-the-art heating system, the specialists at Crosstown Plumbing Supply can assist you. With over 25 years of experience serving the New Jersey area, we are the right plumbing wholesaler to help you choose the appropriate replacement option for your needs. Customers can also benefit from our location in a 3.5% NJ sales tax zone, making your project even more affordable.

To find out more about our boiler products, hot water heaters, furnaces, heating systems, and other products, please contact us or visit our plumbing supply company website at http://crosstownplumbing.com/

Original content posted on https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/is-your-home-heating-system-energy-efficient-find-out

How To Prepare Your Home For The Winter Chill

Homes across New Jersey are getting ready for the winter months, transforming into cozy, warm spaces where we can escape the chilly weather. Here are some tips from our home heating system specialists on preparing your home.

• Deal with leaks and drafts: Heating a home takes time, money and energy – so the last thing you want is for all that warm air to go to waste. Check your home’s doors and windows as well as vents, electrical/gas lines and plumbing for gaps where warm air could leak out of your home or cold air can get in. Often, it as simple as applying weather stripping or spray foam insulation, but professionals are available to assist with more complex jobs like inspecting and sealing ductwork.
• Check your insulation: Homes with poor insulation will be a challenge to keep warm even with a powerful heating system – and your bills will skyrocket too. Have your home’s insulation inspected (especially the attic, exterior walls and basement) and ensure that it is up to recommended standards.
• Clear the gutters: Leaves and other debris quickly clog up gutters in the fall and early winter months, blocking one of your home’s most important drainage systems. When gutters clog, rain and snowmelt can start seeping into your home’s walls, siding and foundation, causing moisture leaks, damp, mold and structural damage.
• Clean or replace air filters: Air filters capture debris and dirt to prevent it from entering your home or damaging your system. As the filters clog up, it becomes more difficult to supply your home with warm air, so your system can wear or break – and heating costs can rise. Replacing or cleaning these filters is a simple job and instructions should be with your system’s manual.

Home Heating System Parts and Replacement Units from Plumbing Wholesalers in New Jersey

If you would like to replace your home’s HVAC system, furnace or water heater with state-of-the-art heating systems, the specialists at Crosstown Plumbing Supply can assist you. With over 25 years of experience serving the New Jersey area, we’re the right plumbing wholesaler to help you choose the right replacement option for your needs. Customers can also benefit from our location in a 3.5% NJ sales tax zone, making your project even more affordable.

To find out more about our boiler products, heating systems and services, please contact us or visit our plumbing supply company website at http://crosstownplumbing.com/

Original content posted on https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/how-to-prepare-your-home-for-the-winter-chill

What To Consider When Choosing A New Toilet For Your Bathroom Remodel

If you’re doing a bathroom remodel, chances are that you’re spending most of your time selecting the perfect tub, tiles and vanities – but it’s important to spend some time considering your choice of toilet too. There is a surprising range of options out there, so here are some tips from our plumbing supply company.

• The shape of the bowl: Elongated and round bowl shapes are the most common and, while elongated are the more comfortable and preferred shape, round bowls are great for smaller bathroom spaces.
• Flush technology: Toilets may look like they haven’t changed much since their invention, but the reality is different. Toilet models over 15 years old use an average of 3.4 gallons of water per flush, while new toilet models can use as little as 1.6 gallons. Make sure to select a model that not only saves money but also guarantees a good flush power to ensure that they can get the job done. There are also dual-flush toilets that offer additional savings by having a half and full volume flush option.
• Tank or tankless: Tank toilets are traditional but tankless options are now fairly common on the market. With a connection directly into your water supply, they offer cost savings (by using less water per flush) without compromising on flush pressure.
• Height: Standard height for a toilet seat is 14-15 inches from the floor. There are higher options that sit at 17-19 inches off the floor, known as “comfort height”, which are well-suited to adults but may be too high off the floor for young children.
• Cleanliness: Design is not just about looking good, it’s about making a toilet easy to use and clean. Seamless designs are easiest to clean and there are even options that connect into the wall rather than the floor to make the job even easier. Two-piece toilets are still popular but can take a bit more effort to clean.

Toilets, Boilers, Water Heaters and More at Your Plumbing Wholesaler in New Jersey 

If you would like to repair or replace your home’s boiler, furnace or hot water heater with state-of-the-art heating systems, the specialists at Crosstown Plumbing Supply can assist you. With over 25 years of experience serving the New Jersey area, we’re the right plumbing supply company to help you choose the right replacement boiler, furnace or water heater or parts for your needs.

As plumbing supply wholesalers, we can supply you with a new toilet, boiler, furnace or water heater, as well as vanities and cabinets from all leading brands. Customers can also benefit from our 3.5% NJ sales tax, making your home improvement project event more affordable.

To find out more about our boiler products, heating systems and services, please contact us or visit our website at http://crosstownplumbing.com/ today.

Original content posted on https://www.crosstownplumbing.com/what-to-consider-when-choosing-a-new-toilet-for-your-bathroom-remodel