Energy Efficiency: What Does It Really Mean?

The energy efficiency rating of heating and air conditioning equipment is critical, yet often misunderstood. It is important to understand what the ratings stand for and how they are determined in the first place. 

The standards for energy efficiency are set by the U.S. Dept. of Energy and every piece of heating and air conditioning equipment is assigned one of three efficiency ratings, which must appear on the products.

The three ratings include:

• SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio). This is how air conditioners and heat pumps are rated. The higher the SEER number, the greater the energy efficiency. Currently, the approved minimum SEER rating is 13.0, while the highest SEER rating available is 21.0.
• AFUE (Average Fuel Utilization Efficiency). This is the measurement of efficiency of gas and oil-fired heating equipment. It's shown in percentages and the number indicates how much fuel is used to heat a house - and how much is wasted. For example, a 79.5% AFUE means that 20.5% is wasted. So, the higher the number the better the efficiency and the least waste. Replacing an old, inefficient heating system can result in significant energy savings, as much as 40%!
• HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor). While a heat pump's cooling efficiency is measured by SEER, HSPF determines its heating efficiency. The most efficient heat pumps have an HSPF between 8.0 and 10.0.

Although these efficiency rating standards are technical, familiarizing yourself with these numbers and what they mean can be helpful in making decisions regarding heating and cooling equipment for your home. And, your Gault Energy Comfort Specialists can help guide you every step of the way in determining which makes the most sense for you, your family, and your budget!

Gault Energy | 203.227.5181 | www.gaultenergy.com

BIOHEAT® FUEL: YES. WE CAN.

Did you know that the "heating oil" you have been using in your home isn't, in fact, "heating oil at all?" That's right. You no longer use traditional heating oil to heat your home and haven't been for years!

Rather, you have been using a product called Bioheat® Fuel.

Simply put, Bioheat® Fuel is a blend of traditional heating oil with Biodiesel, a domestically produced, sustainable heating oil replacement made from natural sources such as soybean oil. Biodiesel is the ONLY fuel available that is 100% renewable, has ZERO-emissions, and is locally grown. In fact, Biodiesel is as environmentally friendly as solar power!

All of us at Gault Energy are excited about this revolution and will work towards increasing the percentage of Biodiesel into the fuel we deliver. It's our commitment to our customers, and our environment. Call Gault Energy today to learn more about how Bioheat® Fuel is transforming our industry.

Gault Energy | 203.227.5181 | www.gaultenergy.com

HVAC Consumer Watch: When to Beware of the "Cheaper" Option

You've heard it said before, that if it's too good to be true, it probably is. This is never more true than with the purchase of a new heating or cooling system. You may be shocked to have gotten quotes from several different HVAC installers with prices varying quite a bit. What you should you do? Choose the lowest price of course, right? Maybe not. 

Right sizing saves energy. While the efficiency rating of your heating and cooling equipment is critical, the right size equipment is just as important. Determining the right 'capacity' is essential.

Homes that have uneven heat creating hot and cold spots, or homes with the furnace running all of the time, are indications that the heating system lacks proper capacity for that home and is not properly sized. Some companies deliberately 'undersize' equipment to keep the initial quoted price down so they win the job. The customer thinks they are saving money by choosing the lowest priced option available. But what they fail to understand is that they will ultimately be spending more money over time because the system will have to work over time, round the clock to try to keep up with the demand, all the while never achieving the total home comfort you desire.

To calculate the right size heating and air conditioning equipment, it's necessary to perform a heating/cooling load calculation of your home. This calculation examines such factors as the size of the home, where it's situated, the surroundings such as trees, the lifestyle of the occupants, and the home's insulation.

Without question, right sizing is a key factor in both comfort and energy conservation.

Let the Home Comfort Specialists at Gault Energy correctly size your equipment today. This will save you money in the long run and help eliminate uneven heating in your home.

Gault Energy | 203.227.5181 | www.gaultenergy.com

Honeywell's Lyric: New Smart Thermostat goes beyond efficient mobile comfort control and energy management


Both the new Lyric from Honeywell and Nest, now owned by Google, are quality devices. But we've put both to the test and if you're looking to control your home's heating and cooling from a smartphone (or tablet), we prefer Honeywell's Lyric and here's why:

• Nest can do the job if you have a predictable lifestyle. As one Nest user says, "I find myself arguing with it more than I think I should. The scheduling thing is great for people who have totally regular schedules - if they exist." Lyric, on the other hand, overcomes the 'scheduling' problem with geofencing, a comfort and energy conservation tool. It senses when a member of the household is seven miles away for suburbanites or 500 feet for those living in an urban setting
• Lyric has a built in Wi-Fi-based feature that takes into account both internal and external settings based on outside conditions. The newer Nests are now able to take humidity into account, but that's it. Both send a helpful monthly energy use report
• Lyric's On/Auto/Circulate fan settings can keep air moving throughout your home, while the Nest doesn't

Love your iphone? It's worth noting that Honeywell is also partnering with Apple with a goal of making its iOS the hub for all connected devices with its HomeKit working with locks, lights, door and thermostats, and undoubtedly a lot more.


To learn more about Lyric, please contact a Comfort Specialist at Gault Energy. We'll answer your questions and provide you with the information you need. Smart technology for today's needs.

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Gault Energy | 203.227.5181 | gaultenergy.com