Purchasing Considerations

Seven Things to Consider When Choosing a Dealer

1. Reputation for quality and dependability
Dealers should be able to provide names of satisfied customers in your neighborhood. They should also be licensed, insured and code-compliant.

2. Prompt, courteous and professional service
Some dealers provide an extra measure of convenience with extended hours, emergency service, financing packages and year-round maintenance programs.

3. Commitment to your satisfaction
Dealers with a solid reputation are committed to 100% customer satisfaction. They realize that actions speak louder than words. So instead of just talking about quality, they practice it through listening, learning and responding to your needs.

4. Innovative product offerings
Dealers should offer a variety of innovative products and services that make your home more comfortable. They should also be able to provide suggestions for saving money on your utility bills and improving the quality of the air you breathe.

5. Solutions customized to match your needs
The best dealers recognize that one solution does not fit all homes. After going over what you want, and taking a look at your home and duct system, the dealer should be able to develop a proposal customized to your specific needs.

6. Technical expertise and certification
Dealers should have technicians on hand that can select the right size equipment for your home, install it properly and keep it in good working order. One sign of qualification is membership in professional organizations such as North American Technician Excellence, the only national testing and certification program accepted by the entire industry.

7. Clearly stated repair and service policies
The warranty and other service policies should be clearly stated for equipment, materials, and labor. They should also indicate who is responsible for honoring the warranty.

Seven Things to Look for in a Home Comfort System

1. Reliability
Chances are, your heating and cooling system is the most expensive equipment you will purchase for your home. That’s why it’s important to choose proven products from a reputable manufacturer.

2. Efficiency
A new ENERGY STAR®-labeled system, when properly sized and installed, can save you up to 20% on your annual heating and cooling costs.* Plus, it may qualify you for utility rebates** and tax credits.***

3. Quiet operation
The sound of a standard furnace can be as loud as 100 decibels, comparable to the sound of a kitchen garbage disposal! Air conditioners can produce sounds as high as 80 decibels. Look for technologies and features that help keep operating sound at a comfortable level.

4. Consistent temperatures
With a typical furnace or single-speed air conditioner, indoor temperature can vary as much as seven degrees from the thermostat setting. Variable speed and/or two-stage systems give you the assurance of precise temperature control.

5. Balanced humidity
To maintain proper moisture levels in your home, choose a thermostat that controls both temperature and humidity. You might also consider a variable speed and/or two-stage comfort system and dehumidifier.

6. Proper Airflow
A typical furnace motor runs at one speed and circulates a constant volume of air, so it responds to changing comfort demands by repeatedly cycling on and off. This frequent cycling increases air stratification and stagnation. For optimal air circulation, choose a variable speed model.

7. Healthy air
One of the best ways to combat indoor pollution is to attach an air cleaner to your furnace or air handler. That way, you can have peace of mind knowing your system is working to capture small contaminants in every room of your home.

*Source: www.energystar.gov
**Check with your local utility about rebates in your area.
*** Tax credits are available for certain high-efficiency cooling and heating equipment under the U.S. Energy Policy Act of 2005. For details, go to www.irs.gov.

Tips for Choosing the Right Furnace

Before you buy

If it’s time to replace your furnace before cold weather moves in, talk to an HVAC professional to determine the correct size system you’ll need. If the heating unit is too large for your home, it will waste energy by frequently cycling on and off. Choosing an ENERGY STAR® qualified system will allow you to save money on energy bills by heating or cooling your home more efficiently. Here’s a guide to some of the common terms you’ll encounter when shopping for a new heating or cooling system.

What does AFUE mean?
Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency: Like your car’s milesper- gallon rating, a higher AFUE rating means a higher efficiency unit. A furnace’s AFUE of 90% means 90% of the fuel is used to heat your home, while the other 10% is wasted in gases vented outside. Choose a higher AFUE to save more energy. What is a BTU? BTU stands for British Thermal Unit, the unit of heat energy that’s necessary to raise the temperature of one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit, from 58.5 to 59.5. How does this  apply to your home? Well, a 10,000 Btu air conditioner can remove 10,000 Btus of heat per hour.

What does EER mean?
The EER, or energy-efficiency ratio of a cooling system, measures how efficiently the system will operate when the outdoor temperature is at a specific level (usually 95F). A higher EER means a higher efficiency. What is the difference between EER and SEER? The SEER (seasonal energy-efficiency ratio) is a measure of air conditioning system’s efficiency over an entire cooling season, as opposed to a single outdoor temperature.

What is HSPF?
Heating System Performance Factor: This is themeasure of a heat pump’s estimated seasonal heating output during spring and fall. Heat pumps with higher HSPFs are more efficient than heat pumps with lower HSPF ratings.

Financing Your Comfort System

You want to enhance your home’s comfort. The question is: How can you afford it? The answer is as simple as signing up for the Home Climate Credit Program.

Enjoy increased buying power and purchasing convenience:

• Competitive interest rates
• No down payment
• No annual fee
• Generous credit lines
• No prepayment penalties
• Low monthly payments
• Simple application—only takes minutes

Applying is easy. Call or Visit JD Vigil to fill out a simple form.

Factors to Consider When Deciding to Repair or Replace

You may want to consider making a change if:

❏ Some of your rooms are too hot or cold.
Duct problems, inadequate air sealing or insulation could be the cause. No matter how efficient your heating and cooling system is, if your home is not properly sealed and insulated against air leakage, you will not be as comfortable and your system will have to work harder.

❏ Your home has humidity problems and/or excessive dust.
Poorly operating or improperly sized equipment could be to blame. Leaky ductwork can also cause these problems, so having it sealed may be a solution. Monthly maintenance of your heating and cooling equipment’s filters may also help.

❏ Your cooling system is noisy.
Your duct system could be improperly sized or there may be a problem with the indoor coil of your cooling equipment.

❏ Your equipment needs frequent repairs and your energy bills are going up.
In addition to the rise in energy costs, the age and condition of your heating and cooling equipment may have caused it to become less efficient.

❏ Your air conditioner or heat pump is more than 12 years old.
Consider replacing it with newer, more efficient equipment. And, remember, high efficiency levels beginwith ENERGY STAR.

❏ Your furnace or boiler is more than 15 years old.
Consider replacing it with ENERGY STAR® qualified equipment. ENERGY STAR has set high efficiencyguidelines for both types of heating systems.

❏ You leave your thermostat set at one constant temperature.
You could be missing a great energy-saving opportunity. A programmable thermostat adjusts your home’s temperature at times when you’re regularly away or sleeping.

❏ Your score on the ENERGY STAR Home Energy Yardstick is below five.
That means you’re using more energy at home than most Americans and probably paying more than you need to on energy bills. Get personalized recommendations to improve your home and/or heating and cooling system. Find the Home Energy Yardstick at www.energystar.gov. Click on Home Energy Analysis.

Source: “A Guide to Energy-Efficient Heating and Cooling,” U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Care and Maintenance

• Spring Home Comfort Checklist
• Keep your cool with simple A/C maintenance
• Clear leaves, brush and dirt from inside your air conditioner’s top grille.
• Trim nearby shrubs and bushes to allow two feet or more clearance around the unit.
• Set the thermostat to cooling mode and run your air conditioner a few minutes to make sure it’s working.
• Schedule an annual checkup of your air conditioning system.
• Replace your air conditioner filter once a month. Dirty filters restrict air flow and can waste energy.
• If you use a room air conditioner, install it on a north-facing wall to keep it out of the sun.
• If it’s time to replace your air conditioner, look for an ENERGY STAR® qualified model to help reduce cooling costs up to 20 percent.

Don’t let April showers bring May mildew

• Clear leaves, pine needles and other debris from gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage. Check that they’re stable to avoid flying debris during storms.
• Be sure downspouts slope away from your house. They should carry water at least 5' from foundation walls.
• Position lawn sprinklers so they don’t spray your home’s walls.
• Examine window and door seals and weatherstripping. Reseal if needed.
• Move furniture a few inches away from the inside of exterior walls to increase air circulation.
• Check windows for condensation and walls for water stains, which are signs of too much humidity.

Take control of home energy costs

• Reduce air leaks in your home by caulking, sealing and weatherstripping around doors and windows.
• Use exhaust fans to reduce moisture in the kitchen or bath, but turn them off when they’re no longer needed.
• Make sure your refrigerator’s seals are airtight. Test by closing the door over a dollar bill. If you can pull the dollar out easily, the seal may need to be adjusted.
• Wash only full loads in your dishwasher and clothes washer.
• Turn off lights you don’t need to save energy and reduce extra heat in your home.
• If it’s time to replace your air conditioner, choose an energy-efficient model with two-stage cooling, such as the XC-16. Two levels of operation allow you to rely on the low setting most of the time.
• Prepare dinner on your outdoor grill to help reduce your air conditioner’s load.
• Check ducts for air leaks, including holes or separated sections.

How do I get my A/C ready for spring?

How do I get my A/C ready for spring?
After clearing any leaves, brush and dirt from inside your air conditioner’s top grille, trim nearby shrubs and bushes to allow at least two feet of clearance around the unit. Replace your air conditioner filter once a month, because dirty filters restrict air flow and mean your system can waste energy.

Better now than later
Even if it isn’t a very warm day, go ahead and set your thermostat to cooling mode now and run your air conditioner a few minutes to make sure it’s working. If you wait until the weather gets hot to find out your air conditioner isn’t operating the way it should, it may be days before a technician is available to fix it. Scheduling an annual checkup in early spring can also help you identify any small problems that could turn into large problems later.

Go green, save green
After clearing any leaves, brush and dirt from inside your air conditioner’s top grille, trim nearby shrubs and bushes to allow at least two feet of clearance around the unit. Replace your air conditioner filter once a month, because dirty filters restrict air flow and mean your system can waste energy.

Better now than later
Even if it isn’t a very warm day, go ahead and set your thermostat to cooling mode now and run your air conditioner a few minutes to make sure it’s working. If you wait until the weather gets hot to find out your air conditioner isn’t operating the way it should, it may be days before a technician is available to fix it. Scheduling an annual checkup in early spring can also help you identify any small problems that could turn into large problems later.

Go green, save green
If you’re planning to replace your air conditioner, look for an ENERGY STAR® qualified model. Replacing an old, inefficient central air conditioner with a high-efficiency system can reduce cooling costs up to 20 percent*. If you use a room air conditioner, install it on a north-facing wall to keep it out of the sun. Room air conditioners work better when the unit stays cool.

*Source: www.energystar.gov

Home Maintenance Checklist for Fall and Winter

General guidelines for keeping your home warm and efficient:

• Have a qualified HVAC professional inspect your home’s ducts and cooling equipment.
• Set your thermostat to 68°F when you’re at home and awake, and as low as 60°F when you’re asleep or awake.

• Clean or replace furnace filters every month.
• Clean chimney and check to see if your fireplace is working properly.
• Seal air leaks in the attic, basement and crawlspace, and also around windows and doors.
• Insulate inside of windows with heavy-duty, clear plastic sheets.
• Check your attic for proper insulation. (The U.S. Department of Energy suggests a value between R-22 and R-49.)
• Close curtains or shades at night and keep them open during the day
• Clean windows on the south side of your house to maximize sunlight exposure.
• Weather-strip doors that lead to cold or outside areas.
• Wrap and insulate waterlines to prevent them from freezing.
• Repair leaky faucets.

Extra steps you can take to save energy:

• Install a programmable thermostat, so you can preset temperatures for different times of the day.
• Insulate the water tank and first six feet of hot and cold water pipes connected to the unit.
• Lower the temperature of your water heater to 120°F (for every 10-degree decrease in temperature, you may save 3% - 5% on your energy costs).
• Install rubber gaskets behind outlets and use switch plates on exterior walls.
• Install low-flow showerheads.

Things you can do to improve air quality and reduce potential health risks:

• When adjusting clocks, change batteries in smoke alarms, as well as radon and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Consider a ventilation system to increase air circulation inside and add a healthy dose of fresh air.
• Clean water-damaged carpets and materials, or consider replacement.
• Reduce the potential for buildup of allergy-causing pollutants by keeping your house clean
• Take special precaution when operating fuel-burning appliances to avoid leakage.
• Store and dispose of household chemicals in a safe manner.

Energy Efficiency

How to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

1. Maintain your heating and cooling system
The best way to keep your equipment running at peak performance is to have a licensed HVAC professional do annual tuneups. It’s also important to clean or change air filters once a month.

2. Seal air leaks
Fixing leaks around your home will help you get the full performance out of insulation. The biggest gaps are usually found in the attic and basement.

3. Seal ducts
Ducts that are damaged or blocked can leak conditioned air and reduce your system’s efficiency by as much as 20%. You can improve your duct’s performance by calling an HVAC professional.

4. Replace old equipment with ENERGY STAR® products
When purchasing heating or cooling equipment, look for the ENERGY STAR label. These products use advanced technology to help you save on energy bills and improve the comfort in your home.

5. Make sure equipment is the right size for your home
Remember that bigger isn’t necessarily better. If the heating or cooling unit is too large for your home, it will frequently cycle on and off, which wastes energy. Plus, it won’t run long enough to remove humidity from the air, which can impact the comfort and health of your home.

6. Install a programmable thermostat
An ENERGY STAR® qualified thermostat, when properly used, can save you about $100 every year in energy costs. To maximize savings, it’s important to keep the thermostat at energy-saving temperatures for longperiods of time, whether it’s during the day when you’re at work or through the night.

7. Change five lights
If every household replaced five frequently used lights, or the bulbs inside them, one trillion pounds of greenhouse gases would be prevented from going into the air.

Source: www.energystar.gov

Spring “greening” your home saves you money and energy

Fresh air and pleasant temperatures make spring the ideal time to improve your home’s atmosphere and efficiency, which allows you to bring the same comfort inside.

Giving your heating and cooling system a spring cleaning will allow you to stay cool even after spring turns to summer, and help keep your home running more efficiently. Call JD Vigil Heating & Air Conditioning now to schedule your annual HVAC maintenance, which may include checking your thermostat settings, cleaning and adjusting A/C components and inspecting your air conditioner’s condensate drain to avoid water damage and high humidity.

Lower your taxes
If you’re thinking of taking on a home improvement project, the most direct way to make your home more comfortable may also reduce your energy bills, lower your environmental impact and cut your tax bill at the same time.

By replacing your heating and cooling system this year with a new energy-efficient HVAC system, you may be eligible for a tax credit. Get the details online at www.energystar.gov/taxcredit.

When selecting a new air conditioner, look for one with a higher SEER number; this Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio indicates the unit’s efficiency across the entirecooling season. ENERGY STAR^® qualified units meet U.S. EPA guidelines for energy efficiency, with components like advanced scroll compressors that maximize comfort while minimizing energy use and noise.

More ideas for saving
If you’re shopping for a new air conditioner or indoor air quality system, compare warranties before you buy to reduce future maintenance expenses. Lennox^® now offers a limited extended warranty that increases coverage on parts and compressors on select Lennox Elite^® Series and Lennox Merit^® Series gas furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, air handlers and residential package units.

If you’re relying on ceiling fans to help keep you cool, avoid leaving them running when you leave the room. Unlike an air conditioner, a ceiling fan doesn’t make the room cooler: it merely makes you feel cooler by moving the air around.

Windstorms or overloaded power grids may not only leave you in the dark, but the costs of a power outage can add up if you lose frozen or refrigerated food or medicines. Installing a Lennox™ residential generator will allow power to be restored in seconds and can protect your peace of mind.

* Please consult your tax expert on any tax credit to which you may be entitled.

Spring Energy Tips

Lower this month’s utility bill with these tips

Seven tips that can save you money this spring:

1.Reduce air leaks in your home by caulking, sealing and weatherstripping around doors and windows. This could save you 10% or more on your utility bill*.

2.Turn off exhaust fans in the kitchen or bath when they’re no longer needed. These fans not only remove cooking odors and moisture, but they remove air-conditioned air from your home, too.

3.Make sure your refrigerator’s seals are airtight. It’s easy to test them by closing the door over a dollar bill. If you can pull the dollar out easily, the seal may need to be adjusted.

4.If you’re upgrading your air conditioner system, choose a model with two-stage cooling. These systems have two levels of operation, with a low setting that’s adequate to meet your home’s cooling needs 80% of the time and a higher setting that can run longer when needed to produce more even temperatures.

5.Turn off lights you don’t need to save energy and reduce added heat your air conditioner will have to remove. Standard incandescent bulbs generate a lot of heat, and cost more to run. Replace them with energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs.

6.Use your dishwasher to wash only full loads. The same holds true for the laundry room.

7.Have dinner al fresco. Using an outdoor grill to prepare dinner lets you avoid building up excess heat in the kitchen.

*Source: www.energystar.gov

Summer Energy Tips

Take a vacation from high utility bills this summer

Ready to take some well-deserved time off and head for the beach? Give your home appliances a break, too, and you'll come home to a lower energy bill.

• If you have a backyard pool, you can save energy maintaining it by giving your pool pump a break. Cutting back its operating hours to the minimum needed to keep your pool clean will save money and extend the life of your pump. If you have a heated pool, keep it covered when it's not in use to avoid heat lost to evaporation.
• Plant trees to keep your cool. Adding deciduous trees around your home will block the sun's rays to avoid overheating your home. The trees will lose their leaves in the winter, so the sun can help warm your home when it's needed.
• Wash and dry several loads of laundry back to back, so your dryer won't cool down completely between loads. Better yet, hang laundry outdoors to air-dry it free of charge!
• Don't force your air conditioning system to work harder than it has to. Make sure curtains and furniture aren't blocking any vents, and keep lamps away from the thermostat.
• Sign up now for a chimney cleaning service, when no one else is thinking about their fireplace. You'll avoid long waits for an appointment, and keep your fireplace running safely and efficiently.
• Use microwaves, slow-cookers and other smaller appliances to prepare dinner. You could save up to 30% of the energy used by a conventional oven* (and you'll reduce the heat load on your air conditioner).

*Source: Progress Energy

Fall Energy Tips

Crisp, sunny days and clear, cool nights provide the perfect opportunity to open your windows and enjoy the weather (and the energy savings). Here’s how to keep those energy savings going all season long:

• Rearrange your furniture to keep you warmer without turning up the heat. Move your sofa and chairs near interior walls, so they’re out of the drafts that can come in through exterior walls and windows.
• Schedule an appointment with JD Vigil to clean your home’s ducts before it’s time to turn on the furnace. Your system’s efficiency can be reduced as much as 20% by damaged or blocked ducts.
• Enjoy your wood-burning fireplace on mild days in autumn and early winter. When outdoor temperatures drop below 30°F, the fireplace can pull more cold air into your home through cracks and crevices, forcing your furnace to work harder.
• Replace the five most frequently used lights in your home with compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs). These more efficient bulbs produce less heat and waste less energy and the savings can be considerable during the shorter days of fall and winter.
• Vacuuming and wiping clean light bulbs and lighting fixtures can also help save energy. Dust and kitchen grease can build up and reduce the bulbs’ brightness, requiring you to turn on more fixtures to get the light you need.

• Drain your hot water heater annually to reduce the sediment that settles to the bottom of the tank, creating a barrier between the water and the heating element. Keep the water temperature set at 120°F, as the higher the water temperature, the faster the sediment builds up inside.

Where’s the waste?

Energy waste is easy to overlook, especially in winter when you’re just trying to stay warm. It is possible to save money without reducing your comfort level. Here’s where to look:

• Dirty furnace filters require your heating system to work harder. Create reminders in your email calendar to change or clean your system’s filter regularly. Disposable filters should be changed once a month. Also, clean your clothes dryer’s filter after each load.
• Check around doors and windows for drafts of cold air. Adding inexpensive foam strips and caulking seals in warm air and can reduce your heating bill.
• An old, inefficient HVAC system can waste hundreds of dollars each year. Install an energy-efficient furnace like the SLP98V Variable-Capacity Gas Furnace from Lennox to reduce your energy bill dramatically. The Precise Comfort™ technology automatically adjusts heat and airflow in increments as small as 1% to provide the ultimate in comfort control.
• Excess dust in your home could be a sign of air leaks. Sealing leaks could reduce your annual energy bill by about 10%.* (If you own a newer home that’s airtight but you still have a dust problem, consider using a high-efficiency air cleaner. Saving your personal energy is important, too!)
• Back electrical outlets and switch plates on your home’s exterior walls with rubber gaskets available from home-improvement stores.

*Source: energystar.gov

How can I save with a heat pump?

If you live where temperatures are typically above freezing and electric rates are low, you'll use a heat pump year 'round. (Heat pumps draw heat from outdoor air in winter and release it inside. In summer, the process is reversed.) The cost of buying and installing a heat pump divided by the total hours used each year is less than that of buying and installing individual heating and cooling systems.

As long as the temperature stays above freezing, electricity is an efficient way to create heat. When temperatures dip lower, a heat pump with dual-fuel capability combines an electric heat pump with a gas furnace. The system alternates between electric and gas heat, depending on which is more economical, to help keep your energy bills low.

Solar power is also an exciting new option. The first-of-its-kind SunSource® Home Energy System reduces the amount of electricity needed from your utility provider to put you in control of your utility bills. This energy saving system harnesses solar energy and uses it first—before using electricity from the utility company—to power your heat pump. The solar power that’s collected can also operate other appliances and electronics when the heating and cooling system is not in use. What’s more, if the SunSource system generates more solar power than is needed, that power will be sent back to the utility company, possibly entitling homeowners like you to a utility bill credit. Ask your JD Vigil Heating & Air Conditioning for more information.

See the entire range of Lennox heat pumps designed for your home's heating and cooling needs.

Can your home be run by the sun?

Simple ways to use the sun’s power

Solar tubes or tubular skylights can light small spaces if they’re installed in areas receiving several hours of direct sunlight a day. When you choose a solar-assisted home comfort unit, you can pair solar power with energy from your local utility to reduce your carbon footprint and lower your energy bills while staying completely comfortable. The SunSource™ Comfort System available from Lennox^® is the industry’s first solar heat pump.

The SunSource™ heat pump can operate in a wide range of sunlight and temperature conditions. It’s a highly reliable system designed to evenly heat and cool your entire home. The SunSource™ Comfort System requires little routine maintenance and can make a positive change in both the world’s environment…and yours.

Think Green, Save Green

It really is possible to save money while helping save the planet.  

Making your life a little greener doesn't have to hurt. In fact, there are some very simple steps you can take to reduce your impact on the planet…and the amount you spend on energy bills and elsewhere all year long. Here are some easy tips that make it easy to be green.

• As much as half of the energy your home uses is spent on heating and cooling¹. So choosing high-efficiency air conditioning and furnace systems can make a big difference on your home's emissions and your utility bills. Installing an ENERGY STAR® qualified HVAC system can dramatically reduce your energy usage, saving up to 60% on your cooling bills², and up to 40% on heating costs².
• Reducing the number of catalogs that clog both your mailbox and the landfill is better for the environment – and for your pocketbook, if they tempt you to buy. Each American gets about 63 catalogs every year; production of those uses an estimated 53 million trees and enough water to fill 81,000 swimming pools every year³. There's an online service that can help you get off mailing lists free at www.catalogchoice.org, or you can find each catalog company's 800 number and ask to be removed from their mailing list.
• You hear a lot about "ozone"…but is it good or bad? Well, that depends on where it is. The ozone layer refers to the ozone within the earth's stratosphere, where more than 90% of the earth's ozone exists⁴. This ozone layer helps protect the earth by absorbing 97 to 99% of the sun's high-frequency ultraviolet light. However, ozone is an irritating, corrosive, colorless gas that you don't want in your home, because exposure to ground-level ozone can lead to shortness of breath and chest pain⁵. Many indoor air quality (IAQ) products such as electronic air cleaners and portable ionic air purifiers produce ozone. Choose an IAQ product that does not produce ozone, such as the Healthy Climate® IAQ products from Lennox. This is the industry's first comprehensive line.
• Our Get a Green Life Sweepstakes received lots of very easy ways to make your home greener, such as turning off your home and work computers every night, from a reader in Douglasville, Georgia; the suggestion from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to deputize your children as the "lights police"; a recommendation from a Tampa, Florida, reader to sign up for online billing; a Shawnee, Kansas, reader's idea to register for a free or low-cost energy audit by your local utility company; advice from Alberta, Canada, to leave the car behind and walk more; a proposal from Cincinnati, Ohio, to shop for local produce at the farmers' market, and a note from a reader in Punta Gorda, Florida, suggesting creating natural bug barriers using coffee grounds.
• Many energy utilities around the country are now offering "green energy" programs. Because green or renewable energy can be more expensive to develop than coal-based energy, these programs ask for voluntary contributions to offset the extra cost. You can generally buy "blocks" of green energy for a few dollars that your energy company will use to purchase the more expensive, renewable energy. These contributions allow you to offset part of your home's "carbon footprint," the measure of how much carbon dioxide is created each day by your use of fossil fuels.
• Insulating your attic helps keep your home's upper floors more comfortable in summer and winter, and keeps more of the comfort you paid for from escaping your home. Use insulation with at least a minimum R-30 value, or visit the U.S. Department of Energy's website to learn more about choosing the right level of insulation for your area of the country.
• Planting a garden instead of grass around your home will allow you to save water, reduce the energy spent mowing and help avoid spewing greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Choose native wildflowers, a ground cover that requires little care or an organic herb garden and you'll save time and money all summer long.

Sources:
1. EnergyStar.gov2. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2005
3. IdealBite.com
4. National Aeronautics and Space Administration
5. American Lung Association

Indoor Air Quality

Top 10 Ways to control allergies

1. Turn on your A/C. Your air conditioning system not only filters the air inside your home, it helps remove excess moisture that can lead to allergy-triggering mold and mildew. Buy a humidity gauge at a home improvement store; if your home's humidity registers above 50% with the air conditioner on, your system may not be sized properly.

2. Change your furnace filter. Inspecting and replacing your furnace filter regularly helps your HVAC system filter out allergens more efficiently.

3. Leave your shoes at the door. And change your clothes after spending time outdoors. Otherwise you're simply tracking in pollen and other outdoor allergens and distributing them throughout your home.

4. Wash sheets and pillowcases weekly in hot water. Encasing pillows, mattresses and box springs in plastic covers will also help control the growth of dust mites.

5. Install an air purifier like the PureAir™ Air Purification System from Lennox. Air purifiers remove small, breathable particles of dust, dirt, pollen and allergens to improve your home's air quality. The PureAir system also removes airborne mold spores, bacteria, viruses, odors and chemical vapors to help you breathe a sigh of relief.

6. Kill mold now. If you're allergic to pollen and pet dander, you're probably sensitive to mold spores, too. Mold loves to grow where it's warm and damp (like the bathroom), so each week clean bath mats in hot water and clean the corners of your shower or tub. Always turn on the ventilation fan while you're taking a shower.

7. Use a germicidal light to kill contaminants. Ultraviolet lights like the Healthy Climate® UV Germicidal Light attach to your home's furnace or air handler, destroying contaminants at their source and removing them before the air is recirculated into your home.

8. Target pests. Cockroaches and mice have allergens in their saliva and droppings that can make you sneeze. Be sure to clean regularly under your stove and refrigerator to remove crumbs, and don't leave dishes in the sink.

9. Vacuum using a HEPA filter system or double-layer bags. Dust mites take up residence in your living room, bedroom, anywhere there's upholstery and carpet. Use the vacuum's upholstery attachment to remove pet hair from furniture, and keep pets off chairs as much as possible.

10. Remove clutter. Knickknacks, books, magazines and stuffed animals collect dust. Store them away in plastic bins to keep your home cleaner.

A Dirty Secret Revealed

Filtration systems and other indoor air quality products are supposed to make your home's air cleaner and healthier. Fact is, many such products on the market today end up making the air worse. That's because they emit ozone, a toxic gas.

The Problem with Ozone

Ozone is a form of oxygen. But there's good ozone, and there's bad ozone. In the earth's stratosphere, it helps to block potentially harmful ultraviolet radiation from reaching the ground. However, at lower levels in the atmosphere – the air we breathe – it's a product of pollution and can be dangerous.

• The Harmful Effects of Ozone – Long-term repeated exposure to high levels of ozone can reduce lung function or aggravate existing respiratory conditions, such as asthma or bronchitis.* Even relatively low amounts of ozone may cause chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing and throat irritation.**
• Who's at Risk – Ozone can be harmful to everyone. Healthy people, as well as those with existing respiratory difficulties, can all experience breathing problems when exposed to ozone.**

Ozone is Bad News

Although ozone in the stratosphere occurs naturally, ground-level ozone is man-made – and your sure don't want that in your home.

Many electronic particle air cleaners and ionizers produce ozone. Concentrations of ozone can build up, depending on how powerful the air cleaner is, whether it's placed in a small space and how many interior doors are closed.

The Ozone-Free Solution

Healthy Climate^® products from Lennox, essential components of your home's comfort system, are designed to dramatically improve indoor air quality. And, unlike many competitors' systems, they won't release harmful ozone into your home in the process. That's good to know, because it means your family really can breathe a little easier.

*American Lung Association, 2006
**U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, "Ozone Generators that are Sold as Air Cleaners: An Assessment of Effectiveness and Health Consequences," August 2006

Cleaning tips to help clear the air

Regular cleaning can go a long way toward controlling contaminants inside your home’s air.

• Controlling dust, dirt and other particles

• Dust your home regularly with a damp rag so you don’t stir up particles. Afterward, vacuum at least once a week using a vacuum with a HEPA filter.

• Always remove shoes at the door to avoid tracking in dirt, pollen and lead particles.

• Keep pets outdoors as often as possible. Make sure to frequently bathe them and wash their bedding.

• Keep your heating and air-conditioning system well maintained, and have your ducts cleaned.

• Controlling dust mites

• Use hot water (at least 130 degrees) and high heat to clean sheets once a week, and mattress pads, blankets and comforter covers once a month.

• Children’s stuffed animals can either be washed in hot water or placed in a plastic zipper bag in the freezer overnight to kill dust mites.

• Use airtight plastic covers or allergen-proof fabric covers to encase mattresses, box springs and pillows. Mattresses can be cleaned with a vacuum designed for allergen filtration, or treated with an allergen spray available from home stores.

• Regularly change the filters on your heating and air-conditioning system.

•  Controlling mold

• Stop any water leaks before you try to clean mold to limit its future growth.

• Clean mold from hard surfaces such as ceramic tile with dishwashing liquid followed by a solution of bleach and warm water.

• Water-damaged carpets, bedding and furniture should be cleaned and dried within 24 to 48 hours, or replaced.

• Controlling odors and chemicals

• Store household cleaners, paint solvents and chemical products in tightly sealed containers. If possible, keep them outdoors.

• Avoid using scented deodorizers and odor-masking air fresheners, which may contain toxic chemicals.

• Air out your dry-cleaned clothes before hanging them in your closet.

• Plan craft and home-improvement projects for mild days, when workspaces can be comfortably ventilated.

• Choose furnishings that emit the smallest possible amount of chemical vapors.

• Do not allow smoking inside your home and make sure all gas appliances are properly vented.

Concerned about your air quality?Visit www.Lennox.com to find out aboutwhole-home air cleaners and other Healthy Climate® solutions.

Dry air can wreck havoc on your home environment and health. Warm, dry air acts like a giant sponge, soaking up moisture from everything it touches.

It can make furniture shrink, warp and crack, hardwood floors separate at the seams as moisture is sucked out of them by desert-dry indoor air. Plus, it can cause skin irritation and respiratory problems, not to mention annoying static shocks. Fortunately, with a Lennox Healthy Climate® humidifier, you can easily maintain optimal humidity levels in every room of your home.

Humidity in the optimal zone to increase comfort, lower health risks

Studies show that by humidifying indoor air to optimal levels, in the range of 35 to 50% relative humidity, you are more comfortable and decrease health risks. Proper humidity: (1) reduces static shocks, (2) helps eliminate the itchy skin, (3) lowers your risk of infection by bacteria and viruses, (4) reduces the possibility of allergic reactions or asthma attacks, and alleviates the symptoms.

BASED ON DATA PUBLISHED IN ASHRAE TRANSACTIONS

Dry air aggravates upper respiratory problems

Itchy skin, dry throat coughs and cracked nasal membranes are all consequences of dry air. Cracked nasal membranes are a common cause of bloody noses, and can increase your risk of infection by bacteria and upper respiratory viruses. Many doctors recommend a humidifier to allergy and asthma suffers as a way to relieve their symptoms.

Relative humidity drops as outdoor air is heated

In an average home, normal air infiltration around doors and windows completely replaces inside air about once every two hours. When that outdoor air is heated to room temperature, its relative humidity plummets. For example, on a winter day with the outdoor relative humidity at 60 percent and the temperature at 30 degrees, warming outside air to 70 degrees causes its relative humidity to drop to just 14 percent (see chart). No wonder that without a humidifier your home quickly becomes bone dry.

BASED ON A CHART BY THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE

Outdoor/Indoor Relative Humidity Conversion Chart

You feel colder, even with the thermostat turned up

Your body is a furnace that is constantly generating heat. It regulates the temperature by constantly secreting moisture in the form of perspiration, which evaporates. This means, that as the perspiration evaporates, it absorbs heat from your skin. The drier the air, the more rapid the rate of evaporation and the quicker your body cools.

When it’s cold outside and you’ve got the heat running and you feel a little chilly, you turn the heat up, which dries the indoor air all the more, causing your body to kick into a higher “cooling mode.”

The higher you turn up the heat, the drier the air becomes, the more your body evaporates moisture and the cooler you feel.

What’s the lowest-cost way to lower your heating bills?

The right thing to do when you’re feeling chilly is to check the indoor humidity level first. Raise the humidity level and you’ll feel more comfortable without increasing the heat.

At 70 deg. F for every 10% you increase the indoor relative humidity, you

Increase the “apparent temperature” approximately 1 deg. F.

For every 1 deg. F that you reduce your thermostat setting. You save approximately 5% on your energy consumption.

This means that consumers can save 20-30% or more on their heating cost on the coldest days and nights of the winter…and be more comfortable, healthier and extend the useful life of their home and furnishings!

What else can you install for less that will save that kind of money on heating cost?

For example, a 69 degree temperature at 35% relative humidity feels just as warm as a 72 degree setting at 19% relative humidity.

A humidifier for every Home

A Healthy Climate® whole-house humidifier is one of the easiest, most effective ways to add moisture to your home’s air.

The humidifier can be mounted on either the supply or return plenum.

Power humidifier

Equipped with a built-in fan that circulates humidified air throughout your home via your furnace duct system.

The humidifier fan draws dry air from the furnace duct through the water panel evaporator. The humidified air then wraps around both sides of the Water Panel and returns through the side louvers into the furnace’s air flow, providing comforting, humidified air to the entire home.

Bypass humidifiers

Utilizes the furnace fan to direct humidified air to each room in your home.

When the furnace operates, negative air pressure is created that draws air from the supply, hot side of the furnace to the return, cold side. This pressure draws the heated air through the Water Panel evaporator, providing comforting, humidified air throughout the home.

How Healthy Climate® whole-home humidifiers work

Healthy Climate® humidifiers use nature’s own process by introducing humidity through safe, pure water vapor. When your home’s humidity falls below the optimum level the Healthy Climate® humidifier goes to work. Water supplied to the distribution tray flows evenly across the patented water panel evaporator. Thirsty, dry air is forced through the water panel and the humidified air is distributed throughout you home. When J.D Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. installs your high-tech Lennox Healthy Climate® power humidification system it can deliver up to 50% more moisture in comparison to competitive units for improved comfort - and that is what you buy a humidifier for. The computer-equipped, power humidifier features state-of-the-art automatic no touch computer control to help eliminate the need for manual adjustments. It senses changes in relative humidity instantaneously and adjusts the humidity providing optimal indoor humidity levels. It utilizes an outdoor temperature sensor for monitoring even the slightest changes in outdoor temperature. Solid state electronics assures total system reliability and precision.

The humidifier panel and how it works

The humidifying principal of the Healthy Climate® humidifier uses the introduction of humidity

The humidifying principal of the Healthy Climate® humidifier uses the introduction of humidity in the form of water vapor to prevent minerals from entering the air stream in the home. Water is supplied to the distribution tray, allowing it to flow evenly across the water panel. The resulting humidified air is distributed through the entire home.

Top 10 ways to enjoy a cleaner home

1. Add a germicidal light to your HVAC system. Easy to install, these UV-emitting lights help purify your home’s air by reducing growth of mold, bacteria and viruses before they are spread throughout your home. Healthy Climate^® UV Germicidal Lights offer the highest UV light intensity on the market.

2. Take off your shoes when you walk in your front door. A selection of house slippers nearby helps encourage your family to take their shoes off. Most of the dirt in our homes is dust and soil tracked in by family members.

3. Replace kitchen sponges once a week. The moist environment of a sponge is a breeding ground for bacteria – more than 100,000 bacteria per square inch. Sponges can also be soaked in bleach 15 minutes to help kill bacteria.

4. Control mold by removing the excess moisture it needs to grow. Adding a whole-home dehumidifier will reduce the opportunity for allergy-triggering mold and mildew to grow.

5. Wash bedding regularly in hot water. This helps kill dust mites, which trigger allergies. Cover mattresses and pillows with allergy-proof cases.

6. Use microfiber cloths to dust without chemicals. Once used, they can be tossed in the washer to clean for reuse. Dust high to low surfaces first, and then vacuum last.

7. Add a multipurpose air-purification system. Choose an indoor air quality system that attacks small particles such as dust and dirt, airborne mold spores and viruses, even odors and chemical vapors.

8. Get rid of clutter. Keeping your home clean and organized is easier when you put away the knick-knacks where dust collects.

9. Replace or clean your HVAC system’s filter once a month. You’ll not only remove airborne pollutants, but protect your system’s energy efficiency.

10. Keep windows closed at night if you have allergies. You’ll help prevent pollen from drifting into your home.

Comfort Q & A

How do I save money with a programmable thermostat?

Choose a thermostat that's easy to use. A programmable thermostat can save about $100 a year* in energy costs, but only if you take advantage of all it has to offer. Thermostats with more intuitive menus – like the ComfortSense™ 7000 thermostat from Lennox – are designed specifically to allow you to get the most savings by making interaction easier. The large, tabbed display makes it easy to navigate, and onscreen service reminders tell you when to change the system's filter. Automatic adjustments between daylight saving time and standard time mean you don't have to change the thermostat when the seasons change. And because the ComfortSense 7000 is designed for dual-fuel capability, the thermostat also increases the efficiency of those heating systems by automatically alternating between gas and electric operation.

Use it or lose it

Most programmable thermostats offer multiple daily temperature settings for weekdays and weekends. Use as many as apply to your home and family to customize your temperature schedule for every day of the week, up to four time periods per day. That means you can set the wake-up temperature a little later for lazy Saturday mornings and get the most energy savings out of your home's system. Thermostats that offer humidity control work your dehumidification system to adjust humidity and temperature settings independently, removing excess moisture from the air even on days when the air conditioner doesn't run for long periods.

Find the best place

Install your thermostat in a location where it can accurately read your home's temperature. Mount the unit on an inside wall, away from naturally cool or hot spots and doors or windows. Avoid installing the thermostat in direct sunlight, near vents, on walls with ductwork or on exterior walls. You'll also want to be sure to keep lighting sources away from the thermostat, because their heat can cause the air conditioner to work overtime.

*Sources: EnergyStar.gov