Considering Changing Heating or Cooling Systems

**When finding BTU for an Air Conditioner or a Heat Pump, simply multiply the tons of the unit by 12,000.

Air Conditioner:

Cost of Operation = (718) * (AC BTU/SEER) * (Cost per KW/1000)

Example

15 SEER 2.5 Ton AC @ .06/KW
Cost	=718*(30000/15)*(.06/1000)
	=718*2000*.00006
	=86.16

So a 15 SEER 2.5 Ton AC would cost $86.16 to run annually.

Air Source Heat Pump:

Cost of Operation= ((BTU/SEER) * (Cost per KW/1000) / .85)*2500

Example

18 Seer 5 Ton Heat Pump @.06KW
Cost	=((60000/18)*(.06/1000)/.85)*2500
	=((3333.33)*(.00006)/.85)*2500
	=588.23

A 18 Seer 5 Ton Heat Pump would cost $588.23 annually to run.

Gas Furnace:

Cost of Operation=(Energy Cost/Energy Content) * ((BTU/1000) /Efficiency) * 100000

*Use 37.5 as energy content, as it is the closest available number.

Example

95% Efficient 80000 BTU Furnace
Cost	=(.4168/37.5)*(80/95)*100000
	=.0111146*.8421052*100000
	=935.96

A 80,000 BTU with 95% Efficiency would cost $935.96 to run annually. This uses Energy Content as listed on nrcan.gc.ca for Toronto.

Water Heater:

Electric: Cost=365*(12.03/EF)*Cost/KWH

*this will give you the operational cost for a family of four. Divide in half for family of two. Multiply by 1.5 for family of six.

Example

Standard Electric water heater (85% Efficiency)
Cost	=365*(12.03/ef)*cost/kwh
	=365*(12.03/.85)*.075
	=365*14.1529*.075
=387.44

A family of four with a standard electric water heater would spend approximately $387.44 a year on heating costs.

Natural Gas: Cost=365*(.4105/EF)*BTU fuel cost

*this will give you the operational cost for a family of four. Divide in half for family of two. Multiply by 1.5 for family of six.

Example

Family of 8 using a Hi-Eff NG water heater (65%EF)
Cost	=(365*(.4105/.65)*.000015075)*2
	=(365*.6315384*000015075)*2
	=(347.45)*2
=694.90

A Family of eight would spend approximately $694.90 a year on water heating costs with a Hi-Efficiency Gas Water Heater

1. Look for a registered contractor

Look for a contractor that is registered with the Technical Standards and Safety Authority and if electrical wiring is included, make sure that the Electrical Safety Authority will be notified for inspection. Proper installation is essential for your home's safety.

If you are looking for a wood burning unit, ensure that your contractor is registered with the Association of Wood Energy Technicians of Ontario-Emke Schaab is not.

2. Get estimates from several contractors

Don't be afraid to shop around. Prices from different contractors can vary significantly. Ensure to ask each salesperson the following:

• Total cost of all necessary work
• Heat loss/gain - and how they came to the result
• Size and Seasonal efficiency of equipment and sound ratings
• Whose responsibility is it to:
  • Get and pay for permits
  • Remove and dispose of old equipment
  • Arrange for subcontractors and gas lines
  • Arrange inspections
• Work schedule and completion date
• Company Guarantees, Manufacturer Warranties, and service contracts
• Rebates available
• Terms of payment and methods available
• Evidence of registration

3. Make your selection

When making your selection, consider not only the upfront cost of the equipment, but the operational costs. Consider what rebates are available for each option and what will be taken off the original costs, because that could make a more expensive unit a better deal than the lower end model. Also, look at what comes with the installation-does it have any extras, like first year maintenance, duct insulation, etc.

Ask for references from the contractors you are considering. Contact the customers and ask for their honest opinions, and ask about any complaints they might have.

4. Choose the right equipment

Don't just choose to replace your old equipment with new equipment of the same size, make sure some sort of heat loss is done. Since the old equipment was installed, your home has probably changed, and that means your old equipment might be the wrong size. Replacing equipment with improperly sized equipment will cause the unit to operate below optimum efficiency.

There is also the venting concern. Make sure that there will be adequate supply of air for combustion and venting when using gas, propane or oil. If you are going with something electrical, make sure your electrical panel can handle the added load, or find out the cost to upgrade it.

Based on © 2005 Queen's Printer for Ontario