Heating Products - Questions and answers

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN ECM AND PSC MOTOR?

ECM (Electronically Commutated Motor) technology uses direct current (DC) power which has the motor run more efficiently than conventional PSC (Permanently Split Capacitors) motors. When an ECM motor you will enjoy up to 82% of electricity energy efficiency. ECM motors draw less power (watts) than PSC motors, which result in energy savings of up to 50% during the heating and cooling modes and up to 75% (watts) during continuous fan operation, making them the most efficient motor choice for your furnace. ECM motors also run physically cooler which will have the motors last longer than conventional PSC motors.

SHOULD I WORRY ABOUT CORROSION FROM CONDENSATION INSIDE MY HEAT EXCHANGER WITH MY NEW CONFORTO KLC-100 HIGH EFFICIENCY FURNACE?

Absolutely not. The Conforto KLC-100 has been designed and built with condensation in mind. The combustion chamber and heat exchanger are constructed using premium stainless steel capable to withstand corrosion.

CAN MY CONFORTO FURNACE/ PENSOTTI BOILER BE CONVERTED FROM OIL TO GAS?

Except for the KLC-100, all Conforto furnaces/ Pensotti boilers can be converted to Natural or Propane gas by simply changing the burner. To receive a quote, please contact your local HVAC specialist or reputable installer. Find an installer.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I CHANGE MY AIR FILTERS?

Recommend changing air filters every two months, if you have cats or dogs change them every month.

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY OIL FURNACE WON’T START?

Please follow the following steps:

  1. Make sure that you have oil in your tank
  2. Ensure that the furnace/boiler circuit breaker is on
  3. Check that your thermostat is set at heat and that it is set to a desired temperature higher that the in-room temperature
  4. Press the reset button on the oil burner once to see if the burner starts.
  5. If these steps do not work, call your local technician or heating oil supplier.

I HAVE A NEW GENERATION OF OIL-FIRED APPLIANCE INSTALLED IN MY HOME, IT USES LESS OIL THAN MY PREVIOUS OIL-FIRED APPLIANCE. DOES IT STILL NEED TO BE SERVICED ANNUALLY?

Yes, as per manufacturer’s installation and operation manual and National codes, all oil-fired heating appliances should be inspected and serviced annually.  Although they most likely won’t need to be ‘cleaned and vacuumed’ every year like with your previous oil-fired appliance, the oil nozzle, oil filter  and air filters (if applicable) need to be replaced annually, also, this is a great opportunity for your service technician to verify that all the safety devices on the unit are working normally.  Refer to the maintenance section of your installation manual or enter in to a maintenance and service contract with your service or heating oil provider.

ARE THERE OIL HEAT APPLIANCES THAT OFFER THE SAME OR BETTER HEATING EFFICIENCIES THAN GAS HEATING APPLIANCES?

Absolutely! There are oil-fired furnaces and boilers on the market that offer the same and even greater efficiencies that gas-fired heating appliances.  Granby manufactures Energy Star® oil-fired heating appliances that offer efficiencies up to 96.7% A.F.U.E.

I’VE HEARD THAT HEATING WITH PROPANE GAS WILL CUT MY HEATING ENERGY BILL BY A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT ANNUALLY. IS IT TRUE?

When comparing energy sources to heat your home be aware that not all energies offers the same the same amount of heat by volume. One (1) US gallon (3.78L) of propane gas delivers 91,502 BTU/h of heat, one (1) US gallon (3.78L) of No.2 heating oil delivers 139,400 BTU/h of heat.  You will need to burn 52% more propane fuel to get the same amount of heat as No. 2 heating oil. In layman terms, if you burn 795 US gallons (3,000L) annually to heat your home, you will burn 1,208 US gallons (4,566L) of propane to get the same amount of heat with equivalent efficiency heating appliances. In the case just mentioned, to save any money on your heating bill, the price of propane gas per gallon or litre would need to be more than 50% less than the price of a gallon or litre of heating oil.

MY INSURANCE COMPANY WILL NOT INSURE MY HOME BECAUSE I USE HEATING OIL AS ENERGY TO HEAT MY HOME. THEY INSIST THAT I CHANGE THE SOURCE OF ENERGY USED; OTHERWISE THEY WILL SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASE MY PREMIUM IN ORDER TO INSURE MY OIL HEATED HOME. WHAT SHOULD I DO?

It is the prerogative of every insurance company to underwrite or not oil heated properties and at the premium they value, many insurance companies are ‘Oil Heat’ friendly and will insure your oil heated home with minimal added or at no added premium if the oil tank and its installation is in good order, shop around for insurance, you will find a good offer!