If we could show you ways to contribute to cleaner air, would you be interested? Surveys show that concern for the environment is a major issue in the minds of consumers. That's why you probably have real interest in how you can contribute to cleaner air. The natural gas industry also has a keen interest in environmental matters. We are proud that natural gas can make important contributions in three areas of concern - ozone and urban smog, acid rain, and global warming. Government, business, academia and the media recognize that the increased use of natural gas is an attractive option for solving these problems.

America's Cleanest Fuel

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As a concerned citizen, you may want to add "contributing to cleaner air" as another benefit of buying a gas appliance. Gas is America's cleanest fuel and the natural gas industry looks forward to working with you to solve pollution problems and to protect our precious environment.

We hope this Buyer's Guide for gas heating equipment helps you with your selection. Enjoy your purchase.

Decisions That Affect Your Comfort & Investment

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Are you thinking about buying a new car or a new heating system for your home? Both will be investments in your future. You are looking for comfort, low operating and maintenance costs and a product that will give you long and reliable performance.

With automobiles an educated consumer knows the right questions to ask: "What about emissions? How do anti-lock brake systems work, compared with standard brakes? How long is the warranty?" and "When should I schedule service?"

But do you know what questions to ask when it's time to replace your furnace or boiler, or buy a new home with a different type of heating system than you had before?

It is difficult to decide which brand/model of gas furnace or boiler to buy for your home. This booklet will help you ask the right questions. It will also give you maintenance tips to ensure that your system gives the same quality performance year after year.

You'll find descriptions of models and features, explanation of terminology, information on efficiency levels and other facts you will need to help you decide. Remember, no two houses are the same. They are constructed differently, insulated differently and maintained differently. It is suggested that you contact a QUALIFIED GAS CONTRACTOR or your local gas company to help evaluate the specific heating needs of your home.

Why is a Gas Furnace or Boiler your Best Heating Buy?

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Because your heating system is usually the largest energy user in your home, it's important for you to choose one that will give you the best value over the life of your investment. Because furnaces and boilers usually last 17 to 20 years, this is an important decision. Within the last few years, technological advances in heating system designs have given you more choices.

This brochure explains how you can compare heating systems' efficiency ratings, discusses basic new furnace and boiler designs and shows you how to calculate your savings and payback time.

Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency

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The efficiency ratings you see advertised on new gas heating systems refer to Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE), a rating method developed by the U.S. Department of Energy. The AFUE indicates what percent of the energy used is converted to usable heat.

The AFUE ratings on gas furnaces and boilers have improved because new designs allow the heating units to recover heat that would otherwise be wasted.

1992 New Furnace Minimum Efficiency Levels

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The National Appliance Energy Conservation Act (NAECA) of 1987 set minimum efficiency requirements for central heating equipment, regardless of the energy used. All furnaces and boilers manufactured after January 1, 1992, must meet or exceed the minimum efficiency levels required by NAECA.

Minimum efficiency levels for other gas appliances that have been set by the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act of 1987 and their effective dates are shown in Table No. 1.

TABLE NO. 1

Product	NAECA Minimum Standard	Effective Date	Duration Yr. End
Central Heating Equipment	78% AFUE*	1992	10 yrs.
Mobile Home Furnaces	75% AFUE	9/1/90	3.25 yrs.
Boilers, Hot Water (Central)	80% AFUE	1992	10 yrs.
Boilers, Steam	75% AFUE	1992	10 yrs.

Standards for direct heating equipment, which includes wall furnaces, fan and gravity type furnaces, floor furnaces and room heaters, go into effect in 1990 for a period of five years. The minimum efficiency standards range from 56 percent to 74 percent depending on the type and size of the unit.

Notes:
* AFUE is Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, determined in accordance with Department of Energy test procedures.

Energy Savings

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Because of the higher efficiency requirements of new furnaces and perhaps the need for a new venting system, consumers can expect to pay more for the purchase of their heating systems. However, over the life of the unit, a high-efficiency gas unit will help pay for itself because of the annual savings in operating costs or the "Energy Savings Payback" (ESP).

ESP is simply the money you save on energy used during the lifetime of your energy-efficient gas appliance. The more energy-efficient the appliance, the less money you spend on monthly utility bills. When comparing your older model of gas equipment with one of the new energy-efficient gas furnaces, the ESP can help pay back some of the costs of the new furnace. When shopping for appliances, don't look just at the price tag, also consider the ESP.

For example, compare furnace X (your old 63 percent furnace) and Y (a new 94 percent, high-efficiency gas furnace), assuming a gas cost of 65 cents per therm* (See Table No. 2).

TABLE NO. 2

New vs. Old	Estimated Annual Fuel Cost*
Existing Furnace X Conventional (63%)	$638.00 AFUE*
New Furnace Y High-Efficiency (94%) Annual Savings	$426.00 $212.00

Your annual savings with the high-efficiency furnace would be $212.00. Over the lifetime of the furnace (20 years), your estimated savings would be $4,240 over the older 63 percent AFUE furnace.

Because of regional weather differences and cost of gas, be sure to ask your local gas company for correct amount of therms used during the year and local cost of gas.

This example is based on a region of the country that requires 2,000 heating load hours, and has a 60,000 and 50,000 Btus/ hr input assuming a gas cost at 65 cents per therm, respectively. Homes located in colder climates will have higher costs for all types of equipment.

Variations in Efficiency Ratings

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Energy efficiency is achieved whenever heat loss is reduced. An older conventional furnace achieves from 60 - 65 percent efficiency. Typical efficiencies for mid-range furnaces are from 78 - 83 percent. The new generation of high-efficiency equipment can achieve up to 96.6 percent AFUE.

Be sure to ask your local gas company, heating contractor or dealer for the EnergyGuide fact sheets. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires dealers to have such fact sheets for each natural gas, oil and propane furnace and boiler. Each fact sheet gives the AFUE rating for a furnace and the ratings for the most and least efficient furnaces of the same size and fuel type. The higher the AFUE number, the more efficient the furnace.

The fact sheet also helps you estimate the annual operating cost for each model. To do that, you need to know your local gas rate and BTU (British thermal units)-per-hour heat loss of your home. The current gas rate can usually be found on your monthly gas bill, or you can call your local gas utility. Your heating contractor can calculate the heat loss of your home. With this information, you can use the chart on the fact sheet to find the estimated annual operating cost for the furnace you are considering.

EnergyGuide

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On the following pages are brief descriptions of the basic types of gas heating systems now available. We suggest that you investigate the purchase, installation and operating costs of a variety of models before making a decision. Then obtain bids from two or more heating contractors before you buy.

Automatic Ignition Devices

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One feature of the new high-efficiency systems is the automatic ignition device. Sometimes called an intermittent ignition device 111D), this component replaces the constantly burning pilot light.

The device works very much like an automobile spark plug. Whenever heat is called for by the thermostat, the 11D produces a spark to light the pilot, which in turn lights the heating system's main burner. By not using any gas between ignition cycles, this dependable component conserves the fuel that would be used by a constantly burning pilot light.

How Your Heating Equipment Works

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Basically home heating equipment consists of:

Conventional Furnace Cutaway

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The illustration shows a conventional warm-air furnace. The furnace uses natural or propane gas and air for burning the gas to provide heat to the heat exchanger. Circulating air (or water, in the case of a boiled flows through the heat exchanger where it is heated and then circulates throughout the house.

For venting, make-up air is drawn info the vent at the draft diverter. This air mixes with the hot exhaust gases and travels through the vent and out the chimney.

Because of the 78 percent AFUE efficiency requirement that will take effect in 1992, new mid-efficiency upflow gas furnace technologies are being introduced into the market.

One of these new designs includes a technologically advanced burner box, atmospheric venting, and a choice of pilot systems. These new systems will easily allow for change-out or replacement. Atmospheric % venting allows more flexibility in the venting systems because no induced draft blowers are required. Ask your dealer for more details.

Induced-Draft Design Furnaces (83% AFUE)

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Warm-air furnaces featuring this design have higher heating efficiencies and use less gas than conventional models.

Conventional furnaces draw air through an opening at the front of the furnace and at the flue to create a natural draft. Induced-draft furnaces use an automatic fan system to draw the combustion products into the flue, improving burner efficiency. The fan and a specially designed heat exchanger work together to reduce excess air and extract heat normally lost up the chimney.

The improved design of the heat exchanger can extract 1500 or more of heat from the same amount of gas burned by a natural draft furnace.

Venting for this furnace can be done through a chimney or, for some specific models, through the use of a direct through-the-wall vent.

Boilers with Power-Vent & Heat Extractor (87% AFUE)

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The power-vent design system provides positive venting through the narrow flue sections, resulting in rapid heat transfer to circulating water, increasing heating efficiency and lowering fuel consumption.

As shown in Illustration No. 3, flue gases are pulled through the boiler sections and the heat extractor before being discharged info the venting system. A flue gas close-off valve retains heat in the boiler when the power vent is not operating.

A chimney is not required for venting. Direct through-the-wall or roof venting can be used with the powervent design.

Condensing or Recuperative-Type Furnace (85% or higher AFUE)

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This type of furnace is a modification of the conventional warm air furnace design. However, it operates at significantly higher heating efficiencies and uses less fuel.

The recuperative furnace has two heat exchangers: a direct-fired unit and an unfired unit. Hot flue gases produced by combustion are drawn through the heat exchanger and recuperative section, and then vented to the atmosphere by a small fan. No chimney is necessary since the flue gases are vented directly outside.

Efficiency is increased because additional usable heat is captured in the recuperative heat exchanger (unfired unit). This unit condenses the available water vapor and uses the forced draft fan to reduce the loss of heated air from the home when the furnace is not operating.

When water vapor in the flue gases is condensed, it releases additional heat for use in the home. The water is disposed of by a condensate drain.

Q. What is a condensate drain? A. Because high-efficiency furnaces cool flue or exhaust gases to temperatures between 1000F and 1450F, water vapor is condensed to a liquid in the heating process. A disposal drain must be provided with the furnace.

Q. Is special venting needed because of this condensation? A. Because furnace condensation is slightly acidic, special plastic PVC pipe venting is required.

Pulse Combustion Furnace (94 - 97% AFUE)

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Although this equipment is similar in appearance and installation to a conventional furnace, the combustion process is completely different. No heated air from within the building is lost in the combustion or the venting processes, because all combustion air is taken from the outside.

Pulse combustion furnaces and boilers operate reliably at exceptionally high-efficiency levels and use much less gas than conventional units.

Here is how the pulse combustion process works:

Pulse Combustion Boiler (90% AFUE)

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The pulse combustion boiler works in much the some way as the pulse combustion furnace. The main difference is that the heat from the combustion chamber is transferred to water that is then distributed throughout the home.

Combination Water Heating/Space Conditioning Systems

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This innovative, compact and efficient space-conclitioning and water heating system requires only the space of one unit. As a result, it's ideal for installation in small areas. One natural gas burner now does two jobs.

These energy-efficient systems are designed primarily for use as a forced-air heating system, but can also be adopted for new hydronic baseboard systems. The water heater provides domestic hot water throughout the house. To provide heating, the circulating pump, controlled by a wall thermostat, sends hot water through the heating system where the water heats a coil. A fan in the air handler then blows air over the heated coil. The warmed air is distributed to the house through ducts. This type of system can also be used with hydronic heating by circulating hot water through a radiant heating system. Properly sized, these systems can provide adequate space and water heating for homes in any part of the country.

Combination Units Electric to Gas Conversions

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A new hot water conversion system is available that modifies an electric water heater for natural gas. This system incorporates a self-contained gas burner located outside the home to heat and circulate hot water to an existing electric water heater. To convert an existing system, a separate circulation system is installed that consists of a hot water coil that serves as a heat exchanger, water supply and return lines from the hot water storage tank and a water pump. The pump is electrically connected to an existing household thermostat. The hot water coil is installed in the existing air handling system. When the thermostat calls for heat, the water pump will draw hot water out of the storage tank and circulate through the heat exchanger. Using the same fan that is part of the existing furnace, the heat exchanger transfers the heat energy from the water to the air. The system gives home owners who were unable to convert due to venting and space constraints another option.

Most Efficient Heating/Cooling Combination

The most efficient heating and cooling with a warm air system can be obtained with a high-efficiency gas furnace and energy-efficient central air conditioner. This combination delivers maximum year-round comfort at minimum operating and maintenance costs.

One reason this combination works so well is that each component is specifically designed to perform only a single function - either heating or cooling. As a result, all design improvements are concentrated on upgrading the performance of that function. Since they are separate components, the proper size model of each can be selected for a given household's heating and cooling needs.

Proper Sizing

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The size of a furnace or boiler refers to its heating output capacity rather than to its physical dimensions. The capacity of a heating system is measured in Btu per hour. The heat input multiplied by the efficiency equals the heat output.

The correct furnace or boiler size depends on the size of your home, its construction and insulation, the way you use the house and the normal winter temperatures in your area. A qualified gas heating contractor or gas utility heating system specialist can estimate the heat loss of your home by measuring the amount of wall, roof and floor space exposed to the outside, and the amount of insulation you have. Using a mathematical formula that includes the desired indoor temperature and the local outdoor temperature ranges, the contractor then recommends an appropriate size for your new furnace.

Sizing estimates and help with equipment selection should always be made by a qualified contractor. A unit that is too large for your home can be less efficient; a too small unit may decrease your comfort level.

Making Your Selection

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While in the process of comparing the various models of gas heating equipment, be sure to use this handy checklist.

A.G.A. Design Certification

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When shopping for your new gas heating system, always be sure the models you are considering are Design Certified by the American Gas Association (in the United States), Canadian Gas Association (in Canada) or another nationally recognized laboratory. In 1993, the American Gas Association and Canadian Gas Association formed a joint venture called "International Approval Services" as a means of helping to ensure that the design of gas appliances sold in these two countries meet appropriate national standards.

Special Tips to Help You Save Money

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Weatherize to Economize! Make sure your home is weatherized to present-day standards. Here are some steps you can take to get the most from your heating dollars:

There are many other energy efficiency measures you can take to save energy, save money and increase comfort. Be sure to contact your local gas utility for suggestions.

Proper Maintenance

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Now you should know everything there is needed to select a gas furnace. However, you also need to know how to maintain your furnace. You may ask, "How can I keep my furnace operating efficiently and safely throughout its lifetime?"

Heating specialists recommend that your heating system be inspected each year. The ideal time is before the beginning of the heating season. Call your installing contractor, the manufacturer's local representative listed in your Yellow Pages or your local gas company.

Here is a handy list of tune-up checkpoints:

Important Facts to Know about Buying or Selling Your Home

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Did you know that you can factor energy efficiency into the mortgage process? Doing so can make home prices more affordable for lower-income consumers. This is done through the Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM). It allows a buyer to live in a house more cheaply or buy a house for which they would otherwise be unable to qualify.

How does the Energy Efficient Mortgage work?

It can allow for energy upgrades for existing homes. The per month energy savings from energy upgrades will usually be greater than the per month investment required when the cost of upgrades are added to the mortgage. For example: Every $1,000 worth of energy improvements added to a 10-percent, 30-year loan requires an investment of 29 cents per day vs. a savings that can exceed 49 cents per day. It can liberalize the underwriting tools for purchasing houses.

In most cases, lenders approve loans only if 28 percent or less of the borrower's monthly gross income is needed for principal and interest on the loan, plus taxes and insurance on the property. On an energy-efficient home, lenders can stretch the debt-to-income ratio, allowing as much as 32-percent of their gross income to go toward these items. They do so by including the energy savings. These liberalized ratios can allow a borrower to take out a larger loan (roughly 12-percent larger) and purchase a larger home or qualify for a first home, when under normal ratios they would not. For example: With a "stretched" debt-to-income ratio, the adjusted income needed to purchase a $75,500 home would be $21,375 rather than $27,381.

Who Supports the Energy Efficient Mortgage?

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The VA, FHA, GMAC Mortgage Corp., Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac are the primary lending agencies that offer the energy efficient mortgage. You can obtain additional information about Energy Efficient Mortgages from your local mortgage lender, home builder or real estate agent.

TABLE NO. 3 CONSUMER'S WORK SHEET

Use Chart 1 to figure out the total cost of the furnace over its lifetime. The examples shown assume the cost of gas to be 65 cents per therm. (Your heating dealer can give you the estimated operating costs for the different models you are considering.)

Chart 1 - Total Cost Calculation

Mode Name(AFUE)	EstimatedYearly Operating Costs		AverageLifetime of Furnace		Purchase Price(includes installation)		TotalCost
Model AHigh-Efficiency (94%)	$282	X	20	+	$3,000	=	$8,640
ModelB-Conventional (78%)	$446	X	20	+	$2,000	=	$10,920

For additional information, all public libraries have copies of the Consumer's Directory of Certified Efficiency Ratings for Residential Heating and Water Heating Equipment. This directory is published in April and October of each year by the Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association. Included in this directory is information on how to estimate the annual heating requirements and how to compare the cost of operation of different models.