As cooler months approach, many homeowners will begin to turn on their boiler to provide heat.

Boilers operate by heating either steam or water. Steam boilers need a higher temperature of operation than water boilers, making them inherently less efficient. However, both types of boilers are available in higher efficiency models that help save both energy and money.

If you have an older boiler – even though it still may be working well – much of your fuel may be going out the chimney or flue. Older boilers (especially those converted from coal to oil or gas) are often quite inefficient. However, modern boiler efficiency is at an all-time high, with newer models having efficiencies that go upwards of 90 percent Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE). Homeowners who choose high AFUE-rated boilers will see significant energy savings.

You generally don't give much thought to your boiler system. It's supposed to work and as long as it does it's barely noticeable. When you experience a boiler breakdown, however, it can make for a miserable existence until the unit gets fixed.

High efficiency furnaces have become increasingly popular over the last several years. In response to steadily rising energy costs and increasing concern for the environment, many homeowners are upgrading their old furnaces to more energy-efficient models. It can be a smart move to consider, particularly if you have a furnace that is more than ten years old.

The normal lifespan of a furnace is 15 to 20 years. And any furnace that has endured 20 of our extended New England winters is a good one. It has paid for itself and then some. Unfortunately, after that long a period, it is probably living on borrowed time. When it goes, it will most likely be when it's working its hardest. And, it will also be either too expensive or impractical to repair.

For many Massachusetts homeowners, summer is the perfect time to buy a new furnace. You have time to do your homework and find the best deal for your energy dollar. While low sticker prices are attractive, remember that the upfront cost of HVAC equipment usually accounts for only 20 percent to 25 percent of the overall cost. The bulk of what you'll pay will be operating costs and maintenance.

Furnace systems and automobiles share a few common factors: Regularly changing the car's oil is part and parcel of owning it. Tiny metal filings and deposits collect in the motor oil with use and must be removed. Choosing not to change the oil increases these deposits and lowers gasoline mileage, leading to costly problems for the vehicle engine. 

The complexity of home comfort equipment has brought about a need for homeowner education. With winter approaching, many homeowners are searching to replace outdated, inefficient furnaces. The staff at Rodenhiser would like to help you sort through some of the more important factors you need to know in order to make your decision easier. Here are a few tips to help you make an informed decision:

AFUE ratings specify the annual fuel-utilization efficiency of furnaces. The rating, expressed as a percentage, indicates how much of the fuel consumed is actually converted to heat; higher numbers represent higher efficiency. Furnaces with higher AFUE ratings also tend to be more expensive, but these are not the only numbers to consider when upgrading your furnace.

You’re feeling a chill, but then you’re breaking out in a sweat. Your furnace has conked out and you’re ready to hit the panic button.