5. The Mechanics of Buying, Installing or Upgrading a System
Buying an Oil Heating System
You cannot shop for a furnace the same way you shop or a camera or a pair of
shoes. There are no “furnace stores ” where the different makes and models may
be examined, compared and priced. To get first-hand information on the different
makes and models available, you will have to contact a number of heating firms.
Ask them for the manufacturers’ illustrated sales literature on the furnaces
they sell and install. You should also contact your oil supplier or a local
contractor or assistance and information. If you have decided on a particular
type of furnace, read the literature carefully to find out if it describes the
features you are looking for –such as a high-static flame-retention head burner
and a delayed-action solenoid valve, etc. Look for its efficiency rating. This
should be the seasonal (AFUE) rating, not just
the steady-state efficiency. Make sure you distinguish between the two types
of ratings. Compare it with Table 1 on page 39.
As previously mentioned, even the best oil furnaces do not run at their maximum
efficiency if they are oversized and can make your home uncomfortable. A heating
contractor cannot determine the size of furnace you need just by walking through
your house. Do not buy a new furnace the same size as your present one; it may
be as much as three times too large.
The contractor will have to calculate the heating requirements of your house
using either the fuel consumption of your present furnace over a known winter
period (together with the nozzle size, the steady-state efficiency, the degree-days
between oil deliveries, the amount of oil consumed over that period, and the
design temperature for your region) or by making a thorough measurement and
examination of your house to determine size, insulation levels and degree of
tightness of the house envelope. If the contractor does not show any interest
in any of the above factors, then his or her calculation of the correct size
for your new furnace will be simply a “guesstimate.”
To make sure proper furnace sizing is determined, the quotation and contract
should include a statement like this one: “The furnace size will be
determined by a heat loss calculation using the formulas published by the Canadian
Oil Heat Association; the Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Institute
of Canada; the Canadian Standards Association; Natural Resources Canada; or
other recognized organization. A copy of these calculations will be given to
the homeowner. ”
It is important to hire a contractor who will install your equipment properly
to ensure that it will operate efficiently. Check with your local fuel dealer
or provincial/territorial heating fuel regulatory office to find out how to
get in touch with a fully qualified, registered or licensed contractor. If your
neighbours have had similar work done recently, ask them how satisfied they
were with their contractors. If you are buying a relatively new type of furnace
design, try to get the names of other homeowners who have had such equipment
installed, and find out what they have to say about the appliance ’s performance
and the work of the installer.
Before you decide what to buy, obtain firm, written bids from several companies
on a) the cost of upgrading your existing equipment, and b) the cost of buying
and installing a complete new unit, along with any other fittings and adjustments
required, including changes to any ductwork or piping and a final balancing
of the heat supply to the house. With these figures and a reasonable estimate
of the probable annual fuel savings determined from Table 1 on page 39, you
will be able to determine how long it will take to recover the cost. This is
not the only factor to consider, of course, but it is certainly one of the most
important.
Remember that a building permit may be required for this type of work, and
the contract should state whether the installer or the homeowner is responsible
or obtaining it.
Checklist For Having An Oil Heating System Installed
You should get several estimates on the work to be done. When
you are comparing these estimates, cost will be an important factor, but there
are other elements to consider. Some contractors are better at explaining what
has to be done. Some may use higher quality components, and others may schedule
the work at your convenience.
Estimates should include the following items:
-
The total cost of all necessary work.
-
An itemized list of all material and labour costs included
in the bid: alteration or improvement of existing heat distribution ducts;
installation of furnace and oil supply piping and ductwork; installation
of water heater and vent (where applicable); installation of chimney liner
and any attendant masonry work; and additional equipment such as humidifiers,
air cleaners, or air conditioners.
-
A statement describing how much of any existing equipment will be used
in the new system.
-
A rough diagram showing the layout of ductwork or water pipes and the location
of supply piping and heating equipment.
-
A statement that clearly defines who is responsible or:
-
A clear estimate of when the work will be completed.
-
A warranty or materials and labour.
- A schedule and method of payment.
Ask contractors for the names of homeowners for whom they have done similar
work. The Better Business Bureau will know if the contractor is a member and
whether any recent complaints have been filed against him or her. Your local
Chamber of Commerce or Board of Trade may also be able to help.
Some dealers will also offer rental of heating equipment or lease-to-purchase
plans. You may find it advantageous to participate in one of these plans rather
than purchasing the equipment outright.
Do not hesitate to ask the contractor for a clear explanation of any aspect
of the work before, during or after the installation of your heating system.
Billing
Billing for oil is handled in different ways, with two of the most common methods
being equal billing and standard billing.
Equal billing: Your oil bill is paid in regular, equal installments, based
on an estimate of your annual total consumption. Periodic adjustments are made
to balance your monthly charge against your actual yearly household consumption.
Standard billing: The oil bills are paid on an as-delivered basis for oil consumed
during that period.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Because modern houses are more airtight and have more powerful air-exhausting
systems, there is a greater chance that combustion products – containing deadly
carbon monoxide gas – will linger inside your house and build up to potentially
dangerous levels. A certified carbon monoxide detector located close to fuel-fired
appliances (such as furnaces, fireplaces, space heaters, wood stoves, and gas
or propane refrigerators) will signal a potentially dangerous situation that
must be corrected immediately.
Symptoms of low-level carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to those of the
flu–headaches, lethargy and nausea. If your carbon monoxide detector goes off
and you have these symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately.
If you have a conventional wood-burning fireplace, which can often leak carbon
monoxide, and you plan to use it fairly often, it would be particularly wise
to install a carbon monoxide detector.
Source: Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) - Office
of Energy Efficiency
