Heating
Areas We Service
A.C. Rimmer provides Geothermal, Heating, Cooling, Plumbing and other services to Central Pennsylvania, including:
- Harrisburg
- Dauphin
- Steelton
- Humelstown
- Hershey
- Susquehanna Township
- Mechancisburg
- Carlisle
- Camp Hill
- Lemoyne
- New Cumberland
- Wormleysburg
- Dillsburg
- Perry County
Heating Services
Boilers
A.C. Rimmer can help you pick one of the many ENERGY STAR qualified boilers available today. That way, you’ll have the water you need without wasting electricity.
Heat Pumps
A.C. Rimmer can help you pick one of the many ENERGY STAR qualified boilers available today. Heat pump systems serve as both cooling and heating solutions for residential spaces. Efficiency ratings for heat pumps are categorized separately for heating and cooling functions, employing distinct metrics.
For residential air-source heat pumps, we consider the following efficiency ratings:
Heat pump SEER2 ratings focus on energy efficiency during the cooling mode, akin to central air conditioners. SEER2 is a standard measure for comparing various heat pump and air conditioner units, with higher numbers indicating greater efficiency.
SEER2 is computed by dividing the total heat removed from a home during the cooling season by the total operating hours during the same period, adjusting for varying temperature conditions.
As of January 1, 2023, the Department of Energy mandates a minimum SEER2 efficiency of 14.3 for residential air-source split-system heat pumps. Heat pumps with ratings of 17 SEER2 and above are generally considered highly efficient, with some reaching up to 22 SEER2.
In the role of a heating system, heat pumps are evaluated based on their Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF2). Higher HSPF2 values correlate with more efficient heating performance, similar to miles-per-gallon ratings for cars.
HSPF2 quantifies the amount of heat provided during the heating season relative to the electricity consumed by the heat pump, factoring in fluctuating outdoor temperatures.
The Department of Energy sets the minimum HSPF2 efficiency at 7.5 for residential air-source split-system heat pumps. Models surpassing 9 HSPF2 are generally considered highly efficient.
It’s worth noting that alternative metrics like EER2 (Energy Efficiency Ratio 2) are used to measure cooling efficiency for ductless mini-splits and geothermal heat pumps, while COP (Coefficient of Performance) assesses geothermal heat pump heating efficiency.
Evaluates cooling efficiency, measuring at a specific temperature. EER use fixed temperatures for their ratings, making them more accurate indicators of actual system capabilities. The Department of Energy has established minimum efficiencies of 16.1 EER for cooling for closed loop, water-to-water geothermal heat pumps. High-efficiency geothermal systems can achieve ratings of 30.0 EER for cooling.
Assesses heating efficiency, also measured at a specific temperature. COP use fixed temperatures for their ratings, making them more accurate indicators of actual system capabilities. The Department of Energy has established minimum efficiencies of 3.1 COP for heating for closed loop, water-to-water geothermal heat pumps. High-efficiency geothermal systems can achieve ratings of 4.5 COP for heating.
Several factors influence the effectiveness of an efficient heat pump:
Heat pumps are energy-efficient because they transfer heat rather than generate it from another source. Different types of heat pumps draw heating energy from various sources, each with its advantages and suitability for specific scenarios.
Ductless mini-split systems are a viable option when ductwork is unavailable or in poor condition. Ductless models are gaining popularity for their ease of installation and effectiveness in various settings.
Heat pump performance varies based on local climate conditions. Efficiency remains high in regions with moderate temperatures, but as temperatures drop, supplemental heating may be necessary. High humidity regions benefit from the dehumidifying properties of high-efficiency heat pumps.
Proper sizing is critical for both comfort and efficiency. An undersized unit struggles to maintain temperature, while an oversized one runs inefficiently.
Some higher-efficiency heat pumps may qualify for tax credits or local rebates, offering potential cost savings.
Upgrading indoor air handlers and implementing home improvements, such as sealing doors and insulating, can further boost a heat pump’s efficiency.
Evaluating these factors alongside efficiency ratings will help you select the most suitable heat pump for your specific needs and location.
Gas & Oil Furnaces
Need to replace your gas or oil furnace with a newer model? A.C. Rimmer has the latest gas or oil furnaces and the professionals to install them as well as remove your old system.
Your furnace should be checked periodically so that it is allowed to operate at maximum capacity. Call a professional at A.C. Rimmer to schedule winter maintenance before the season actually begins.
The approach of winter is the perfect time to replace your filter in your HVAC unit. You want to make sure that all of the fall allergens aren’t clogging up the system, as your heater will struggle to operate effectively.
If you experienced issues last winter with achieving your optimal temperature, don’t wait any longer to schedule service on your furnace. Allowing the issue to continue unchecked could cost the health of not only your furnace, but also your family should you lose heat. Call and schedule an appointment with A.C. Rimmer to have your furnace checked out before the temperatures really start dropping.
If you’ve had furniture blocking the vents in your home, now is the time to move it. Many homeowners feel forced to keep upping the temperature on the thermostat to maintain the most comfortable conditions, but often there is furniture or other items blocking the vents making it feel cooler in the room than it is.
Geothermal Systems
If you’re looking for a solution that is economical and earth friendly, geothermal is the way to go for home heating, as it has incredibly low emissions of greenhouse gases and the extraction process is harmless to the environment. If you’re interested in getting on the right track with geothermal energy, contact us today and schedule an appointment with an A.C. Rimmer technician.
If you’re wary about the usage of geothermal energy in your home, here is what you need to know about geothermal heating:
Geothermal is relatively new in the U.S., but it’s existence has been dated back to the 3rd century BC in China where it was found in the form of a hot spring. Italy began using geothermal energy for heating purposes in 1904, where it was used for bathing, cooking, and home heating.
The word geothermal itself is derived from the Greek words meaning earth and heat. This type of heat source is extremely eco-friendly, as it produces nearly no harmful gases and the impact to the environment is next to nothing. The drilling for geothermal heating is low in comparison to other types of energy and it is completely renewable, as it comes directly from the heat the Earth naturally provides.
Geothermal energy isn’t dependent on the sun, like solar energy, so there is no worry when an overcast day comes along.
Geothermal is not only for heating your home. It can also be used for cooling as the system will pull the heat from your house and redeposit it into the Earth. This type of system is reliable for providing comfortable temperatures inside your home, at all times.
While the initial investment may be pricier than other systems, the costs associated with running your geothermal system will be much less. You won’t be paying hefty gas or oil costs, and the energy pump will actually cut your energy costs by up to 40%.
Tax Credits & Incentives
As of August 2022, the tax credit for installing geothermal heat pump systems has been extended and will remain in effect until 2034. Any geothermal equipment that harnesses stored solar energy from the earth for heating and cooling and meets the ENERGY STAR criteria at the point of installation qualifies for this tax credit. Notably, there is no upper limit on the credit amount, and you can claim it as many times as needed.
US Tax Credits Through 2034
You can stack the energy tax credit with solar and wind credits, along with credits for energy efficiency upgrades. Specifically, there’s a federal tax credit of 30% available for residential ground source heat pump installations, which has been extended until December 31, 2032. However, it’s important to note that this incentive will decrease to 26% for installations in 2033 and further reduce to 22% in 2034, so act quickly to save the most on your installation.
The Asurity® HM-PAN pictured below the humidifier is specifically designed for use with evaporative humidifiers. It will safely capture any overflow and debris and, will shut off the water solenoid for the humidifier, preventing water damage.(1)
Humidifiers
If dry air, dry skin, and dry hair are a problem in your home, it may be time to consider installing a humidifier.
Humidity levels should be regulated within your home by your HVAC system, but this isn’t always what happens. HVAC systems can’t always mitigate the leeching of humidity from your home, unfortunately, so if you’re noticing any of the aforementioned symptoms, a humidifier system may be something you want to consider.
There are whole home systems and systems designed for individual rooms in your home, but you’ll need to determine which of these you’ll need. An HVAC professional at A.C. Rimmer can also help you figure out if the air is dry throughout your home, or just in particular rooms.
There are steam humidifiers, where water is heated and then pushed through the existing ductwork of your home. There are also evaporative humidifiers which use a pad, and the furnace fan pushes the moist air throughout the house. Determining which of these styles you need will be up to personal preference, but A.C. Rimmer’s HVAC team can help you, as well.
The cost will be entirely dependent upon which type of system you choose, what style, and the installation costs associated with your humidifier. Only by consulting A.C. Rimmer can you get a realistic view of the costs, but keep in mind that overly dry air can cause more issues that incur costs than that of the installation fees.
Additionally, an HM-Pan is also installed on all humidifiers that A.C. Rimmer technicians install.
Certainly, the small humidifiers that are available for purchase in stores require very little maintenance, but if they’re not maintained properly they can lead to mold and mildew issues, causing further breathing issues. If you’re consider a humidifier system in your home, also consider the idea of purchasing some sort of maintenance plan with A.C. Rimmer and rest assured that the maintenance and upkeep should be included in such a plan.
Need to change the level of humidity in your home or commercial property? A.C. Rimmer has the right humidifiers for you!
The Asurity® HM-PAN pictured below the humidifier is specifically designed for use with evaporative humidifiers. It will safely capture any overflow and debris and, will shut off the water solenoid for the humidifier, preventing water damage.(1)
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7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Licenses
PA Contractor PA001803
MD-HVACR-01-125129
MD Master Plumber/Gas Fitter 113315
Backflow 31124
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