This page will hopefully answer any questions you may have about heating systems. We included many topics that tend to be confusing to homeowners so that you can make a more informed decision based on your specific comfort needs. Please call us if you have any other questions or would like more information on any of the heating products or other services that Prudential offers.

How does a gas furnace work?

Quick answer: It warms air and sends it throughout your home.

Explanation: A furnace works by drawing air inside a heat exchanger, where it is warmed with a flame of natural gas. A blower then sends the warm air throughout your home or office via metal ducts. It enters various rooms through registers in the floors or walls. Indoor air is circulated continuously through the system, so a furnace filter is used to contain dust, pollen, and other airborne particles.

Click here to view the Lennox^® furnaces that Prudential offers.

What is a heat pump and how does a heat pump work?

Quick answer: It is a heating-and-cooling system all in one.

Explanation: A heat pump is an efficient method of cooling your home in the summer and warming it in the winter. It works by moving existing heat from one area to another. A condenser absorbs heat from the outdoor air (even the coldest air contains some heat) and transfers it to a heat exchanger inside the home. Indoor air is warmed in the heat exchanger and circulated throughout your home. During the summer, the process is reversed to cool and dehumidify your home. One advantage of a heat pump is that it provides both heating and cooling capabilities in one unit. Like a furnace, heat pumps use filters to reduce airborne particles and keep the unit clean. A high-efficiency gas furnace (95% AFUE) delivers 95¢ of heat for every dollar spent on gas. A high-efficiency heat pump delivers $4 of heat for every dollar spent on electricity!

Click here to view the Lennox^® heat pumps that Prudential offers.

What is a dual-fuel system?

Quick answer: Two units - furnace and heat pump - combined to deliver maximum operating efficiency and energy savings.

Explanation: A dual-fuel system integrates your electric heat pump with your indoor gas furnace to share the heating load of your home. Each system will operate when it is the most cost effective heating method. In the summer, your heat pump will cool your home. It will also serve as your primary heat source

in the winter. However, when the temperature drops below the heat pump’s set point, your furnace will take over until the outdoor temperature rises enough for your heat pump to operate more efficiently again.

What do AFUE, SEER, and HSPF ratings mean?

Quick answer: Energy efficiency ratings for your furnace or heat pump.

Explanation: AFUE stands for Annualized Fuel Utilization Efficiency and is a measure of your furnace’s heating efficiency. The higher the AFUE percentage, the more efficient your furnace. AFUE is calculated by the percentage of heat produced for every dollar of fuel consumed. AFUE works a lot like miles-per-gallon in your car – the higher the rating, the lower your fuel costs. The minimum percentage established by the Department of Energy for gas furnaces is 78%. If your furnace is 10-15 years old, it very well may fall below the current furnace minimum and waste energy.

SEER stands for Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio and is an energy efficiency rating for heat pumps. The higher the SEER, the better the energy performance, and the more you save. The Department of Energy’s established minimum SEER rating is 13.00.

HSPF stands for Heating Seasonal Performance Factor and is the heating efficiency rating for heat pumps. The higher the rating, the more efficient the heat pump. HSPF is regulated at a minimum of 7.7.

Click here to learn more about other confusing HVAC terminology.

Are Prudential’s gas furnaces and heat pumps ENERGY STAR rated?

Quick answer: Yes, many of them are ENERGY STAR rated.

Explanation: ENERGY STAR equipment can reduce your heating costs by as much as 40%. By creating a more efficient home environment, you are contributing to a cleaner global environment. In fact, according to the EPA, if just one in ten households installed ENERGY STAR heating and cooling products, the change would keep more than 17 billion pounds of pollution out of the air.

Click here to view the wide variety of ENERGY STAR products that Prudential offers.

What is two-stage heating and what are its advantages?

Quick answer: Allows your furnace to work at different intensity levels than high or off.

Explanation: Traditional furnaces are designed to operate at only one level – high. No matter if it is 0◦ or 55◦ outside, they run at full capacity and shut off when they meet the needs set on your thermostat. Furnaces with advanced two-stage technology make the distinction between mild and extreme weather, delivering the level of heating output necessary to maintain optimal comfort conditions inside your home. The first stage operates the furnace at about 68% of its heating capacity. Your furnace will adjust automatically should the outdoor temperature drop and switch to the second stage to meet the comfort demands of your home. It’s like having two furnaces for the price of one, and you don’t have the hassle of constantly adjusting your thermostat. A two-stage furnace can provide optimal comfort within your home, despite the changing weather conditions outside. If you want and expect high-level performance from your home comfort equipment, then a Lennox^® two-stage furnace is the right choice for you.

Click here to view the two-stage Lennox^® furnaces that Prudential offers.

If I am replacing my outdoor unit, should the indoor unit be replaced also?

Quick answer: We highly recommended it. Read the reasons why below.

Explanation: All outdoor air conditioning and heat pumps units are specifically designed to work with matched indoor units for optimum efficiency and performance. While a new air conditioner or heat pump unit may “work” with your existing indoor unit, the result is a definite compromise in system performance. The cooling and/or heating efficiency ratings that are advertised for an air conditioner or heat pump are based on their performance as part of a matched system. Longer equipment life will likely also result because all components operate as they are designed to. At first glance, replacing only the outdoor unit may appear to be a bargain, but decreased efficiency and reliability is not such a bargain after all. Replacing an entire air conditioning or heat pump system costs more initially, but you get more efficiency, reliability, and comfort in the long run.

What is a variable speed furnace?

Quick answer: A furnace that runs at two different speeds to increase efficiency.

Explanation: Inside your furnace is an electric motor that drives the indoor blower. In most standard systems, it runs at only one speed – full capacity – and is either on or off. A variable speed motor, however, automatically varies its speed based on your home’s heating and cooling requirements. It ramps up to maximum speed slowly instead of coming on full throttle all at once. This means no more sudden blasts of air – just a gentler, more even airflow. Also, since it runs at a lower speed most of the time, there is a lot less noise and cost to operate.

Click here to view the variable-speed Lennox^® furnaces that Prudential offers.

Why should I choose a Lennox^® furnace or heat pump?

Quick answer: Quality products with innovative design and reliable performance

Explanation: Lennox^® has long enjoyed a reputation for having the best products and services in the industry. This reputation was earned over time because of the high levels of quality in product design. For over 100 years, Lennox^® has helped keep homes and businesses comfortable. This stability ensures they will stand behind their products. Lennox^® products have always led the way in design and

performance innovation. When you see the Lennox® label, you know you’re getting the finest, most innovative heating products available that will provide exceptional performance and reliability.

Click here to view the Lennox^® furnaces that Prudential offers.
Click here to view the Lennox^® heat pumps that Prudential offers.

Maintenance Tips for Your Furnace or Heat Pump

Replace the indoor unit's air filter monthly

Old or dirty filters cause equipment to work harder, resulting in energy waste and possible internal damage. If you have a reusable/washable filter, make sure that it has completely dried prior to reinstalling. If you have an electronic air filter, it requires cleaning every month to work efficiently. A dirty filter can cause premature cracks in your heat exchanger. Call us if you need help finding the location or type of filter that your system has.

Inspect the blower compartment of your furnace or blower coil

Use a vacuum to remove any dirt or dust, which can result in improper performance and low efficiency. Make sure that the coil is dry prior to vacuuming.

Remove clutter from around the furnace or blower coil

Items stored near the furnace are fire hazards. They may also obstruct combustion air supply. This could cause complete combustion and the production of carbon monoxide gas. Your furnace or blower coil could be located in a closet, attic or basement. Removing clutter applies to your equipment no matter where it is located.

Check the chimney or flue pipe connections for tightness, blockages or loose connections

Your gas furnace flue pipe must remain tightly connected and free of blockage for the furnace to operate correctly. If repairs are required, contact us to schedule the repairs.

Set the thermostat on “HEAT” and move the temperature setting above room temperature

Listen for any unusual sounds and call us if you suspect problems.

Keep return registers/grilles clear of obstructions

The return register/grille must remain free of obstructions such as furniture, lint, dust or pet hair for the system to operate properly.

Caulk and weather-strip your doors and windows, around chimneys and flues, and anywhere else indoor air can escape

This will help to save you money on your utility bills. Also seal air leaks in your attic, basement, or crawl space.

Open all registers and vents in your home

When your heating and air conditioning system was installed, it was designed assuming proper airflow through ALL vents and registers.

During the winter, open shades during the day to allow the sun’s heat to come through the windows. At night, close the curtains to keep cold air out.

Replace single-pane windows with double-pane models to reduce energy costs.

Consider using Prudential’s maintenance program to keep your heating and air conditioning system running safely, efficiently, and reliably.