ENERGY SAVINGS Cool your home with a heat pump IF YOU are facing the prospects of another hot, un- comfortable summer in an uncooled home, it may be time for you to explore the benefits of a heat pump. Despite their name, heat pumps can provide year- round temperature control for your home — heat in the winter and cool air in the semmer. If you already have an oil, gas or electric heating system, installing a heat pump may be an effective way to reduce your overall energy costs. A heat pump is an electrical device that extracts heat from one area and transfers it to another. This transfer occurs by circulating a refrigerant between two heat exchanger coils. In one coil, the refrigerant is evaporated at low pressure and absorbs heat from its surroundings. The refrigerant is then pumped to the other coil, where it condenses at high pressure, releasing the heat it ab- sorbed earlier in the cycle. In summer, a heat pump can cool your house by transferring indoor heat to the outside. Air source heat pumps, which absorb and transfer heat from the air (either outdoor or indoor), are cur- rently the most common type found in Canadian homes. However, ground-source heat pumps, also called earth-energy systems, are becoming more wide- ly used. These draw heat from the ground or groundwater. Both air-source and ground-source units are generally used in conjunction with an existing heating system. Depending on the model you select, air-source heat pumps may reduce your heating costs by 30 to 50 per cent. Earth-energy systems, on the other hand, can reduce your heating and cooling costs by as much as 65 per cent compared with oil or electric furnaces. If you are using a high-efficiency gas furnace, you can expect your energy bill to drop by about SO per cent if -you install an earth-energy system. ‘ Keep in mind that these are only estimates. Your actual savings may vary, depending on such factors as the local climate, the efficiency of your current heating system, the cost of fuel and electricity and the size of the heat pump and its efficiency. (Heat pump efficiency is measured as coefficient of performance, SERVICE QUALITY AND SAVINGS ON S AND PRODUCE or COP. The higher the COP, the more efficient the heat pump.) In addition to providing more heat during winter than air-source units, earth-energy systems can reduce your domestic water heating costs by ag much as SO per cent. Some models have a desuperheater that uses a portion of the heat collected to preheat water. Others automatically switch over to heat water on demand. Earth-energy systems also have a longer life expectancy (20 to 25 years) than air-source systems (10 to 20 years). While the potential for energy savings is attractive, you should consider several other factors before pur- chasing a heat pump. For example, heat pumps gen- erally cost less to operate than conventional oil, gas or electric heating systems, but they are also more ex- pensive to buy. - Before making a decision, carefully weigh your an- ticipated fuel savings against the initial cost of the system. Remember that heat pumps will be most eco- nomical when used for heating and cooling the home. A second consideration is the electricity required to operate a heat pump. If your house isn’t now equip- ped with an air conditioner, your electricity bills will be higher because a heat pump will be performing this task. As well, you should consider whether it is conve- . nient or even possible to install a heat pump in your home. In other words, it makes sense to become fully in- formed about al! aspects of owning and operating a heat pump before making a decision. Find a contrac- tor who willingly provides information on different units, their operation and warranties. The contractor should also be qualified to install and maintain the equipment, and should guarantee the installation work. Finally, check with your local municipal office for any special regulations governing the installation and use of heat pumps. Some municipalities require that heat pump installations have minimum clearances to lot lines and specify that they must maintain noise levels below 45 decibels (normal talking level). Once again the Mt. Seymour Lions are organizing their annual Community Days, Saturday June 17 & Sunday June 18, We invite you to join us for the KING NEPTUNE'S KARNIVAL at Cates Park on Saturday. Our colorful parade starts at 1030 am on Saturday. See you ere. _ (NES exert Omen Porites ingour Communilg- We're Open 10am - 6pm Friday 1lOam - 5:30pm Mon-Thurs. . Lhe Perfect 908-108 Way to P, ave Westcon Pavers Vancouver, BC. iNuwe . DK @ Hone AND Make your home a more beautiful place to live with the texture, patlern and color of interlock- ing Westcon pavers. Delivered to your place $1.50 per sq.ft. + PST on orders over 1200 sq.ft. (Unipave & Holland) Come in and see our display patio and bring your plans. We will show you how to install. We can also give you an estimate for installation. While you are here see our exposed aggregate concrete planters etc. SALE PRICE: 40 kg bag, type 10 cement 49/ea. — Hours: 7:30 am - 4:30 jours: f:. am - 4:30pm Lafarge Mon-Fri. Let’s Sell REAL ESTATE List with me — be WORRYFREE ! *‘Serving the whole North Shore”’ WESTERN REALTY Home 926-1952 Harley McDougall Office 922-6166 “I make my commissions the old fashioned way, | earn them." Hi Neighbour! | We will see you at the Camival. The staff FAWCETT INSURANCE , Buying a Home or renovating? Come in and talk to 4 4 ' a rn is 930am. - 3.00 Saturday DOLLAR SHOPPING CENTRE 399 DOLLARTON HWY. N.V. 929-811 : SERVING_ DOLLAR SHOPPING CENTRE nogaoathy gene DEEP COVE “Gi us about a mortgage to suit your needs.