Does Hill's sell vent free stoves?

No, although vent free stoves are legal to sell in New York State we have elected not to sell them. Even though they are less expensive we don't consider them a good investment in this part of the country.

Vent free stoves are supposed to be run a maximum of 4 hours in each 24 hour period. This mean they are not designed to be a heating unit.

Some people have returned stoves because they emit a unique odor. Vent free stoves produce moisture when they burn. In some cases this has ruined interior paint and wall paper. Some manufacturers of vent free stoves recommend that you keep a window cracked open when burning the stove.

A good vented stove will last for years and give you great ambiance and good heat. One thing you can be sure of at Hills, if we wouldn't put it in our house, we certainly aren't going to put it in your house.

What does AFUE mean?

AFUE means annual fuel usage efficiency. The AFUE test is a test that is used to rate products so that all manufacturers heating products are rated the same. This test has to be done in a laboratory. To you this means that the quality of the installation as well as the AFUE of the equipment has everything to do with how well the equipment performs in your home. The installation has to take into consideration the correct duct sizing and fuel line sizing just to mention a couple of items.

My Utility Company told me my 40 year old furnace is 80% efficient. What does this mean?

The only efficiency test that can be done in your home is called a steady state test. This has only to do with how efficiently your furnace burns the gas. It doesn't take into consideration that most of the heat generated is going out the chimney. Heating equipment of this age was built before there was an AFUE test and actually is about 60% efficient.

Will adding a humidifier to my furnace save me money?

By keeping the humidity level in your home at 40 to 55% in the winter the air can feel more comfortable. This may allow you to set the thermostat a little lower and still feel comfortable. I have seen solid hardwood furniture crack and split from the lack of humidity but probably the best reason for a humidifier is that it can eliminate the feeling of a dry nose or throat. Strange thing about a comfort level, when you don't feel any thing objectionable it's just right.

Have a question?
Email your FAQ to faq@hillsheatingandair.com