Released on: October 1, 2008, 3:21 pm

Press Release Author: Steve Dubin/PR Works

Industry: Consumer Services

Press Release Summary: Do you know the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) of
your boiler or furnace? With heating fuel prices sky high, Hub Plumbing & Mechanical
of Boston, MA sheds some light on what a homeowner might save in heating costs if
they decide to add a high efficiency heating system.

Press Release Body: DATELINE: DORCHESTER, MA...
Don’t be alarmed if you don’t know what your AFUE is – most people don’t know the
answer or even what the acronym means. However, the AFUE (annual fuel utilization
efficiency) of your furnace or boiler provides the key to how much fuel you’ll burn
this winter according to John Wood, founder and CEO of Hub Plumbing & Mechanical of
Boston.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy “Specifically, AFUE is the ratio of heat
output of the furnace or boiler compared to the total energy consumed by a furnace
or boiler. An AFUE of 90% means that 90% of the energy in the fuel becomes heat for
the home and the other 10% escapes up the chimney and elsewhere.”

To make comparisons easy for consumers, new models of furnaces and boilers are
required to display their AFUE, but it’s also possible to identify and compare a
system's efficiency by its equipment features as well. For instance, an old,
low-efficiency heating system that utilizes a natural draft for combustion and
features a continuous pilot light may have an AFUE of only 68%-72% according to U.S.
Department of Energy estimates. “Compared to a high efficiency heating system with
an AFUE of 90%-97%, it’s a cold hard fact that replacing an older, less efficient
heating system can shave 30% or more off of fuel bills,” notes Wood.
As of mid September, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental
Affairs estimated the average statewide cost of heating oil at $3.82 a gallon.
“Although most people know it’s going to take a small fortune to heat their home
this winter at those prices, they often don’t really think about the efficiency of
their boiler or furnace as long as the unit continues to fire up every heating
season,” notes Wood. “Even though a high efficiency boiler or furnace can be
expensive to purchase upfront, think about the alternative - literally watching a
third or more of your annual heating fuel cost going up in smoke.”

U.S. Department of Energy estimates indicate that replacing an existing heating
system with an AFUE of 60% with a high efficiency system with an AFUE of 90% could
save $33.33 for every $100 of fuel costs. In addition, high efficiency heating
systems not only offer a way to save on fuel costs, but also help save the planet.
The U.S. Department of Energy points out that, “Upgrading your furnace or boiler
from 56% to 90% efficiency in an average cold-climate house will save 1.5 tons of
carbon dioxide emissions each year if you heat with gas, or 2.5 tons if you heat
with oil.”

ENERGY STAR, a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the
U.S. Department of Energy, provides more food for thought by offering an online
savings calculator that helps consumers look at their potential savings when heating
with a high efficiency heating system versus a conventional heating system. The free
interactive calculator can be found at www.energystar.gov.

About Hub Plumbing & Mechanical
Hub Plumbing & Mechanical was established in 1999 and now includes a staff of 16
full time employees. This full service plumbing company assists residential and
commercial customers with code violations, sewer/drain clogs, garbage disposals,
water heaters, water filtration, steam and hot water boilers, thermostats, leaky
faucets, tub valves, gas pipes, appliance installation, outside hose faucets, and
residential HVAC service.

Hub Plumbing & Mechanical was recently highlighted in a new book entitled “The
Celebrity Experience” where Hub Plumbing & Mechanical’s Red Carpet Service was cited
as an example of how it’s possible to create faithful life long customers by
showering them with treatment usually reserved for celebrities.

Hub Plumbing and Mechanical’s signature Red Carpet service features experienced
teams of licensed technicians who not only protect your floors with a red carpet,
but also cover their work boots with stain-resistant booties, wear ID badges for
security purposes, and arrive on time and smartly dressed in crisp, clean uniforms.

The company does not charge by the hour, but by the specific project. Hub Plumbing &
Mechanical is available 24 hours a day and 7 seven days a week to provide immediate
access and peace of mind. Dedicated 2nd and 3rd shift night dispatchers internally
handle all calls at Hub Plumbing & Mechanical, not an answering service. The
difference between the two enables Hub Plumbing & Mechanical to get real-time info
on the customer 24/7 to expedite the call as efficiently as possible.

Hub Plumbing & Mechanical Inc. is located at 70 Old Colony Avenue in South Boston,
MA 02127. For more information about Hub Plumbing & Mechanical call
1-866-HUBPLUMBING (482-7586), email services@hubplumbing.com, or visit
www.hubplumbing.com.



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Contact Details: Lot Phillips Road Kingston, MA
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781-582-1061