At Home
by Mary Beth Schwartz
Industry is constantly evolving—heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) being no exception. According to MSI Data, companies are striving to offer products that use less energy, have lower operational cost, and perform better. Software also plays a role in HVAC design, data analysis, repair, and maintenance. The future of HVAC includes Cloud-based field service apps controlled by a smartphone, tablet, or laptop. In a few years, a majority of thermostats will be enabled by Wi-Fi. Bucks County’s Harris Comfort, celebrating over 75 years in business and four generations, also is looking to the future of HVAC.
According to Doug Harris, Operations Manager, Harris Comfort will be rolling out smart thermostats that can be incorporated into whole house technology. With the Honeywell Lyric family of products, homeowners can control heating and detect water leakage. The products are controlled using the Lyric app. According to Honeywell, the app uses geofencing technology to know when you’re home or away. You can control your Lyric devices from a tablet or Smartphone, ensuring your home is just how you like it.
Generators also help to control the comfort and safety of Harris Comfort customers. “We sell, install, and service emergency back-up generators by Generac. We offer three generator maintenance programs, each of which is designed to reinforce your property’s first line of defense against power outages,” Harris points out.
Working with Doug Harris in the family business is his father, Dave Harris; his uncle, Bruce Harris; and his brother, Scott Harris. Over 75 years they have thousands of installations under their belt, along with the thousands of satisfied customers. The company has clients in Bucks County, parts of Montgomery County, and Burlington County, New Jersey. Harris Comfort is very involved in the Bucks County community. You’ll see them at the Newtown Holiday Parade, the Classic Film Night Series at The Newtown Theatre, even the Delaware Valley Philharmonic.
Harris Comfort also offers customers the Harris Loyalty Program. For every dollar that you spend with the company, you earn one Harris Comfort Point. When enough points are collected, you can select from Harris Comfort products and services, along with apparel, gift cards, and electronics. Other perks at www.harriscomfort.com include online payment, service plan enrollment, scheduling, and price protection programs.
When you mention budget, fuel is often on the minds of homeowners during those blistery winter months. Oil heat by Harris Comfort features a low-sulfur heating oil blend. The oil is treated with the UltraGuard™ fuel additive. “UltraGuard™ contains stabilizers, organic dispersants, a corrosion inhibitor, and a metal demulsifier, which work in concert to break down any sludge that is built up in your oil tank, while keeping your heating system’s filter, strainer, and nozzle clean and free of blockage. This ensures a continuous, uninterrupted oil flow, and a cleaner burn that heats your home more quickly and efficiently. It also extends the life of your heating equipment and ensures optimum heating system performance,” Doug Harris notes. If you require propane to heat your home or generator, Harris Comfort has a team of propane professionals to assist.
Homeowners can save on their fuel costs this coming winter with these cost saving tips from the U.S. Department of Energy. One, take advantage of heat from the sun. During the day, open the curtains on your south-facing windows to allow the sunlight to naturally hear your home. At night, close the curtains to reduce the chill from cold windows. Two, cover drafty windows with plastic film or sheeting, perhaps insulated window treatments. Three, schedule service for your heating system. Four, adjust the temperature. When you are home and awake, set your thermostat as low as is comfortable. When you are sleeping or out of the house, turn back the thermostat 10 to 15 degrees for eight hours. This will save around 10 percent a year on your heating and cooling bills. Smart thermostats make setbacks a snap.
If your home should require a heating, cooling, or indoor air quality system, Harris Comfort has a team of North American Technician Excellence (NATE) certified technicians. According to Harris, some of the brands they carry include Trane, Honeywell, Lennox, Mitsubishi Electric, Carrier, Burnham, Thermo Pride, Weil-McLain, and Wirsbo radiant floors.
Harris Comfort has its location at 206 Otter Street in Bristol, as well as 350 South Chancellor Street in Newtown. For Newtown, call 215-968-7477. For Bristol, call 215-788-4596. For New Jersey, call 609-386-4658. If you prefer email, the address is info@harriscomfort.com. For additional information, feel free to visit Harris Comfort on Facebook or at www.harriscomfort.com.
(bio)
Mary Beth Schwartz is a freelance writer who frequently contributes to regional publications.