(Family Features) If you’re like many homeowners who are considering ways to achieve greater energy efficiency, cut costs long term and reduce use of fossil fuels, replacing your gas furnace with an electric-powered heat pump may be part of the solution.

Like an air conditioner, a heat pump is installed outside the home and can cool it, but heat pumps are also capable of providing heat. In fact, many homeowners can’t tell the difference between a traditional heat pump and an air conditioner because they look alike and have similar hook-ups. However, in cooler months, a heat pump pulls heat from the cold outdoor air and transfers it indoors, and similarly, in warmer months, it pulls heat out of indoor air to cool your home.

When considering purchasing a heat pump for your home, it’s important to evaluate several factors to ensure you make an informed decision. Here are five key things to consider from the experts at Carrier, a leader in high-technology heating, air-conditioning and refrigeration solutions:

1. Energy Efficiency
Heat pumps are rated by their Heating Seasonal Factor, which is a measure of a heat pump’s overall energy efficiency during the heating season; their Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER2); and their Energy Efficiency Ratio. These ratings are like miles per gallon for a car: the higher the rating, the more energy-efficient the system is, which can lead to lower utility bills. For example, standard SEER2 ratings today are around 14.3 (and some older units are as low as 8), but units with a SEER2 rating above 16 have lower energy costs, which translates into higher energy savings.

2. Climate Suitability

Heat pumps are most efficient in areas with moderate temperate ranges. If you live in an area with extreme cold, you may need a heat pump designed for low temperatures such as Carrier’s Infinity Heat Pump with Greenspeed Intelligence, which operates at temperatures as low as minus 15 degrees. Or you can combine a heat pump with a gas furnace in colder climates for energy-efficient heating on all but the coldest days.

3. Cost and Incentives
While heat pumps can be more expensive initially, their efficiency can lead to long-term savings. Research available incentives, rebates and tax credits that can help offset some of the upfront cost. Many governments, manufacturers and utility companies also offer financial incentives for installing energy-efficient systems. For example, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 provides several tax credits, up to $2,000 for qualified heat pumps, and is available through 2032.

4. Size and Capacity
It’s essential to ensure the heat pump is the appropriate size for your home. An undersized unit may run virtually nonstop to try and maintain a comfortable temperature inside your home while an oversized unit will cycle on and off frequently, reducing efficiency and lifespan. A professional Carrier dealer can help you determine the correct size based on your home’s heating and cooling needs.

5. Installation and Maintenance
Professional and proper installation are crucial for optimal performance. Choose a reputable, experienced HVAC contractor to install your heat pump. The average lifespan of a well-maintained heat pump is 15 years. However, with varying conditions and homeowner habits, it could live well beyond that.

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Understand the heat pump’s maintenance needs, including regular filter changes, coil cleaning and annual inspections to ensure longevity and efficiency. Without regular cleaning and maintenance, dirty coils can cause your system to work harder to keep up with demand, decreasing efficiency and increasing stress on the fans, motors and system components. Dirty, clogged air filters can restrict airflow, resulting in reduced comfort, higher utility bills and, in extreme cases, a total shutdown of the system.

By carefully considering these factors, you can choose a heat pump that best meets your home’s needs and provides efficient, reliable heating and cooling. Learn more at Carrier.com.

SOURCE:
Carrier

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Verizon customers across the United States are grappling with significant service disruptions this morning. Reports have flooded in that mobile phones are stuck in SOS mode, indicating a lack of connectivity. As of 10:11 a.m. ET, over 100,000 outages were logged with DownDetector, a real-time service tracker that monitors telecommunication issues nationwide.

Verizon Outages

The outage began around 9 a.m. ET, with customers from New York to Los Angeles experiencing inability to make phone calls or access the network. On social media platforms, disgruntled users have been vocal about the situation, with many demanding compensation for the service disruption.

One frustrated customer took to X (formerly Twitter) to express their dissatisfaction: “It’s been over two hours and we don’t even know why this is happening. We all pay a pretty penny for our Verizon bill, and this time should be compensated until the issue is fully resolved.”

What we know

Reports have cited that while users can’t access standard mobile services, their phones have reverted to SOS mode—rendering them unable to make calls. A customer from Ohio shared their experience: “SOS in Ohio since mid-morning. Was working on my drive into work, but went down several hours ago and hasn’t come back.”

In an emailed statement to CBS MoneyWatch, a Verizon spokesperson acknowledged the issue, stating, “We are aware of an issue impacting service for some customers. Our engineers are engaged and we are working quickly to identify and solve the issue.”

As the disruptions persist, issues are being noted across various devices, affecting both iPhone and Android users. The outages have also disrupted Wi-Fi calling services, which typically serve as an alternative connectivity method. As of 5:48 p.m. ET, Verizon announced that service restoration efforts were underway and gradually making progress, but customers are still experiencing challenges.

This marks a significant incident in a landscape where communication reliability is essential, and customers are left wondering about the cause of the outage. With many turning to social media to voice their concerns and seek resolutions, the call for timely updates from Verizon is clear.

The situation remains fluid, and Verizon customers are encouraged to stay informed as more information becomes available. If you’re experiencing issues with your Verizon service, let us know your experience in the comments below.

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Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/verizon-outage-network-down-sos-mode-downdetector-map

https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/verizon-outage-network-down-monday-september-30

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Today, I want to dive into a topic that’s been buzzing around the gaming community since PC Gamer dropped the news about California’s new law (AB 2426) concerning digital ownership. As a lifelong gamer and someone who has always been a bit skeptical about the concept of “buying” digital games, this new legislation hits home for me.

Cautionary Tale for the Gaming Community

First, let’s break down what this law entails. Starting in 2025, retailers in California will be prohibited from using terms like “buy” or “purchase” when it comes to digital goods—think video games, movies, and e-books—unless they issue a clear warning that these products can be taken away at any moment. The law aims to clarify that “ownership” of digital items is not the same as owning a physical product.

Honestly, my first reaction to this was a mix of relief and frustration. Relief because, finally, someone is calling out the elephant in the room: when we buy digital games, we’re not truly buying them, are we? We’re essentially licensing them. Frustration, on the other hand, stems from the fact that it took this long for lawmakers to recognize this issue, especially after high-profile incidents involving companies like Sony and Ubisoft.

Let’s talk about the impetus for this law. It all started when Sony announced the removal of certain content from the PlayStation Store due to expiring licenses. Players who had “bought” these digital shows suddenly found themselves locked out of content they thought they owned. Sony eventually reversed its decision, but the damage was done, and Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin decided it was time to step in.

Then came Ubisoft’s decision to pull the plug on The Crew, a racing game that became unplayable when its online servers were taken offline. Imagine investing your time and money into a game only to find out that you can’t even play the single-player mode anymore. It’s a stark reminder of how fragile our digital ownership really is.

The law itself might be dense and legalistic, but the implications are clear. It’s about time we start viewing digital purchases with a more critical lens. Sure, you can still play your games as long as the servers are up, but once those go down, what happens? You’re left with a beautiful box art in your library, but it’s just an empty shell.

The requirement for sellers to provide a warning or seek an “affirmative acknowledgment” from buyers seems like a step in the right direction. Yet, it feels more like a band-aid solution rather than a comprehensive fix. The real kicker for me is the provision that allows for a “permanent offline download” option. That’s what we need! A way to ensure that even if the digital landscape shifts, our ability to play isn’t stripped away overnight.

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As gamers, we’ve been conditioned to accept the “always-online” model, but should we? This law is a wake-up call that reminds us to demand more from the companies we support. If I’m paying for a game, I want the assurance that I can keep playing it, regardless of server availability.

In conclusion, while California’s new law is a significant step forward in recognizing the nuances of digital ownership, it also highlights the ongoing battle between consumers and corporations. As we move toward an increasingly digital future, it’s crucial that we stay informed and advocate for our rights as gamers. After all, we deserve to know what we’re really “buying” when we hit that purchase button.

What are your thoughts on this new law? Do you feel more empowered as a consumer, or are you still worried about the future of digital gaming? Let’s chat in the comments!

Happy gaming, and remember to always read the fine print!

PC Gamer Article: New California law inspired by Ubisoft and Sony requires retailers to warn consumers that the digital games they buy can be taken away at any time

https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/new-california-law-inspired-by-ubisoft-and-sony-requires-retailers-to-warn-consumers-that-the-digital-games-they-buy-can-be-taken-away-at-any-time

Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!

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