Staying warm and cozy is crucial during the winter. Installing a highly effective, reasonably priced heating system can provide your family with the most comfort for the least amount of money. The following is important information to know when you're trying to find the most efficient HVAC system for your home.
The Importance of Energy Efficent
A heating system should provide your home or business with proper heating, but the costs involved for installation, repairs, and overall functioning can play a part in the one you get. Older systems can quickly become less efficient and more expensive to operate, but newer, energy-efficient systems can allow for significant energy savings. A heating system must be the proper size for the space to allow for maximum efficiency. When searching for a unit, have [company_name] do a heating load estimate to establish how much heating your home requires.
Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE)
Look at the AFUE rating when shopping for a heating system for your home. The system falls in the high-efficiency category if it has a rating of 90% or more. An AFUE rating is a common metric of efficiency that reflects how much of the fuel's energy converts to useful heat and how much is likely to be wasted. For example, a gas furnace with an AFUE rating of 83% will only use 83% of the energy to heat your home.
What Method of Heating Your House is Most Effective?
Furnaces and heat pumps tend to be the two most effective types of house heating. However, which heating option is best depends on a variety of factors, including the size of your home and its energy source, the location in which you live, the cost you can afford, and how high of an AFUE rating the respective heating systems have. The following covers the three major types of heating systems that are most commonly used.
1. Heat Pumps
A heat pump transfers heat from the inside to the outside during the summer and goes in reverse during the winter. They're known for being incredibly efficient, producing approximately four times as much energy as they consume. However, during very cold temperatures, such as in the winter, they tend to be less efficient. Since heat pumps rely on electricity, they're a better heating option for the environment. The three main types of heat pumps are:
- Water-Source heat pumps
- Air-source heat pump
- Geothermal Heat Pumps
2. Furnaces
- Electric Furnace
- Natural gas furnace
- Propane furnace
- Oil furnace
The size, structure, and features of a furnace affect its efficiency. For instance, a well-insulated furnace will lose minimal heat to the surrounding air, directing more heat through your ductwork. For natural gas furnaces, a pilot light runs continuously, wasting energy. Electric furnaces don't exhaust waste gasses, thus retaining more heat energy.
3. Boilers
Boilers are very common in U.S. homes and distribute either steam or hot water, with the former tending to be the less efficient of the two. They're AFUE-rated, with high-efficiency modern units typically rating at 90% or above.
Additional Efficiency Enhancements
Having high-efficiency heating equipment can help you cut your energy expenses, but an HVAC professional could assist you further by helping with things such as sealing your ducts. Large amounts of heat can escape through ductwork leaks in your house, costing you additional money. You can also get help making your home airtight. It's important to seal any gaps, cracks, holes, or other openings in your home to save energy. Having a smart thermostat installed in your home is another good idea. These thermostats let you adjust the heat while no one is home, so no energy — or money — gets wasted. [company_name] is available to meet with you and discuss which heating system is ideal for your space and needs. We provide reliable commercial and residential air conditioning, heating, and indoor air quality services in Whittier and Riverside, California. Our team also provides plumbing, insulation, and air-balancing services. Contact us today to set up an appointment.