Importance of energy efficiency and how it can help.
Energy efficiency is an important aspect of getting the most out of your HVAC system. The more energy efficient your heating and cooling is, the less you’ll pay in energy costs. You’ll also enjoy other benefits like less wear and tear. But what makes HVAC equipment like your furnace energy efficient? There’s more to it than just the model of the furnace itself.
5 Ways to Find Energy-Efficient Heating
Choosing an energy-efficient heater takes a lot more than finding the first model an ad claims is the most efficient heater. Determining the most energy-efficient option for your home requires a bit more information. Fortunately, it’s also pretty easy to track down. We’ll take a look at five ways to learn more about efficient heaters so you can make an informed decision.
1. System Age
The age of your furnace has a big impact on how energy efficient it is. The longer your furnace runs, the less efficient it will be. This is a natural result of wear and tear on core components like the heat exchanger, blower motor and more. In an ideal setting, furnaces can be expected to last between 15 and 20 years. If your furnace is at or approaching this many years of service, it may be time to consider replacing it for peak energy-efficient heating.
2. The Size and Heating Needs of Your Home
Your home and personal heating needs are important too. In fact, a powerful and high-efficiency furnace could end up reducing energy efficiency if it’s not the right fit. HVAC equipment like furnaces need to be sized appropriately for your home. When your heater is too small, it has to work much harder to maintain comfortable temperatures. But if the furnace is too large, it could generate too much heat at once and trick the thermostat into switching off before the entire house is heated.
3. Your Climate Zone
What’s considered energy-efficient heating in Arizona is very different to the standards in Maine. In general, colder climates need higher standards of energy efficiency to compensate for bitter winter temperatures. These climate zones also take precipitation into account, since humidity can influence how much heat is retained through the day.
4. ENERGY STAR® Ratings
With all the different models of furnaces available today, looking for high energy efficiency can seem like a time-consuming chore. But did you know that many HVAC products highlight energy efficiency with special ratings and distinctions. One of the most well-known is the ENERGY STAR rating. An ENERGY STAR heater has to deliver a certain level of energy efficiency to receive the distinction, making it a great way to spot efficient heaters quickly.
Here’s some more information about how to use the ENERGY STAR rating system to your advantage. Installing ENERGY STAR-rated HVAC products will go a long way toward improving your home’s overall energy efficiency.
Don’t forget to consider these ratings when it’s time for air conditioning installation in Omaha, NE, or furnace installation in Omaha, NE.
5. The AFUE Rating System
To be awarded an ENERGY STAR rating, high-efficiency furnaces must meet a minimum Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating. This system illustrates how efficiently fuel is converted into heat. A high AFUE rating of 95% means only 5% of fuel is lost during the heating process.
While AFUE ratings remain the same across the country, it does influence whether a furnace can be considered an ENERGY STAR product. In colder climates, furnaces will need higher AFUE ratings to be considered high efficiency.
Maximize Energy Efficiency with Routine Maintenance
With a highly rated furnace in place, your HVAC system is off to a great start. But regular use slowly reduces energy efficiency over time. You can maintain higher energy efficiency by investing in routine furnace maintenance. Even just one annual tune-up can improve energy efficiency, protect key components and reduce the risk of problems, like needing frequent air conditioning repair in Omaha, NE, or furnace repair in Omaha, NE. Sometimes it can even expand the life span of your equipment, helping you max your total energy savings.
More HVAC Tips for Saving Heat in the Winter
The arrival of winter is when an energy-efficient furnace provides the most benefit. There are also lots of other ways you can prepare your home for winter. Check out these to make sure you’re doing everything you can.
Lower Your Energy Costs with A-1 United Heating, Air & Electrical
Not sure if you have a high-efficiency furnace? The friendly, knowledgeable technicians at A-1 United Heating, Air & Electrical can help. With years of experience installing and maintaining energy-efficient heaters, we’re happy to recommend the ideal setup for your home. Learn more by giving us a call at 402-593-7500 today.