As the chilly weather sets in, the efficiency of your heating system becomes a key factor in maintaining home comfort and managing your household budget. With energy costs on the rise, ensuring your heating system operates at peak performance can result in significant savings.
In this post, Acker Heating & Cooling highlights three ways to determine if your heater is capable of keeping your home warm without driving up energy costs.
1. Check the AFUE and HSPF Ratings
One of the most direct methods to assess your heating system’s efficiency is by examining the annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating for furnaces and boilers or the heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF) for heat pumps. These ratings are indicative of how effectively your heating system can convert fuel or electricity into heat.
In simple terms, a higher AFUE or HSPF rating means greater efficiency. As a homeowner, choosing heating systems with impressive AFUE or HSPF ratings can help lower your operational costs and reduce your carbon footprint.
2. Evaluate the Heater’s Age and Maintenance Record
Another critical factor in determining your heater’s efficiency is its age and history of maintenance. Over time, heating systems may lose efficiency due to wear and tear. Regular maintenance can mitigate some of these losses, but generally, a furnace or boiler over 15 years old might not be as efficient as the newer models available today.
Considering the age of your heating system is crucial. A newer, more energy-efficient model might be a wise investment, offering you enhanced comfort and reduced running costs.
3. Monitor Changes in Your Energy Bills
Observing fluctuations in your energy bills can also provide insight into your heater’s efficiency. An unexplained spike in costs, despite maintaining the same heating usage, could suggest your system is losing efficiency. This is particularly common in older units or those that have not been properly maintained. If you notice your energy bills are higher than usual, this might be an indicator that your heating system requires more energy to provide the same level of warmth, impacting your bills negatively.
Is your heating system due for a tune-up or lacking efficiency? Our expert team at Acker Heating & Cooling is ready to help you boost your home’s energy performance and comfort. Call us at (706) 425-8774 or complete our contact form to schedule a service.
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