Ways You Can Determine the Energy Efficiency of Your Heater
When it comes to heating and cooling your home, efficiency is the name of the game. Your home heater is very likely one of the most expensive appliances to operate every month. If you have a heater or want to buy a new one, you might want to check out this blog post for answers on how to evaluate the energy efficiency of your heater before making any decisions! Read on, and you’ll be able to determine your efficiency needs, so you can avoid paying more than you have to.
Three Crucial Steps
The energy efficiency of your heater will depend on a few things. First, it marks how much heat the unit puts out per unit time. In other words, how quickly does it get a room to the desired temperature?
Second, it depends on the amount of power absorbed from electricity and natural gas to produce that heat.
Third, it depends on any extra features the heater may have that will enhance overall energy efficiency. When determining the energy efficiency of your unit, here is what you should check:
Energy Efficiency Rating
An Energy Star rating is like a badge of honor for heating and cooling products. An Energy Star rating means that the product you’re looking at is considered high efficiency and will save you money on your utility bills. Energy Star ratings are used for a wide variety of products, from ceiling fans to insulation.
Energy Star-rated heaters have a label that has an energy rating that tells how much heat is put out per unit time and the expected costs of running it. It’s important to remember that if a heater has an efficiency rating, it means you can expect consistent and reliable energy savings over time.
AFUE Rating
The annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) ratings determine how much energy a heater can produce from one pound of coal. The AFUE measures how well a heater converts fuel into energy, and it can be recorded as a percentage.
Heaters with higher AFUE ratings are more efficient and cost less to operate over the long term. For example, a boiler with 98% AFUE means only two out 100 units (or 20%) are lost during operation; this would translate into less money spent on bills each month because we’re not wasting resources like heat escaping away from our house unprovided.
Check the Age of the Heater
Heaters lose efficiency as they age, even with the ultimate care and maintenance. A home heater’s average life expectancy should be between 10 and 20 years. The energy efficiency of your heater degrades by about 5% each year.
The good news is that there are now more economical and energy-efficient heaters on the market. If your old heater is wasting too much energy, it’s time to replace it.
Compare Your Heater With Other Models
Many utility companies offer rebate programs where you can get paid back for having energy-efficient equipment, like low-flow toilets or Energy Star–rated appliances.
Even if you don’t have a rebate program in your area, compare the cost of operating different models with their replacement costs. You’ll quickly see that running an energy hog is expensive—and sometimes not worth it when you factor in how long you plan to live in one place.
How to Figure Out Which Type of Heating Technology Is Most Efficient for Your Home
You should always consider the energy requirements of your specific heater before purchasing it so that you know how much money you will save on electricity bills in the long run. Also, remember to consider any additional costs associated with your purchase, like necessary accessories or repairs that may need to be made within one or two years.
The first thing you need to do is determine what will be the primary fuel for your heater. This is where you need to figure out whether to use electric or gas power. Most new heaters sold in the United States run off of electricity; however, gas heaters remain popular and can be very efficient in certain circumstances.
- If converting an electric heater to gas, you need to have this done by a qualified technician. You may also need to install new pipelines for your gas source if the one running into your home is not fit for use with a gas-powered unit.
- Electric heaters are best in areas where electricity is reliable, clean, and affordable. Check with your local power company first if you are unsure whether your area is up to code for an electric heater. Most electric heaters will work well in most areas as long as they have access to a good source of electricity.
- Gas heaters can be more efficient than electric units if you live in an area where gas is cheaper or more abundant. They also have a higher energy output per MMBtu. This means that the amount of power you use to get your heater going will be less than with an electric unit if the same amount of heat is produced.
- Oil and propane do not burn as cleanly as gas. This means that if you live in a more densely populated area or near factories, your unit may be right next to potential pollution sources. The result of the extra pollutants will be dirtier burners and more frequent repairs to your heater. If this is something you are concerned about, consider getting an electric model instead.
What Kinds of Maintenance Does My Heater Require?
Most heaters are easy to install and can be done so by almost anyone, but if you choose an electric unit, remember that they require consistent maintenance to ensure that your home is safe from any gas leaks or fire hazards.
You should always call professional technicians for any repairs, installations, or upgrades because they’ll be able to ensure that it’s done correctly. This is especially important if you purchase an electric unit because not all contractors may be adequately trained to install a heater, or there could be parts that you need to purchase separately.
Rely on the Experienced Experts
If you’re looking for a professional technician in or around Houston, Custom Comfort Air is here to help with our professional services. Based on your heater’s condition, we’ll assess it and recommend what you need to do, so that you can reduce your energy bills. Since 1969, Custom Comfort Air has been repairing the heat pumps and furnaces of homeowners and businesses. Our certified and skilled technicians are dedicated to ensuring complete customer satisfaction on every job. Our mission is to ensure that our clients have access to comfortable indoor air all year long while offering fair, honest, and knowledgeable service. We can handle any task, big or small.
Call us today, and we’ll be at your door as soon as possible to get your problem fixed! Look to us for comprehensive heating and cooling solutions.