Raise your hand if you like to waste money. Crickets…Yeah, that’s what we thought. Running an efficient household helps keep money in your pocket by stopping you from spending what you don’t need to pay. Energy-efficient practices help keep your heating and cooling costs down while minimizing your environmental impact.
Efficient furnaces are designed to meet varying heating needs, ensuring that you choose the right system based on your circumstances and energy costs. Additionally, an efficient heating and cooling system plays a crucial role in overall home energy efficiency, contributing to both comfort and savings.
It is excellent to save money and help the environment, but who has the time to completely change their lifestyle to go off the electrical grid or make other significant changes? Instead, steps that point you in the right direction without remodeling your home can make a substantial impact on your bank account.
Keep reading to learn Heaney’s five steps to make your furnace run more energy-efficiently.
Introduction to Furnace Efficiency
When it comes to heating your home, furnace efficiency plays a crucial role in reducing energy costs and environmental impact. A high-efficiency furnace can provide significant cost savings and improve the overall comfort of your home. Upgrading to a high-efficiency gas furnace means you’ll use less energy to heat your home, which translates to lower energy bills and a smaller carbon footprint. With the rising costs of energy, it’s essential to consider the efficiency of your heating equipment, including your gas furnace, to minimize your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint. Investing in a high-efficiency furnace not only benefits your wallet but also contributes to a more sustainable future.
1. Regularly Change Your Furnace’s Air Filter
Let’s start with one of the easiest yet most effective steps: changing your furnace’s air filter. Changing the air filter will help improve your home’s air quality, stop breakdowns before they happen, and make your heating system run more smoothly. Check your air filter about once a month, replacing it when it becomes dirty.
2. Switch to a Programmable Thermostat
Tech is here to help you. Programmable thermostats help to ease the strain on your heating and cooling system. According to the Department of Energy, programmable or smart thermostats can help you save 15% a year on your energy bills. Please get in touch with your HVAC technician to learn more about this option.
3. Have a Professional Check Out Your Ductwork
Day-to-day life causes dust and other particles to enter your heating and cooling system, which then circulates through your vents around your home. Even if your filter is clean, your ductwork may need some attention. Every few years, have a professional inspect your ductwork and possibly vacuum out any debris they find.
Schedule Your Annual HVAC Maintenance for Better Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency
Just as you need an annual physical to ensure your body is healthy, your heating and cooling system requires yearly maintenance to ensure everything is running smoothly. It's a good idea to have a furnace check in the fall and an AC check in the spring. Regular maintenance ensures that your system meets your heating needs efficiently, preventing unexpected breakdowns and optimizing performance.
Efficiency Rating and AFUE
The efficiency of a furnace is measured by its Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating, which represents the percentage of energy that is converted into useful heat. A higher AFUE rating indicates a more efficient furnace. For example, a high-efficiency furnace with an AFUE rating of 95% means that 95% of the energy consumed by the furnace is converted into heat. In comparison, the remaining 5% is lost as exhaust gases. Understanding the AFUE rating is crucial when selecting a new furnace, as it enables you to make an informed decision about the most energy-efficient model for your home. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has established the Energy Star label to identify energy-efficient products, including high-efficiency furnaces, which can help you save energy and reduce your energy bills. By selecting a stove with a high AFUE rating and the ENERGY STAR label, you can ensure that you are investing in a product that will provide long-term cost savings and environmental benefits.
5. Think About Getting a System Upgrade
Do you notice your system needs constant repairs? Is your system outdated and drawing a heavy amount of energy? An HVAC system upgrade may help improve your energy efficiency and air quality. Although this is an investment with a higher upfront cost, you will breathe easier and ultimately save money in the long run. Investing in new heating equipment, such as high-efficiency gas furnaces, can provide significant comfort benefits and long-term cost savings.
Types of Furnaces and Energy Efficiency
There are several types of furnaces available, including natural gas furnaces, propane furnaces, and oil furnaces. Each type of furnace has its energy efficiency characteristics, and some are more efficient than others. For instance, high-efficiency gas furnaces are generally more efficient than standard-efficiency models, with AFUE ratings ranging from 90% to 98.5%. These furnaces use a secondary heat exchanger to extract more heat from the combustion gases, resulting in higher efficiency and lower energy costs. Additionally, some high-efficiency furnaces feature advanced technologies, such as fully modulating gas valves and variable-speed airflow, which can further improve their efficiency and performance. When selecting a new furnace, it’s essential to consider the type of fuel used, the AFUE rating, and the overall energy efficiency of the unit to ensure that you choose the most energy-efficient model for your home and reduce your energy bills. By investing in a high-efficiency furnace, you can enjoy a more comfortable home environment while also reducing your energy costs.
Partner with the HVAC Professionals for Top Energy Efficiency
A great way to save money is by spending less. By taking the steps above, you can increase your home’s energy efficiency and reduce your energy bills so you can spend your hard-earned money on your family. Homeowners can also consult their local utility for advice on energy efficiency. For top-quality maintenance and furnace installations, consider Heaney Plumbing & Heating. We have been serving the Tri-county area since 1969, helping homeowners like you get the most out of their HVAC systems. Regular professional maintenance of your heating and cooling system is crucial for optimal performance and energy efficiency. Give us a call today!