Home Heating Costs | Air Conditioning Installation
Home Heating Costs | Air Conditioning Installation
A New HVAC System Saves Energy Throughout the Year
Since home heating costs make up a significant part of the budget for the average homeowner, it makes sense to consider a new, energy efficient heating and air conditioning installation when your existing furnace or HVAC system requires frequent repairs and the utility bill continue to rise.
Understanding AFUE
Every new gas furnace in the U. S. receives an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE). The AFUE rating refers to the amount of fuel a heating system uses to keep your home or business warm. For example, a furnace with an AFUE rating of 90 percent uses 90 percent of its fuel for heat and wastes 10 percent of it. The amount that isn’t used exhausts through the vent and outside of your home.
AFUE doesn’t include the heat losses through the ducts, which can be as much as 35% of the energy output of the furnace. The loss of conditioned air occurs when ducts are located in unconditioned space, and/or have air leaks. When providing a new heating and air conditioning installation your HVAC contractor can inspect the duct system, and seal if needed.
An electric furnace doesn’t have any losses of energy through a flue. The AFUE rating of an all-electric furnace is between 95% for the units located outdoors, and 100% for the units located indoors. However, despite the high efficiency of electric units, the higher cost of electricity in most parts of the nation means electric furnaces may not be the best option. For homeowner’s who prefer electric, consider a heat pump for the highest performance, and greatest efficiency.
Mid-efficiency Heating Systems vs. High-efficiency Heating Systems (Gas)
Mid-efficiency Heating Systems
- In mid-efficiency heating systems the exhaust fan controls the flow of combustion air and combustion gases more precisely
- Offer electronic ignition without the waste of gas that a continuous burn pilot light does
- 80% to 83% AFUE
High-efficiency Heating Systems
- High-efficiency heating systems condense exhausted gases in a second heat exchanger for additional efficiency
- Sealed combustion
- 90% to 98.5% AFUE
Modern heating systems can achieve AFUE efficiencies as high as 98.5%, converting nearly all the fuel to heat for your home. Upgrading to a high efficiency gas heating system can reduce your fuel costs and the furnace exhaust gases, such as carbon monoxide, by half.
Before purchasing a new HVAC system, take steps to improve your home’s energy efficiency. These improvements will save you money on energy costs, and reduce the workload on your new heating and air conditioning installation maintaining its performance, and extending its lifespan.
Furthermore, look for the ENERGY STAR® label. While the upfront cost may be slightly higher, the energy savings will be greater.
Increasing Furnace Efficiency
The following tips will lower energy costs and increase furnace efficiency during the winter:
Lower the Temperature
Lowering the thermostat saves energy and reduces wear and tear on the system. When no one is home, lowering the thermostat to 55, and 65 while you sleep can save you up to 15 percent. For every degree the thermostat is lowered, you save about 1 percent on the energy bill. When your HVAC technician is providing a new heating and air conditioning installation for your home, consider installing a programmable thermostat to achieve additional energy savings and improved comfort.
Seal the Ducts
Most HVAC systems rely on the ductwork to move air through the home. However, the average ductwork contributes to 20 to 35 percent energy loss due to air leaks. Sealing leaky joints, and providing necessary repairs increases your comfort, saves energy, and reduces the system’s work load.
Schedule an Annual Tune-up
Annual maintenance is essential for proper system performance and efficiency. Furthermore, routinely maintenance systems preempt excessive wear, and extend its lifespan. Cypress Heating and Air Conditioning’s certified HVAC technicians have the expertise to provide reliable service for your furnace.
If you would like to bring your home heating costs down, and need a new heating and air conditioning installation, our licensed technicians will provide you with the necessary information, ensuring you are able to make an informed decision in the selection of a system for your home’s heating and air conditioning installation. We serve Katy, Plano and the surrounding areas, and are a member of the BBB with an A+ rating.
