You may enjoy cozying up in your home but that doesn't mean you're looking forward to your winter heating bill. While higher winter energy costs are a fact of life, they aren't entirely out of your control. Choosing an efficient heating system can help lower your costs while making you more comfortable.

keeping you house warm

What Affects Your Heating Efficiency?

There are two main factors that impact your heating efficiency.

Fuel Type

The cost of electricity can be nearly three times that of oil and natural gas to achieve the same temperatures. Natural gas is currently slightly cheaper than oil, but those prices can shift over time.

Of course, fuel costs aren't the only consideration. An electric heat pump that also provides summer cooling can have lower installation and maintenance costs versus buying separate heating and cooling systems. Depending on your usage, you may come out ahead on total cost with a heat pump. If you already have one type of heating system, you also need to factor in the conversion costs when calculating if it makes sense to make the switch.

Quality

Different heating systems of the same type and size may vary in quality and have different levels of efficiency. The more efficient unit uses less energy since it makes more heat for each unit of fuel.

The most common measure of efficiency is the AFUE rating. AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. AFUEs are on a percentage scale, and 100% means all of the fuel energy is converted into heat. A 10% difference in AFUE means a 10% difference in fuel costs.

How to Improve Your Heating Efficiency

If you're considering buying a new heating system, it's a simple matter of doing the math. Figure out your annual fuel costs, divide the installation cost by each system's expected lifespan, and add in an estimate for annual maintenance. You may find out that the fuel savings mean it's smarter to replace your heating system than you expected.

If you're not ready for a replacement, routine maintenance can help keep your system in top working order and knock out those small problems that silently cause your energy bill to creep up.

How an HVAC Expert Can Improve Your Heating Efficiency

Figuring out your heating efficiency sounds like a lot of complicated math, but we have it down to a science. We can help you estimate your costs based on your current heating usage, your home's insulation, and the types of heating systems you're considering. This will let you see exactly how much money you can save, so you can make an informed decision. To get started, request an appointment with One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning today.