Heater efficiency is an important topic to consider. Lack of efficiency can lead to homeowners unnecessarily throwing away money on energy usage. If your heating bills are noticeably higher than in the past or if you begin to wonder if your furnace is working properly, it could be an energy efficiency problem. It may be time to consider having your heating system looked at by an expert HVAC technician to see what can be done to improve its efficiency.
Lack of Maintenance
When considering what is impacting the efficiency of your heating system, you must also consider yearly maintenance. Lack of maintenance on an HVAC system can have an effect on the overall system over time. Statistics show that each year you miss your annual maintenance appointment, your heating system goes down approximately 5% inefficiency. Not only does maintenance improve efficiency, but it also keeps costly repairs down to a minimum. Little problems can worsen over time turning into large, expensive problems. But routine maintenance helps avoid the big repairs and can save you a major headache in the long run.
High Heating Bills
Higher than normal heating bills are a sure sign of a lack of energy efficiency. Compare your heating bills from year to year to see if you notice a steady increase or significant change of any kind. If your heating bill is impacting your budget, it is most likely because the heating system is draining energy and causing energy usage to pile up. If you do notice a discrepancy in energy usage from year to year or even from your bill to your neighbor’s, it could be a sign to examine your energy efficiency.
Consider the AFUE Rating
The AFUE rating is a number that dictates how energy-efficient your unit is or should be. The AFUE number specifically tells about what percentage of the furnace’s energy turns to heat. Models with higher AFUE numbers are designed to be more energy-efficient than say older or cheaper models. But the AFUE isn’t the all deciding factor of energy efficiency. There are other factors to also consider, such as regular maintenance as discussed. If you have a high AFUE number but aren’t seeing the energy efficiency you should, it’s time to call on the professionals. It may be that your heating system has been neglected and is in dire need of repairs. It could also be the fact that the air filter hasn’t been changed on a regular basis. HVAC professionals can help determine what steps to take to increase energy efficiency and help save you money this winter as you run your heating system.
Comfort Experts is here to help you save, both on your energy bill and costly future repairs. Give us a call today to schedule your yearly heating system inspection appointment.
