What You Need to Know About Heating System Efficiency
March 23, 2016
The more efficient your heating system is, the less likely you are to need frequent, professional furnace repair or heater repair in Nashville . An efficient heating system will also lower your energy bills, and keep your home at a more consistently comfortable temperature. Keep reading to find out what you need to know about heating system efficiency.
How to Measure Heat Efficiency
A heating system’s efficiency is measured by its annual fuel use efficiency rating. This is a scientific unit of measurement that is abbreviated as AFUE. A heating system’s AFUE rating indicates the ratio of the heat output that a heating system provides, to the amount of energy it consumes to provide that output. For example, an AFUE rating of 80 means that a heating system uses 80% of its energy to heat output, and 20% of its energy is lost to inefficiencies. If Energy Star certifies a heating system, it has met very high standards for energy efficiency.
The Benefits of an Efficient Heating System
An efficient home heating system offers a number of benefits to you and your household. If your heating system is efficient, it will heat your home more quickly and effectively, ensuring that everyone in your home remains comfortable, even throughout a large, drafty house. A more efficient heating system also guarantees lower heating costs, as it won’t consume as much energy to heat your home. Depending upon the heating system’s AFUE rating, you can save hundreds of dollars per year or more by choosing an energy-efficient heater or furnace.
Maintaining the Efficiency of Your Heating System
By performing regular heater or furnace maintenance, you can maintain the efficiency of your heating system. You are also much less likely to require regular furnace repair or heater repair. You should change your heating system’s filters regularly to improve performance, increase the system’s lifespan, and improve air quality throughout your home. You should also hire an HVAC system contractor to inspect your heating system and perform heater and furnace maintenance once per year, before cold weather begins.