It can be pretty expensive to heat your home during the colder months. It’s possible to end up paying enormous bills that put dents in your budget if you don’t control your heating needs. A significant contributor to higher energy expenses in homes is the presence of inefficient heaters, which use more energy than is necessary.
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Here are a few methods to confirm your concerns regarding your heater’s efficiency level.
Be aware of the AFUE Rating.
The best approach to evaluate the efficiency of your heater is to look at its annual fuel usage efficiency. AFUE rating demonstrates how effectively your heater can transform fuel into energy, expressed as a percentage. The efficiency of the heater increases with AFUE.
For instance, an AFUE rating of 98% means that 98% of the fuel is being used to heat your home. Only 2% of the energy in that fuel is lost. Some older furnaces, however, can have AFUE ratings as low as 56%. It is estimated that 44% of the energy generated in such situations is wasted due to venting it outside.
You can find the heater’s AFUE rating in the user’s manual. You can also get in touch with the manufacturer or conduct an internet search for the model of your heater if you can’t find the rating using any of these methods.
An appliance’s AFUE rating must be 90% or greater to qualify as a high-efficiency heater. In temperate climates, a heater with an 80% efficiency rating is often adequate and quite common. New equipment must have a minimum AFUE value of 78%.
Take your Heater’s age into account.
You can evaluate your heating efficiency by knowing its AFUE rating, but it doesn’t always tell the whole story.
A heater’s lifespan is typically between 15 to 20 years. Your heater’s AFUE rating may initially be excellent, but if you don’t properly maintain the heater, it may drop by as much as 5% annually.
Even though you may have taken excellent care of your heater over the years, certain parts will start to deteriorate with time and continual use. Furthermore, with all the advancements in HVAC technology, even a system that is ten years old could use an upgrade.
Do the math based on your heater’s age and initial AFUE rating. Investing in energy efficiency and reducing your utility bill is something you might consider sooner rather than later.
Evaluate your energy bills
Bills fluctuate from time to time, which is natural. Common causes include changes in seasons, housing conditions, or an increase in energy prices.
To determine whether your heater loses efficiency, you can compare the energy you use each month. If your energy bill is much higher than it was at this time last year, your heater might not be operating as efficiently as it might.
Keep an eye on your heating costs and note any outside factors responsible for a higher bill. Consider seasonal climatic changes, poor maintenance, or basic home improvements like insulation, windows, and weatherstripping. When it comes to heating your home, keeping track of these shifts can help you make better choices.
Maintaining your heater’s efficiency.
Taking good care of your heater will assist in preserving its efficiency, whether you’re looking for a new heater or want to get the most use out of your current one.
A thoughtful adviser will recommend the best equipment for your home based on your personal preferences and local climate if you’re in the market for a new system. Maintain a regular schedule of check-and-service appointments to keep your system functioning at its optimum and your AFUE rating as accurate as possible.
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