If you live in Easton, MD and are in the market for a new heating system, it’s well worth it to study up about energy-efficient options. While sealing and insulating your home can help you save a lot of money on your energy bills, the type of heating system that you use has an even bigger impact. It is estimated that heating systems account for about 30 percent of the energy that is used in a home in a single year. By working with the right contractor and buying the right furnace, you can keep your energy costs low.
Heating System Efficiency Ratings
You don’t necessarily have to become an expert in heating system efficiency in order to get the right option for your home. If you’d rather not worry about digging into this topic, a great alternative is to hire a reputable and experienced HVAC contractor. The right contractor will present you with the best options for your needs and your budget. He will explain the various ratings for you and what they mean for your home.
Like some people, you may prefer to do your own research about heating systems in Easton, MD. The main thing to look at is the efficiency rating of the furnace that you’re thinking about buying. By law, efficiency ratings for heating systems must be prominently displayed. These ratings are known as AFUE ratings, or annual fuel utilization efficiency ratings, and they tell you a lot about how efficient a particular model is. When shopping for heating systems in Easton, MD, it definitely pays to pay close attention to AFUE ratings.
As you may have guessed, the AFUE rating reflects a heating system’s ability to convert energy from fuel into heat. The rating is displayed as a percentage that reflect the average amount of fuel that is actually turned into heat. For instance, an AFUE rating of 95 percent means that 95 percent of the fuel that is used is converted into heat while five percent is lost. In other words, five percent of the gas you pay for isn’t used to heat your home, so it is wasted.
Ducts and Piping Matter Too
Even if you buy the best heating system in the world, you can still end up paying for gas you don’t use. That’s because efficiency is also affected by the condition of the ducts and pipes in your home. Up to 35 percent of the heat that is generated can be lost through ducts and piping. When you speak to a contractor about heating systems, ask about having the pipes and ducts inspected too. Have repairs performed to increase the overall efficiency of your heating system. It will be money well spent.
Customers in Easton, MD turn to Griffith Heating & Air for their home heating needs. If you would like to upgrade to a more efficient heating system, we’ll be happy to help. From helping you select the most affordable and efficient option to inspecting and repairing your ducts and pipes, we do it all.
Written by Kevin Spain
