Homeowners who want to improve the energy efficiency in their homes, furnaces should be your go-to equipment. In Encinitas, heating and cooling equipment make up a sizable portion of a typical home’s energy bill. Therefore, purchasing an energy-efficient furnace model can significantly decrease those costs.
Long-term financial savings can be achieved by selecting the most energy-efficient heating system for your residence. The three most popular furnace systems are electric, gas, and oil-fired. The most energy-efficient furnaces are those that use electricity, followed by those that use gas and then oil.
How is Furnace Efficiency Measured?
The furnace’s efficiency is measured by observing the heat produced by your furnace, which is then captured and pushed through the ductwork. Furnaces have an AFUE rating, also known as Annualized Fuel Utilization Efficiency, which tells how efficient they are.
There are Three Different Types of Furnace Efficiencies. These are:
- 80% AFUE: These furnaces are the lowest AFUE rating of 80. They are equipped with a single heat exchanger and are an excellent option for those who live in a warmer climate or are planning to stay at home for a brief period -for example, five years or less.
- 90% – 96% AFUE: These Encinitas heating devices are moderately efficient. Most of these furnaces come with secondary heat exchangers that absorb heat from exhaust gasses.
- 96.5% – 98.7% AFUE: These are the highest efficiency types of a furnace. They all feature secondary heat exchangers and are available in the top models. To buy an energy-efficient furnace, you must opt for an AFUE within this range.
Tips to Increase The Furnace's Efficiency
A high-efficiency furnace is the best way to decrease your monthly utility bill. It’s about addressing the issue at the source and ensuring that your furnace doesn’t waste money. However, it’s not the only option you have as a homeowner to reduce the cost of energy. Here are some steps to improve the efficiency of your home.
- Increase The Insulation:
After all, a poorly insulated home won’t benefit your furnace. Have an HVAC repair professional in Encinitas assess your attic or basement insulation. You will lose heat through the ceiling if your home lacks insulation. Your home requires proper insulation to help trap heat energy inside during the winter and keep it outside during the summer.
- Upgrade Your home:
Consider making minor changes to your residence to improve your electric or gas furnace’s efficiency. You should consider connecting your furnace to a smart thermostat. This will allow you to determine when you’d like your furnace to operate, helping to cut heating costs when there’s no one at home.
- Get Your Home Winterized:
Consult a professional about the condition of your doors and windows. If you’re seeing drafts forming around the frames of your windows or doors, it is the right time to apply weather stripping to stop the heat loss. If your house has older single-pane windows that are beginning to show signs of wear, it’s time to consider replacing them with more energy-efficient double or even triple-pane windows.
Whichever kind of furnace you choose, ensure that you install it by one of our certified technicians to ensure it’s installed correctly and will work properly. We at Precision Air Inc. ensure that you receive the best HVAC services when hiring us. Call us at 760-389-3353 or email us to schedule an appointment for HVAC repair in Encinitas.
