The heating system is an essential part of the home, and it is crucial to know how well it works. Having a faulty system will affect the temperature in your space, affecting your comfort. While there are some instances where you could gauge the efficiency of your system, other scenarios may require an expert. Whether you choose to call an expert, inspect the system for yourself, or combine the two techniques, there are many different ways that you can check your system’s efficiency. Below are some of the ways you can explore.
1. Install a Monitoring System
One of the ways to know if your heater is energy efficient is to install energy monitoring systems. These systems are intelligent, and once you connect them to the circuits, they can keep a record of energy usage in every room. The energy monitoring system consistently collects information and can store the data for up to 10 years. If you cannot track the recordings from the receiver, you can connect the system to your smartphone and program it to get notifications. If the energy usage rises or drops, you can get a text or an email.
Some of the monitoring systems in the market can use Bluetooth and sensors, which allows you to get information in real time. This way of tracking usage is similar to how power companies measure and obtain helpful information. As such, you do not have to wait or rely on the company readings. You can always check the humidity levels, detect smoke, conduct climate control, track water and electricity usage, and observe if your records tally with the power company’s records.
2. AFUE Ratings
When purchasing a furnace or any heating system, one of the determinants of your purchase should be utilization efficiency. The annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) measures how efficiently your heater can convert fuel into energy. The measurement is given in percentage form. Heaters that have a high annual fuel utilization efficiency conserve more energy. For instance, a heater with an annual fuel utilization efficiency of 95% indicates that only 5% of the total energy is lost.
People living in cold seasons will benefit from heaters with a high AFUE as the energy lost will be significantly lower. Homeowners in temperate climates should buy a heater with at least an 80% AFUE rating. It is essential to check the user’s manual or the stickers located on your unit for the rating and to consider the cost and the type of fuel source you use at home. If you are looking into buying a new heating system and are uncertain about the AFUE ratings, you can always consult the experts in your buying station who will be willing to guide you.
3. Annual Utility Bills
Your bills are bound to change depending on nature and on the variations in seasons. However, keep an eye on the statements that seem to deviate from the standard. An increase in the utility bills may indicate that there is something amiss with your heating system. If you notice a rise in your accounts, try and adjust your devices.
If you also notice a significant drop in the price of your energy bills, it might be an indicator that the system is not functioning as required. The two extremes will need you to get your heating system checked for cleaning, maintenance, or repair.
Calculating the average amount of electricity used per month requires some calculations. First, count up all the monthly bills you have received from your electricity provider since the previous year. Divide the total bill by 12 to get a number representing the approximate annual kilowatt-hour consumption. Divide that figure by the current price of electricity to get your estimate.
If there have been fluctuations in the economy, ensure that you factor the increase or decrease for correct estimates. This calculation will give you a rough approximation of the heating efficiency of your original heater system. It also provides a good starting point for calculating what might be needed to replace that unit.
4. Age
State regulations for HVAC manufacturers seek to produce energy-efficient systems. Homeowners who had their heating systems before the effect of these changes need to check the age of their system. Essentially, even with the best care and maintenance, heaters lose their efficiency with age. Ideally, the average life expectancy of a home heater is between five to 10 years. The energy efficiency level of your heater tends to decline approximately 5% every year.
As your heating system becomes older, its components begin to work even slower, leading to an increase in energy use. As a result of greater energy use, the cost increases. Therefore, it is advisable to have an HVAC expert inspect your heating and cooling system and give you a solution. It may be easier to buy a new system to service an old one in the long run. The great news is that the market nowadays features affordable and more efficient heaters that use less energy.
5. Size of Your System
Size greatly determines the efficiency of a heating system. If you install a too-small system for your space, it will have to work longer and harder to achieve the right temperature in your room. Ultimately your system gets overworked, which may lead to more energy consumption and higher utility bills.
You may also notice that your home does not get sufficient heating or cooling, affecting your comfort. It is also most likely that your system will fail, which may need you to incur repair cost or replace it if it entirely blows up. On the other hand, having a massive system for your space will waste money and energy. You might experience faster but more uneven cooling or heating effects. Getting the right size for your heating system will ease the process of determining how effective your heating system is.
6. Regular Maintenance
A regular checkup is not only a reward for a heating system that keeps up with your temperature demands all year round. It also serves to rectify the problems that your system may be experiencing.
When conducting maintenance, you can contact professional services to conduct routine maintenance for you. The checkup serves as a good investment because it solves minor issues and eliminates the possibility of a bigger problem.
Experts recommend a minimum of two maintenance routines. The two routines include an air conditioning routine in the spring and a heating check in the fall. A professional will notice if the system meets the minimum requirements for optimal performance during the maintenance routine.
It is essential to know how your heating system works by contracting some of the best technicians in the field or by seeking professional services. Being in the know will help you identify problems and get the right solution in good time. It will also save you the inconvenience of having to deal with outrageous power bills resulting from an inefficient heating system. If you reside in Bountiful, UT, or Las Vegas, contact Express Home Services and have access to qualified personnel with exemplary skills and experience to help you with air conditioning, heating, repair, and energy efficiency.
