Choosing The Most Energy Efficient Home Heating System
Heating and cooling systems are important to every home, but especially here in Arizona. There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a system, and energy efficiency can be one of the most important. It not only reduces your overall carbon footprint but can also help keep your energy costs down. Here are some tips to consider about energy efficiency when choosing your home’s heating and cooling system.
Key Terminology
There are some key terms that will help you understand the efficiency ratings.
- Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) — This is a measure of the percentage of energy use. For example, a furnace with an AFUE of 85 means that 85 cents of each dollar spent on energy goes to heating the home.
- Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) — Heat pumps are rated by HSPF rather than AFUE, which represents total heat output. The higher the rating, the more energy efficient the system is. Generally the HSPF should be between 8-10
The other thing you need to understand is what kind of system you need. This will vary widely depending on where you live, personal preferences, and how your home is built. Ask one of our HVAC experts about which system is recommended for your home and tastes by calling 623-853-1482.
Differences Between Heating Systems
Heating systems all work differently. However, there are two primary types of highly efficient heating systems in residential homes: heat pumps and furnaces.
Furnaces
A furnace is one of the most common heating systems used in residential homes. Older furnaces are extremely inefficient, while newer models are highly efficient. There are various types of furnaces, including gas, oil, and electric.
Gas furnaces are generally the cheapest to operate, despite not being as efficient as air-source heat pumps or electric furnaces. The energy efficiencies of furnaces can vary greatly depending on the make and model, so it’s best to check the AFUE score.
Heat Pumps
In order to heat the air in a home, heat pumps use a variety of methods to move air into and out of the house. This makes them the most energy-efficient heating and cooling devices.
Air-source heat pumps pull in heat from the outside when in heating mode and also can use refrigerant when in cooling mode. This makes them pretty versatile but also ends up using a lot of energy.
The geothermal heat pump captures and releases heat through natural features, such as the earth and nearby water. These pumps are generally one of the most energy-efficient heating systems around, and they can even help cut heating bills by as much as 70 percent. However, they tend to come with a high installation cost.
Energy efficiency is a necessary consideration when looking at heating systems, but it can be a little complicated. It can change if you’re thinking of going with a ductless system or are trying to update your home’s already existing components. No matter the case, the friendly experts from A Quality are here to make sure that you can save money and stay green — give us a call at 623-853-1482 to get started today.
