Heating your home can be costly. If you have a highly energy-efficient heater, it can save you a lot of money. There are a few ways to determine how energy-efficient your heater is.
AFUE Rating
Heater efficiency is rated by its annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE). This is a percentage that is determined by how efficiently it converts fuel into heat. For example, a heater with a 95% AFUE rating converts 95% of its fuel into heat. Heaters must have an AFUE of at least 78%. Highly efficient heaters have an AFUE between 90% and 97%. You can find the AFUE rating of your heater on its label. If you can’t find the label, check the manufacturer’s website.
The Heater’s Age
No matter how well-maintained you keep your heater, it will lose energy efficiency over time. Most heaters last about 15 to 20 years. Their efficiency drops by up to 5% a year. Once a heater is older than 15 years, it likely makes sense to replace it with a new one.
Hammack Service Company, Inc. in Richardson, TX, can help you determine whether a new heater is the right choice for you. We’re a Lennox Premier Dealer and have many top-rated heaters to choose from.
Rising Energy Bills
If your energy bills are unusually high in the winter, it’s likely that your heater that’s at fault. The heater is not operating efficiently and must run for a long time to adequately heat your home. Compare your energy bills to those of last year to see if you may need a new furnace.
Improve Energy Efficiency
There are things that you can do to improve energy efficiency. Change the air filter every two months. Have your heater tuned up by an HVAC professional every fall. Use a programmable or smart thermostat to heat your home efficiently.
At Hammack Service Company, Inc., we tune-up, repair, and install heaters and air conditioners. Our team can also improve your indoor air quality. We also install mini-split systems. Get in touch today to find out more.
