How Can You Tell Your Heater's Energy Efficiency?

You may end up paying a greater electricity bill when it comes to heating and cooling San Jose at your home. But how can you tell how efficient your heater is? Does it make a difference? If your heater is inefficient, it may appear that you are wasting more money in order to stay warm.

To begin, you must first determine your AFUE rating. Then think about how old your heater is. As time passes, older and obsolete ones become less efficient. Finally, examine your utility bills to see if your heater is becoming less efficient.

A more efficient heater will save you money in the long term. The problem is that it's difficult for folks who aren't familiar with headers to tell when their system is performing optimally. So, if you're not sure if your system is performing to its full potential, here's what you need to know.

How Can You Tell Your Heater's Energy Efficiency?

Here's how to check if your heater is energy efficient if you're not an expert on the subject. No formal schooling is required. Just a few minutes to learn the fundamentals of checking your heater.

1.Know The Heater's AFUE Rating.

The most precise approach to assess how effective your heater is is to use the annual fuel usage efficiency or AFUE. Your heater's AFUE rating is a percentage that indicates how efficiently it transforms fuel into energy. If the AFUE is higher, the heater is more efficient.

A 98% AFUE rating, for example, is the amount of fuel is used to heat your home. Therefore, only 2% of the energy in that fuel is lost. On the other hand, older furnaces can have an AFUE value as low as 56%. In those circumstances, 44% of the energy generated is squandered by being vented to the outside.

The AFUE rating of your heater can be found in the user's manual or on a label inside the furnace cabinet. If you can't find the rating using either of these methods, you can contact the manufacturer or conduct an internet search for the make and model of your heater.

To be considered high-efficiency, the AFUE value must be at least 90%. A heater with an efficiency rating of 80% or above is usually suitable in temperate climates. A minimum AFUE rating of 78 percent is required for new equipment.

2. Heater's Age

When evaluating the efficiency of your heater, the AFUE rating is a great place to start. Even so, it doesn't always reveal the whole story. The average life expectancy of a home's heater, for example, is 15 to 20 years. So, even if your heater has a high AFUE rating at first, if it isn't properly maintained, it could lose about 5% of its efficiency each year.

Regardless of how well you've cared for your equipment over the years, components will eventually wear down due to age and constant use. However, with so many advancements in HVAC technology, even a ten-year-old system may benefit from an upgrade.

Calculate the age of your heater and the AFUE rating it had when it was new. If saving money on your electricity bill and increasing energy efficiency are important to you, you should start arranging for that purchase as soon as possible.

3.Energy Energy Bills

The cost of energy is going to fluctuate from time to time. Seasonal changes, relocation, and rising energy expenditures are all common factors. On the other hand, comparing the amount of energy you consume each month can help you figure out if your heater is losing efficiency.

For example, your heater may not be functioning as efficiently as it may be if your energy bill is much higher than it was at the same time last year. Keep an eye on your heating expenses and take note of any external factors that may contribute to a larger bill. It includes shifting weather patterns from year to year, and a lack of maintenance. 

Insulation, windows, and weather-stripping are examples of typical home improvements. Keeping track of these changes may assist you in making better judgments about how to heat your home.

Does it matter which kind of heater you use for lower electric consumption? Most of the time, yes. Continue reading here to learn different types of heaters that use less electricity. (LINK)

Maintaining Your Heater's Efficiency

Whether you're in the market for a new heater or want to extend the life of your present one, taking good care of your heater will help it work more efficiently.

If you're looking for a new system, a trained advisor will take into account your local environment as well as your personal preferences before recommending the ideal technology for your home. Maintain a regular plan of maintenance and checkups to keep your system running smoothly and your AFUE rating as accurate as possible.

HVAC San Jose has highly trained professionals who can help you maintain your heating system so that it functions as efficiently as possible. If you'd like to install a new, high-efficiency system, give us a call at (408) 608-8246. We'd be happy to work with you to find a cost-effective heating solution that meets your needs.

 

ESI Heating & Cooling

1900 Camden Ave, San Jose, CA 95124

(408) 539-1846