An energy-efficient heater provides you with warmth in Waldorf, MD, while keeping your energy bills low. Therefore, many property owners want to check the energy efficiency of their heating systems.
Our team at Mission Comfort can help you review several methods to estimate the energy efficiency of your heater. Contact us at (301) 701-3768 to get the answers you want about your furnace, heat pump, or boiler.
Check Your AFUE Rating
Gas furnaces come from the manufacturer with an AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) rating. This rating provides you with information about how well your heater turns fuel into energy. All AFUE ratings come in percentage form.
The higher your heater’s AFUE rating, the more energy-efficient your machine. The government set a minimum AFUE rating of 78 percent for new furnaces. However, high-efficiency units often reach a rating of 90-97%.
Generally, you’ll find a sticker with your furnace’s AFUE rating in the system’s cabinet. If you cannot find the information, reach out to an Heating and Air Conditioning professional to get the information you want.
Assess Your Energy Bills Every Month
Your heater’s AFUE rating may help you determine if it’s energy-efficient or not. You can also look for evidence of energy efficiency.
Keep track of your average energy costs every month. Unexplained changes on your bill often indicate issues with the efficiency of your heating system. All heaters become less efficient over time, losing their ability to keep your property warm in the winter months.
Review the Age of Your Heater
Older heating systems faced looser requirements for energy efficiency. Some manufacturers produced furnaces with AFUE ratings as low as 44%. Furnaces also become less efficient over time, even if they initially had a high AFUE rating.
Learn how long Heating and Air Conditioning systems last by contacting our team at Mission Comfort. We understand that most heating systems only last for around 20 years. After this period of time, they start to wear out, becoming less efficient at heating the air and increasing your energy costs.
Signs Your Heater Is Getting Less Efficient
As we mentioned, even the most energy-efficient heater may develop issues as it ages. But how can you recognize issues with your central heating system? Keep an eye out for these issues to identify problems with your furnace, heat pump, or boiler:
The Heater Takes Longer to Warm Your Home
Over time, homeowners get used to how long their heating system runs to raise the temperature inside the house. Inefficient heaters need to run longer to change the temperature, even if you don’t use high settings.
The longer your heater runs, the more energy it uses. Heaters that run for most of the day quickly increase your energy expenses here in Waldorf.
You Feel Cold Spots
Does your heater leave uneven cold spots throughout your home? If so, it could be a sign that the heater is wearing out. Older furnaces often have a difficult time producing enough heat to keep every room in your house at a comfortable temperature.
Other Possible Problems with Your Heating System
Furnaces with poor energy efficiency cost you more in the long run and may have difficulty heating your home. However, not all furnace issues are related to efficiency. Your furnace may also have problems heating your home if:
The Filter Gets Clogged
Furnaces blow hot air through the ductwork in your home. Eventually, this air passes through a filter designed to remove debris like:
● Dirt
● Pet dander
● Pollen
Over time, these contaminants fill up the filter, preventing air from circulating freely through your property. You may notice rising energy expenses if you have a clogged filter. Filter issues also result in lowered airflow, causing cold spots.
If you have a clogged filter, you may also notice your furnace turning on and off repeatedly as it tries to warm your home. The air quality inside your property also decreases with a dirty filter. Changing the filter frequently addresses these issues, allowing your furnace to work correctly again, regardless of the heat settings.
You Have an Improperly Sized System
Heating and AC professionals focus on installing a heating system that fits your needs. Technicians review the square feet of your property, the amount of shade you get, and other factors when sizing your heater.
Sometimes, you end up installing a heater that does not correctly fit your house. If your heater is too small, it may be unable to heat your property, even if it has excellent energy efficiency ratings.
Some property owners attempt to avoid this issue by buying a very large heating system. Unfortunately, an overly large furnace also causes problems, like cold spots and increased humidity in your property. Allow the experts to properly size your heating system before you begin the installation.
Steps to Handle an Inefficient Heater
Have you discovered that you have an energy-inefficient heater? If so, you have options to improve your family’s heating situation. Some property owners supplement the heat produced by their furnace or heat pump with portable electric heaters.
Portable electric heaters also use a lot of electricity, but they may warm up cold areas of your home.
You may also improve the efficiency of your heater by scheduling maintenance. Sometimes, seasonal maintenance boosts the effectiveness of your heating system. Our team recommends you set up a service appointment in the fall.
Technicians step in to:
● Assess the condition of your heating system
● Check all electrical connections
● Replace air filters
● Lube up bearings and motors
● Replace pulleys and belts
● Look for gas leaks
● Clean drain lines
We clean all parts of your heater, including your ceramic heating element. Taking these steps may improve the functionality of your heater for another season.
Consider Replacing Your Heater with an Efficient Model
You also have the option of replacing your old furnace with an energy-efficient heater. The experts often recommend furnace replacement if your heating system is getting close to 15 or 20 years old. As heaters age, they break down more and more often and may eventually stop working altogether.
If you want to purchase a new heater, make sure that you assess AFUE ratings before you make a decision. Even a small difference in AFUE ratings makes a big impact when it comes to your energy bill every month.
You may also consider replacing a furnace or boiler with a heat pump. Heat pumps provide heating and cooling services, meaning you do not need to purchase a separate air conditioning unit. Heat pumps push air through your duct system and operate year-round.
Our technicians provide expert advice about your heating system options. Contact us if you want to update your system, add a remote control, or install a Smart furnace. Taking these steps can lower your energy expenses, reduce breakdowns, and increase your comfort at home.
Once you install your new heating system, we provide regular maintenance appointments. Keeping your heater serviced according to manufacturer guidelines increases its lifespan and improves efficiency levels over time. Learn more about all of your options with our Heating and Air Conditioning specialists.
Install an Energy-Efficient Heater in Waldorf
Are you wondering if you have an energy-efficient heater? Check your heating system’s AFUE rating to get a rough estimate of your energy efficiency. If you want to boost efficiency with maintenance or install a new system, consider working with Heating and Air Conditioning experts in Waldorf, MD.
Our team at Mission Comfort handles all aspects of Heating and AC installation, maintenance, and repair. Find out more about how we can help by calling (301) 701-3768.
