30 Oct Heating Homes in Winter of 2015
With the likelihood of another record breaking cold winter ahead of us, heating homes in winter of 2015 will be more important than ever. According to some weather forecasts, this could be the third year in a row that we have above average temperature and record snowfalls in Central Kentucky. Here are a few facts about heating your home in 2015:
Newer Furnaces and Boilers Are More Energy Efficient
If you have an older furnace or broiler, chances are you may be paying too much for energy costs. Natural gas and electric furnaces that are older aren’t designed to be as energy efficient as today’s models. According to the Department of Energy, newer furnaces and boilers are required to have a greater AFUE rating than ever before. AFUE refers to the annual output of heat as compared to the annual energy consumption. Although the AFUE rating can indicate how effective your furnace or boiler is regarding energy efficiency, a lot of your fueling cost could be lost in ducts that aren’t sealed properly or other leaks in your home.
Older Heating Systems
Older systems have an AFUE of 56 to 70%.
They operate with a continual pilot light.
They create fumes of combustible gases.
Newer Heating Systems
Sealed combustion or exhaust fans control the flow of combustible gases
They have an AFUE rating of 80% to 98.5%
Electronic ignition replaces the pilot light
Compact size reduces cycling
Retrofitting Your Heating System
When considering heating your home in winter of 2015 you may want to retrofit your older furnace or broiler to accommodate a more energy efficient design. It is important as you consider your options to see if the cost of retrofitting your system is actually better compared to purchasing a new furnace or boiler. Many times an older system is nearing it’s life expectancy and can be replaced to save on heating costs this winter.
Heating Homes in Winter of 2015
When it comes to making sure your family is comfortable this winter, you can determine which heating system is most economical for you. According to reports on Kentucky heating and energy consumption more than 44% of homes use Natural gas to heat their homes and over 30% use electricity. If you are using electricity, it can be more expensive. When you choose the heating system for your home make sure you consider all the reasons for choosing a particular system. If you live in an area where natural gas is available as a good alternative, you may want to switch from electricity. We can help you design a heating system that is right for your house and your family. Call ADA heating and Air. We will be heating homes in winter of 2015 by providing fast, friendly furnace repairs and installing energy efficient heating systems.