Lower Your Carbon Footprint With A High-Efficiency Home Heating System
When discussing environmentally friendly projects, people often talk about carbon emissions as being a measure of success. Carbon emission refers to CO2 or carbon dioxide, the very same gas that animals and plants respire. This compound is also the very one that our heating systems are constantly releasing into the atmosphere when in use. Although this is a natural part of producing heat, continuing to use a low-efficiency heating system can ultimately be harmful. It will cost you more in future repairs and equipment replacements. The good news is that you can take advantage of a superior, energy efficient heating system to get the comfort and reliability you need, and the safety and security you deserve.
Lower Your Carbon Footprint With A High-Efficiency Heating System
Contents
The heating system in your home is a significant contributor to the carbon emissions currently accumulating in the earth’s atmosphere. To lower these emissions, your best option is to install a central furnace or boiler that has a high-efficiency rating. For home heating systems, efficiency is measured according to annual fuel utilization efficiency or AFUE. This is a measurement of how well a heater converts heat energy from fuel energy over the course of 12 years.
AFUE additional reflects the heat output in comparison to the total amount of fuel consumed. With a higher AFUE rating, a home heating system will be more efficient. For instance, a heater with a 90 percent AFUE rating can use as much as 90 percent of its fuel to produce heat. The 10 percent that remains is released into the atmosphere via a chimney or vent.
Boilers and furnaces have the highest AFUE ratings by far. Some have AFUE ratings as high as 95 to 98 percent. Sadly, these options are more expensive than ones with lower AFUE ratings. It’s vital to note, however, that you’ll pay much less to use them over time.
How To Find A High-Efficiency Heating System
Low-efficiency heating systems usually have AFUE ratings between just 55 and 70 percent, and they usually need a constant pilot light in order to function. These units also have heavy heat exchangers and components for ensuring the safe flow of gases that are combustible.
In models that are moderately efficient, AFUE ratings range between 80 and 83 percent. These options don’t generally have pilot lights and rely on electric ignition switches instead. Some additionally use exhaust fans for the regulation of airflow and gases.
Conversely, high-efficiency home heating systems have combustion components that are sealed, and they also use two heat exchangers for improved efficiency and to condense flue gases.
Why Older Heaters Are Less Efficient Than New Ones
No matter how well-made an older heating system is, its age will eventually start to matter. Older home heating systems gradually succumb to ongoing wear due to consistent use. Even when they are well maintained, some of their components break down, sustain damage, or need to be replaced or repaired. Old systems also lack innovative technologies and designs that are focused on increasing overall efficiency. Modern heaters are built to ensure that they’re both better at producing adequate amounts of heat and more reliable in fuel consumption when compared to older options.
How To Control Your Carbon Footprint
Once you have a high-efficiency heater installed, there are still steps that you can take to further lower your carbon footprint and reduce your energy costs even more such as:
Sealing Air Leaks Throughout The Home
Air leaks allow warm air to escape from your home while allowing cold air to flow in from outside. Among some of the most common sources of air leaks are doors, windows, and joints, as well as holes and cracks in various building materials. Another common issue is inefficient or insufficient building insulation which is definitely something that you want to address before winter arrives. More often than not, problems with air leaks have simple and relatively low-cost solutions, and the sooner that leaks are identified, the quicker they can be eliminated.
Install A Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat will give you far better control over your indoor temperature. You can program your thermostat settings for improved efficiency when and where comfort is required. For instance, you can set your system to reduce the indoor temperature whenever you’re leaving and to warm the home back up just before you arrive. It is even possible to set the system to shut off automatically or continue running, whether you’re home or not.
Regularly Replace Your HVAC Air Filter
When HVAC air filters are clogged, home heating and cooling systems cannot operate efficiently. Tiny particulates within the air are captured and retained by these filters. As time goes one, enough particulates accumulate to prevent warm air from flowing through. You may notice that your heater stops performing as well whenever the air filter is too dirty. Cleaning or replacing this component on a regular basis will keep your heating system running just like it should.
Set Your Thermostat Lower In The Winter
This might not seem like a good idea but simply dropping your thermostat setting by just one or two degrees in the winter can do a lot in terms of reducing your home energy use and keeping your heater in good condition by limiting the work it has to do. Wearing a bit more clothing is an easy, eco-friendly, and inexpensive way to stay warm inside during the winter months.
Conclusion
It’s important for everyone to learn how to use energy resources responsibly and with care. The actions that we take now will have an impact on the future. Opting for a high-efficiency heating system will reduce the amount of pollution that your household contributes, create a cleaner natural environment, and save cash over the long-term. This is simply a win-win decision for everyone.
Call Townsend Energy For Your Home Heating Requirements
Townsend Energy offers superior heating and cooling services in Northeastern Massachusetts, Southern New Hampshire, and Maine.
We make sure to hire certified technicians who can provide you with excellent services, including tune-ups, repairs, installations, and replacements. Each technician has outstanding knowledge and experience to serve your HVAC system needs correctly.
Townsend Energy guarantees to provide the most competitive heating and cooling service costs in the area. Our maintenance services ensure to improve your comfort, increase your system’s energy efficiency, and reduce your home’s heating and cooling costs.
Need your system repaired or replaced? We’ll recommend the best one for your home and is within your budget. The best part is, all our work is backed with a guarantee to ensure your satisfaction.
If you wish to schedule a service appointment, give us a call today! We also offer in-home estimates at no cost at all.
Contact us now at (800) 722-4101 to find out more!