Energy Savings FAQs
With energy costs at all-time highs, wouldn’t it be nice if there were steps you could take as a homeowner to reduce your energy usage and your bills along with it? Fortunately there are things you can do, but like most homeowners, home energy usage isn’t your area of expertise so you’re probably unaware of the various ways you can reduce your energy costs. Because the average homeowner knows very little about energy saving products we often find ourselves answering questions from our customers like the ones below. We hope you will find our answers to these questions useful as well.
What is the AFUE Rating on a New Furnace or Heat Pump?
The AFUE number stands for “annual fuel utilization efficiency,” and it indicates the percentage of fuel that each new furnace or heat pump model converts into heat. New boilers also have AFUE ratings, but any heating system with a higher AFUE rating is more efficient. For instance, a new gas furnace with a rating of 90% is not quite as efficient as an electric furnace with a rating of 98%. Electric furnaces and boilers tend to have higher ratings than the ones that run on natural gas because they do not need a ventilation system; air ducts and chimneys are prime areas for losing heat, and the AFUE rating does not account for heat loss. This is also why it is important to make sure your home is well-insulated before you upgrade your old heating system to one with an Energy Star label. The Energy Star labels are another way to tell which new furnace or heat pump models are the most efficient; however, it is also important to pay attention to AFUE percentages. You can always call us to speak to one of our expert heating technicians about high-efficiency furnaces and heat pumps.
Does it Really Save Energy to Turn Down My Heat at Night?
Many homeowners are told that it takes more energy to heat a home back up after the heat has been turned down for an extended period of time, which offsets the savings gained while it is turned down. This is not true. Turning down your heat at night or when you are not home definitely saves more energy than leaving it on the regular setting. The extra surge of electricity it takes to start the unit again uses very little energy, and your home actually loses less heat when the inside air is cooler. You will save more energy the longer the thermostat is set at a lower temperature. Conversely, the same theory applies to the cost of cooling your home in the summer, since higher interior temperatures slow down the flow of heat into the home. Overall, if you want to save on heating costs, you should keep your home below 70°F as much as possible during the winter, and turn down the thermostat about fifteen degrees when you aren’t using the heat. This can save up to 15% on your heating bills, but keep in mind that this percentage is greater in milder climates than colder climates. Installing a programmable thermostat will help ensure that you aren’t using more heat or air conditioning than you need to.
How much insulation should I add to my attic?
The best way to determine how much attic insulation to add to your attic would be to call an HVAC professional to assess your current insulation and heating and cooling needs. If you know how to figure out the R-value of your insulation, make sure it has an R-value of at least 38. An attic insulated with material that has an R-value less than that will need more insulation. Another general rule is that you should have at least 7 inches of insulation for most attics. Call one of our insulation specialists if you have further questions about attic insulation.
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