When it’s time to replace your home’s heating system in Farmingdale, NY, it’s a smart decision to choose one that’s energy efficient. An energy-efficient heating system might cost a little more upfront to install, but it will benefit you in many ways over the course of its lifespan. Each manufacturer of heating systems offers energy-efficient options, and our team at B.A.C. Systems Inc. can help you select one that has the right capacity, features and configuration for your home.
1. Longer Lifespan
Energy-efficient heating systems use algorithms and variable-speed blowers and motors to control the timing and length of heating cycles. They perform fewer heating cycles, but each cycle is longer. Having fewer startups means less wear and tear on critical parts, such as the capacitor or thermocouple. The motors of energy-efficient heating systems usually operate at 30% to 70% of their full power, so they also experience less wear and tear.
2. Lower Utility Bills
Energy-efficient furnaces have an annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating of 95% or higher. This means that 95% or more of the energy used by the furnace is converted into heat. If you choose an electric furnace, its AFUE will be 100% because no heat is lost to flue gasses. Older furnaces may have an AFUE of just 65%, especially if they’re more than 20 years old. Replacing a furnace with an AFUE of 65% with one that has an AFUE of 95% will save you about $200 per year on heating costs. If you select a heat pump, it will have a heating season performance factor (HSPF) rating. A typical energy-efficient heat pump has an HSPF rating of 8.5 or higher. Upgrading to an energy-efficient heat pump will save about $115 to $150 in heating costs each year. To save the most money on heating costs, choose a new heating system with the Energy Star certification. These systems use 15% to 30% less energy to deliver the same amount of heat.
3. Smaller Carbon Footprint
If you’re concerned about your household’s carbon emissions, choosing an energy-efficient heating system is a good step forward in cutting those emissions. About 40% of the energy your household uses is for heating and cooling. During the cold winters in Farmingdale, your heating system will use a lot of energy to keep your living area warm and comfortable, and a new heating system minimizes energy use and waste. New furnaces have features that reduce the amount of heat loss in flue gases. They also burn natural gas more cleanly. New furnaces can be paired with energy or heat recovery ventilators, which capture up to 95% of the heat in flue gases and use it to heat the fresh air brought into your home from the outdoors. Electric furnaces and heat pumps generally use less electricity thanks to their variable-speed motors.
4. Consistent Temperature Control
A common complaint in homes with old, inefficient heating systems is that one room is too cold, and another is too hot. When you choose a new, energy-efficient heating system, it will provide better temperature control. You won’t have to deal with spaces that are too cold because the new systems distribute the heat more evenly. The longer heating cycles deliver more heated air for a longer period of time, so there won’t be as many big temperature swings in your living space.
5. Less Maintenance and Fewer Repairs
Two of the most frustrating parts of owning an old heating system are the constant upkeep and frequent repairs. Older heating systems need frequent maintenance as parts develop wear and tear. When a worn part breaks, you’ll need repairs. It’s not uncommon to have the thermocouple go bad one month, then the blower motor fails the next month. If your furnace is more than 20 years old, or your heat pump is more than 10 years old, you can expect to have frequent and costly repairs. Replacing the system with one that’s energy efficient will mean less maintenance and fewer repairs over the next five years.
At B.A.C. Systems Inc., we’re the trusted team to install new heating systems. You can also count on us for air conditioning installations and heating and cooling maintenance and repairs. Homeowners also turn to us for hydronic systems, roofing, gutters, siding, masonry, boilers and ductless systems. For more details about the benefits of choosing an energy-efficient heating system in your Farmingdale home, get in touch with us at B.A.C. Systems Inc.
