Winter is just around the corner in Effingham County, GA. While the average winter highs are in the upper 50s and lower 60s, the cold winter lows at night require a working heating system to keep your home comfortable. If you’re looking for the right heating system, here are steps to choosing an optimal new system for your home before winter comes.
Efficiency
You want a heating system that warms your home efficiently. Not only do you use less energy, but you save more money while producing the same amount of heat. While energy-efficient heating systems cost more upfront, you can earn it back in terms of energy and money saved when heating your home during the colder months.
Professionals measure furnace efficiency ratings in terms of Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, or AFUE. AFUE measures how much energy it takes to power the furnace compared to how much heat the furnace produces.
The higher the AFUE, the more efficient it is. Energy Star certification typically applies to appliances that have an AFUE rating above 90. If an AFUE is 90, then there’s only 10% energy wasted of all energy produced.
Size of the Heating System
When it comes to choosing a new heating system for your home, one size does not fit all. If your heating system is too large for your home, you waste too much of the heat it produces. If your heating system is too small for your home, you don’t produce enough heat to keep you warm.
A contractor estimates your home’s heat loss by looking at areas that come into contact with outside temperatures. These areas include your roof, windows, doors and walls. The contractor then determines how much heat your system needs to produce by using the average winter temperatures in Effingham County, GA, with the temperatures you want in your home.
Total Cost
Energy-efficient units raise the value of your home as it makes your home more attractive to those searching to purchase a house or a newly constructed house. Your system’s total cost doesn’t just refer to how much it costs to purchase and install the unit but also the maintenance, repair and monthly heating expenses.
When shopping for a new heating system, ask about what savings the company offers, such as discounts and deals for extended warranties. This way, you get more value for your money.
Electricity Dependent
As power plants create electricity by burning fossil fuels, a limited resource, some consumers are turning away from electricity. However, there are a few benefits to staying with electricity-powered heating systems to warm a home during the cold winter months.
Electrical-dependent heating systems are often more cost-effective compared to heating oil and gas. Electricity-powered systems are also typically safer than gas or oil furnaces due to the way they operate. A professional HVAC technician can perform regular maintenance to ensure that an electric heating system is safe to operate all winter long.
Electricity Independent
There are a few reasons people turn away from heating systems requiring electricity. They may want something that will keep them warm if the power goes out. In addition, electricity is less efficient than other options, and electricity generation has a negative environmental impact.
Heating system options that don’t require electricity include propane, natural gas, oil and geothermal. Geothermal is far more efficient, and the system is underground and quiet. With propane, the homeowners rent the tanks, which means the company is responsible for the tank and not the homeowner.
When it’s time to replace your heating system, you’re in the right hands with Byrd Heating & Air Conditioning. Not only will we help you with heating options for your home, but we also offer free estimates and discounts to seniors and military personnel. Call Byrd Heating & Air Conditioning today about your heating installation questions in Effingham County, GA.
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