Proper heating system care and clever purchases can help you minimize the high costs of heating your home. That’s good news considering that energy bills-which are currently historically high-are anticipated to continue to climb. In truth, a recent article in USA Today reported that homeowners usually will see a 25.7 percent boost in heating expenses compared to a year ago.
To decrease heating costs, experts say that the energy performance of your heater is exceptionally essential. According to Jim Miller of Amana brand furnaces, “Homeowners do not have much control over the price of natural gas, however they can take actions to reduce the impact of home heating expenses.” He provides these pointers:
“If you have not currently done so this year, have a certified HVAC specialist examine your heater now,” Miller emphasized. “He can carry out a security inspection and tidy your heater so that it runs as effectively as possible.”
A heating system’s effectiveness is suggested by its Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency percentage, or “AFUE,” a measurement established by the U.S. Department of Energy. The greater a furnace’s AFUE, the more efficient it is. “Furnaces older than 15 years operate at efficiencies of approximately 60% AFUE.
“If you were to replace that 60% AFUE heater with a high-efficiency unit, such as the Amana brand AMV9 96% AFUE Variable-Speed Furnace, you would get 96 cents worth of warmth for every dollar you invest towards heating your house,” stated Miller.
He added that heaters with a variable-speed blower are a lot more efficient because the blowers usually need approximately 75 percent less electricity than a basic motor. In addition, a furnace’s blower also deals with the home’s cooling system, indicating consumers experience increased effectiveness year-round.
3. Examine Tax Credits for High-Efficiency Furnace Purchases. Thanks to the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT), property owners who purchase heating systems with an AFUE of 95% or greater in 2006 and 2007 might get approved for a tax credit of $150. And if that heating system uses a variable-speed blower, they might receive an extra $50 tax credit.
Proper heater care and smart purchases can help you minimize the high costs of heating your house. To decrease heating expenses, experts state that the energy effectiveness of your heater is incredibly crucial. A heater’s performance is shown by its Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency percentage, or “AFUE,” a measurement developed by the U.S. Department of Energy. Thanks to the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT), house owners who acquire heaters with an AFUE of 95% or greater in 2006 and 2007 might certify for a tax credit of $150.