What Is High-Efficiency Heating Equipment?
With spring weather coming to New Hampshire, now is a great time to assess your home’s oil heating system. When you do not need your heating system during late spring and summer, you can replace or upgrade your heating unit without much disruption to your home.
Determining if your furnace or boiler is energy efficient is simple, and making the effort to find out could save you a lot of money on future heating expenses. Read this blog post to learn more about heater energy efficiency, how you can save more on oil each winter, and how to increase your energy efficiency for years to come.
What Are High-Efficiency Ratings for Oil Heat Systems
High-efficiency heating systems are determined based on the system’s AFUE, or Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. AFUE determines what percentage of fuel your equipment can turn into heat. For example, an AFUE of 75% means that ¾ of your heating oil will be transformed into heat, while ¼ is the by-product. An AFUE rating of 95% means that more of your heating oil will be used for heating and less will be wasted. You can typically find your heating system’s AFUE rating in your user manual or on a sticker placed inside the control panel of the heating system. Most high-efficiency heating systems commonly share these characteristics:
- 90% to 98.5% AFUE
- Sealed combustion
- ENERGY STAR® approval
Types of High-Efficiency Oil Heat Systems
Most homes that use oil heat have a furnace or boiler. Furnaces are one of the most common heating systems in homes. They operate by heating air and distributing it through ducts to different rooms. Boilers, on the other hand, heat water and use that water or steam to warm a home. The heat is then distributed through radiators or baseboard heaters. High-efficiency furnaces and boilers help homeowners make the most of the fuel oil budget.
Why Upgrade to a High-Efficiency Furnace or Boiler?
A new, high-efficiency heating system provides several long-term benefits:
- Lower Fuel Usage: Modern units use up to 30% less fuel compared to older models, translating to significant savings on energy bills.
- Fewer Repairs: Newer systems are more reliable, reducing the risk of mid-winter breakdowns and costly service calls.
- Increased Home Value: A high-efficiency heating system can boost your property value, making your home more attractive to future buyers.
- Better Comfort: Advanced technology ensures consistent temperatures, improved airflow, and quieter operation.
- Better for the Environment: New technology has lowered the total number of emissions created by oil heating systems.
Related Post: Top Signs You Need a New Heating System in NH
Upgrade Your Heating System This Spring
Contact your local HVAC provider to inquire about upgrading your heating system to a newer, more efficient model. Not only will you enjoy cost savings, but you’ll have total peace of mind!