Exploring the Potential Benefits of High-Efficiency Heating Equipment
By Joseph Sculley, Energy Marketers Association of New Hampshire
As an energy association leader, I’m fortunate enough to get to speak with homeowners from all different walks of life. The residents that I’ve talked to in New Hampshire understand how truly invaluable having efficient heating is, especially when the colder seasons arrive. It has also come to my attention that the topic of high-efficiency heating equipment is worthy of exploration, and that the benefits of utilizing this technology are often underdiscussed. That’s why today I wanted to examine the topic more closely, shedding light on what exactly high-efficiency heating equipment is and all the potential benefits that come from this technology.
What Is High-Efficiency Heating Equipment?
A boiler or furnace’s efficiency is typically measured by the unit’s annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE). This rating essentially describes how much heat the system gives off, and also considers the energy that is consumed by the operation of the equipment. Higher-efficiency heating equipment typically heats spaces more dependably and at a reduced operating cost.
The advantages of high-efficiency heating equipment go beyond just dependable comfort. According to Energy.gov, new heating equipment performs as much as 30% more efficiently than older models currently in use. Having a high-efficiency boiler or furnace installed can help achieve maximum comfort while using far less fuel.
While the use cases of high-efficiency heating equipment can be appealing, installing new heating equipment can oftentimes require a significant monetary investment. Beyond the initial startup costs of purchasing and installing the new unit, energy efficiency and performance functionality are chief considerations when making the decision on what is best for any particular budget. Thanks to state rebate programs like Granite State Saves with Oil, which has helped New Hampshire residents save upwards of $653,500 over the last 5 years both on heating equipment installation costs, and on energy savings, it’s now more affordable than ever to both have high-efficiency heating equipment installed and save significantly on that installation.
According to the Department of Energy, upgrading a furnace or boiler from 56% to 90% efficiency in an average cold-climate house will save 2.5 tons of carbon dioxide emissions. Since 2019, over 1,200 high-efficiency heating upgrades have contributed to 3,240 tons of CO2 emissions reduced in New Hampshire.
Rebate programs present a valuable opportunity to have new, high-efficiency heating equipment installed at a discounted price. This means homes and businesses can equip themselves with the newest oil heat technology on the market today and benefit from all the potential money saved on energy costs for years to come.
Readers can learn more about rebate programs for high-efficiency heating equipment installations, and all of their cost-saving benefits at CleanOilHeatNH.com.