With summer right around the corner, the last thing on any Capital District homeowner’s mind is their heating system. Believe it or not, now is actually the best time to consider upgrading to a high-efficiency system furnace or boiler heating system.
When winter is over, many people stop worrying about theirheating system because they won’t need it for a while – “out of sight, out of mind” so to speak. If you wait until Fall to begin the replacement process, you will have missed the opportunity to take advantage of the time you have now to do the proper research involved for this important purchase. Many of the best deals for furnaces and boiler replacements are available by HVAC contractors in the Spring and Summer months when they are looking to move equipment out of inventory. They will often offer very aggressive package deals for heating system replacements with central air conditioning. Keep in mind, if you wait until it is an emergency situation, you run the risk of making a decision in a rush and perhaps even paying more than you need to.
If you are in the market for a new heating system, it is important to choose an Energy Star rated, high-efficiency unit with a high annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating. The AFUE is a rating system that determines the percentage of fuel turned into heat as well as the amount of gas that has been wasted. The higher the AFUE, the more efficient your new system will be resulting in maximum energy consumption with minimal energy loss.
Today’s high-efficiency heating systems have a rating of 90-95% AFUE. This means that 90-95% of the fuel from the furnace or boiler is utilized to maintain a warm room temperature, while only 5-10% of the fuel is wasted. However, many heating systems installed before 1992 typically operate at a 65% efficiency rating, with some dipping as low as 40% AFUE. With a fuel rating of only 65%, this means that 35% of the heat generated by your heating system is literally going up the chimney.
According to the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE), heating accounts for 35 to 50% of energy costs in the average home. With utility costs on the rise, upgrading to a high-efficiency system can reduce your overall energy usage and help you save money immediately. Additionally, because high-efficiency heating systems do not emit the higher levels of carbon monoxide that traditional, low-efficiency systems do, high-efficiency heating systems reduce pollution and protect the earth from the effects of global warming.
If that weren’t enough incentive to upgrade to a high-efficiency heating system, those who purchase a system with a 95% AFUE rating can qualify for one or more of the following cost reductions: federal tax credits, manufacturer and National Grid rebates. In Albany NY, you can contact your Crisafulli Bros Plumbing and Heating rep and ask about how you can take advantage of these great benefits.
