When was the last time you tended to your home heating system? If it’s been awhile, chances are that it could be outdated, needs maintenance, or should be replaced entirely with a more energy efficient heating system. But what is energy efficient heating and how will you know which is the most efficient heating system?

Here at Petro Home Services, our home heating pros are able to provide you with the right heating system for your home along with all the information you need to be an expert on energy efficient home heating. With the help of our skilled technicians and decades of experience keeping homes warm and comfortable, we’ve broken down energy efficient home heating for you so that you can understand the ins and outs and make the right choice when it comes to replacing your system.

What does high efficiency heating mean?

A highly efficient heating system will produce the appropriate amount of heat for the size of your home, and will cost less to operate than a less efficient model. In other words, a more efficient system will maximize the amount of heat produced for the amount of money you spend without wasting much of either.

Efficiency is measured using a unit called AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency), which represents the percentage of heat produced for every dollar spent heating the home with that system. HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor), on the other hand, is used to measure heat pumps’ levels of energy efficiency. Consult a professional at Petro Home Services to learn about the efficiency of any potential models before you install.

Why high efficiency heating

It’s important to take advantage of high efficiency heating for a handful of reasons. To start, home heating is one of the greatest utility costs for homeowners. In fact, experts claim that home heating can account for about 42% of your utility bill, making it essential to find an energy efficient system and cut costs wherever possible. To determine how much you can save over a certain time period, compare your existing AFUE or HSPF measurement with that of the new model.

In addition, high efficiency heating maximizes energy usage as long as it’s the correct size for your home. This means that less energy is lost throughout the distribution and you’re getting the best use out of the money you spend on heating. To top it all, you’ll be protecting your home while also increasing its value. Contact the experts at Petro Home Services at 800.645.4328 today for a heating system evaluation or a free quote. We’ll tell you where we can help lower your bills with a better system.

Choosing the most efficient heating system

There are a number of types of heating systems to get familiar with, from boilers to furnaces to heat pumps. Each of these models work differently and vary in terms of efficiency. However, efficiency isn’t the only thing to be factored in. A heating expert will advise you to also assess the size of your home, its age, the climate you live in, and more to help you determine which model will be the right fit for your house. Taking everything into consideration, here are some of the types to learn about before choosing the best heating system for your house.

Boilers

A boiler is one method of heating a home. There are 2 types of boilers that use fuel to heat water that creates either steam or hot water to ultimately heat the entire home, promoting better air quality. In some cases, these can be energy efficient options, with boilers generally reaching up to 87% AFUE. However, these may not be time efficient, as they take longer to heat up and bring the home to a comfortable temperature. Consult one of our experts to learn more about our energy efficient boilers and see if one of these are the right model to fit for your home.

Furnaces

Furnaces are the most common residential heating system used today. There are three different types: oil, gas, and electric that all vary in efficiency.

Oil furnaces use fuel oil as a heat source. Gas furnaces use renewable, natural gases supplied by a local utility company to heat the home. Finally, there are electric furnaces. These are more expensive to operate than gas furnaces, but are sometimes considered to be a safer option as they do not pose the risk of carbon monoxide and other potential safety hazards.

Remember to consult with one of our team members to see which system is best for you. Newer furnaces can be significantly more efficient than older models. Have a technician routinely check your furnace to see if it needs repair or replacement, or if you can benefit from changing it out for a more efficient system with a higher AFUE.

Heat pumps

Heat pumps are a good option for an efficient heating system. These use less electricity, emit fewer harmful gases, and produce significantly more energy than they consume. Know, however, that these are the most expensive installations amongst all alternatives.

Petro offers compact, quiet and energy-efficient units called ductless mini-split systems. These heat pumps provide more flexibility on heating specific areas of your home, which can prove more economical than switching on a regular heating system.

Heat pumps come in two forms: air source and geothermal. Air source heat pumps use refrigerant to cool air from the outside to heat the home. Geothermal heat pumps use the soil surrounding the system or a nearby water source to generate heat. Geothermal models are the most efficient, cutting energy usage by percentages ranging from 30-60%.

More important factors in heating efficiency

Keep in mind that an energy efficient heating system is bigger than the device itself. It takes care and attention around the whole home to maximize the heating in your home and reduce your monthly utility bill. Here are a few more tips to help you master home heating:

• Keeping your home well insulated can ensure that heat inside the house isn’t escaping or being replaced with cold air from outside.
• It’s important to regularly maintain ductwork as well, as oftentimes, heat can escape as it travels through if damaged or not insulated properly.
• Smart thermostats will also help control the heat output in your home by setting temperatures and guaranteeing the system is not using unnecessary energy.
• Regular maintenance for your home heating system is critical to its effectiveness and Petro Home Services can assist you along the way with tune ups for your heating system. 
• Look out for home heating red flags like poor heating, increased energy bills, or strange noises.

Contact Petro Home Services for home heating solutions

Each home heating system has its advantages and disadvantages, both in terms of finances and energy usage. That’s why it’s vital to learn about your heating systems and understand how they can be more efficient. Reach out to Petro Home Services today to balance the pros and cons of the systems we offer, find heating special offers, and speak with one of our specialists to help you decide on the best heating system for your home.