Winter is here, and with the cold, snowy weather taking over, being indoors and warm should feel like paradise. That state of comfort is even more important as this is a time to celebrate with family and friends. Your indoor comfort will largely be dependent on your space heating.
As you heat your home, it’s essential to keep in mind your energy consumption and bills. Having an energy-efficient heater is the first step to consider when heating a home. Here’s how to determine the energy efficiency of your heater.
Check the AFUE Rating
The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency rating is one of the marks of measurement for the energy efficiency of a heater. An energy-efficient heater should convert most of the fuel it uses into energy, making the most out of it and avoiding fuel waste. The AFUE rating measures how much percentage of fuel is transformed into energy by your heater.
The AFUE rating is directly proportional to the energy efficiency: lower ratings mean the heater is less efficient and will consume more energy. You can inquire with our professionals for help with checking the AFUE rating.
Perform an Airtight Test
Your heater cannot do all the work alone. It’s best to set suitable conditions for optimal and effective heating for maximum indoor comfort and warmth. If cold air flows into your room or warm air escapes, you may have to heat your home, which increases your heating bills constantly.
To scan your room for any areas allowing cold inside, carry out an airtight test. You can do this by lighting incense and checking whether smoke blows into your home in areas with openings such as your windows. In case you find leaks, liaise with a professional to secure these spaces.
How Old Is the Heater?
The longer you use your heater, the more susceptible it is to damage and lower energy efficiency. The lifespan of a heater is between 15 and 20 years, and that’s with good maintenance habits. If your heater is more than 10 years old, its energy efficiency could have very well dropped. Consider a replacement heater if your heater is getting old and save more money in the long run.
Contact Air Comfort of KY’s team of experts for services ranging from heating and cooling system services, improving indoor air quality, and ductless AC installation. We serve Louisville, KY, and the surrounding areas.
