4 Ways Your Heating System May Be Costing You Money

If you’re trying to find ways to save money this winter, addressing your HVAC system may be part of the solution. There are many ways your heating system might be costing you more than necessary to run. Talk to your HVAC companies in Snellville, GA, to see what you can do to lower your bills. Here are some of the most common ways customers pay more for their heating than they have to.

Lower Efficiency Rating

Find out what the efficiency rating is for your HVAC system, specifically the AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) rating. This is the percentage of fuel that goes into your home compared to the amount that’s actually used by your furnace. Older furnaces may only have an AFUE rating of 85%, while newer furnaces regularly have ratings of 90% to 95% (or higher). This means they’re using more of the fuel you’re paying for, so you get the most heat for your money.

Less Efficient System

If you’re dealing with especially high heating bills, it might be more efficient to change your whole system. For example, electric costs more than gas in most areas, while many baseboards are more costly to run full-time than a forced air system. Changing to a different system will obviously cost more up front, but you may be able to save thousands of dollars on fuel or electricity in the long run.

More Repairs

Older furnaces or those that aren’t maintained need frequent repairs, which often cost hundreds or thousands of dollars each time a technician has to come out to your house. On the other hand, regularly maintaining your HVAC system costs around $100 to $200 per year and helps you avoid those catastrophic breakdowns. It also helps your system last longer--well-maintained units can last 15-20 years, while ones that are ignored can have major breakdowns before the 10 year mark.

Reduced Home Value

Finally, your heating system may come back to bite you when it comes time to sell your home. If it’s old or hasn’t been maintained, buyers won’t be quite as eager to take on the added responsibility. On the other hand, taking care of your HVAC system or installing a new one is a big plus for prospective home buyers. Talk to your HVAC companies in Snellville, GA, about the best plan to keep your HVAC in good condition. You’ll benefit both now and down the road!