What is the Most Affordable Way to Heat My Home?

As we prepare to embrace September, this month is when many homeowners limbo between the hot summer season and the cool autumn weather. While you might not feel ready to think about your heating system just yet, getting a head start could save you some trouble. After all, you never want to wait until the first freezing cold night of fall before finding that your heater needs service. In the early stages of preparing for cooler temperatures, many locals start by thinking about the best ways to save money. Here is a look at cost-effective heating for your home.

Furnaces vs. Heat Pumps: Which Costs the Least?

While there are a few different options on the market, most homes take advantage of either gas furnace systems or heat pumps. Heat pumps are generally considered more energy-efficient, but they are often less powerful than furnaces. For these reasons, the most affordable heating option for you requires closer consideration.

Beyond just the type of unit you have, the age, brand, and climate in your area can impact your heating cost efficiency. For example, the Department of Energy reports that old furnaces can have an efficiency rating as low as 56% AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) whereas newer furnaces can reach up to 98.5% AFUE. Similarly, a heat pump may be more efficient than a furnace, but if you live in a home that requires extensive heating, you will have to run your unit more continuously than a furnace for effective relief. Thereby, the most efficient method of heating can vary from one house to the next. Consider speaking with a local HVAC professional for a better idea of which type of heating system is right for you.

Saving Money with Heater Maintenance

One of the most essential measures you can take to access affordable (and effective) heating is to provide your system with seasonal maintenance. During a maintenance visit, an expert will clean or replace your filters, calibrate your thermostat, check the operation of your unit, and clean any fragile system parts that may be dirty. When your system has the care it needs to work properly, it will run more efficiently and effectively. This can save you money in both lower energy bills and fewer needed repairs.

Home Sealing and Energy Efficiency

Does your home have a hard time staying comfortable? You may suspect that your heating system is not the source of your efficiency issues. Even if your heating system is working perfectly and is highly efficient, it will not matter if your home is letting that warm air outside. The comfortable air produced by your HVAC system can escape through gaps in your windows, doors, attic, and other vulnerable areas of your home. This is where home sealing services come in. By closing those gaps and keeping your warm air inside, an efficiency expert can help you save money on your heating and cooling costs without needing to upgrade your system.

Newcomb and Company HVAC Service

Get a head start on combating the cool weather with Newcomb and Company service. If you are considering a new heating system or would like to implement an efficiency service, the fall season offers the perfect opportunity to upgrade your home. You can implement these upgrades without the sweltering summer heat and have your home ready before the fall temperatures turn cold.

The HVAC professionals at Newcomb and Company proudly serve both the North Carolina Triangle and the North Carolina Coast, including Raleigh, Wilmington, Castle Hayne, Leland, Cary, Durham, Garner, Knightdale, Clayton, and beyond. Make an appointment with our heating and cooling experts to get started today!