When cold weather rolls around, you need your home to be a warm, comfortable haven. As a homeowner in Martinsburg, WV, your heating system should provide you with more than just basic comfort—it should also be energy efficient.
Overall, heating systems with high energy efficiency ratings are environmentally friendly. Plus, the most energy-efficient heaters can help you avoid energy loss and save money on energy bills.
But which heater is the most energy-efficient? Below, we’ll discuss the energy efficiencies of some common heating systems.
Furnaces
As one of the most popular types of heating systems, you can find furnaces all across the United States. There are three types of furnaces: electric, gas, and oil. Each furnace has its own pros and cons, and the energy efficiency can vary depending on the fuel type.
In general, experts recommend setting your furnace to 68 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter. This temperature is said to help homeowners achieve maximum energy efficiency.
All furnaces have an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (or AFUE) rating. The higher the AFUE, the more efficiently the furnace uses the specific type of fuel it runs on. Here are the standard AFUE ratings of furnaces:
- Electric furnaces: New models typically have a 100% AFUE rating.
- Gas Furnaces: Between 89% and 98% AFUE rating.
- Oil Furnaces: Between 80% and 90% AFUE rating.
When deciding to invest in a furnace, electric furnaces tend to be the most energy-efficient heater type. However, along with finding the most energy-efficient heater, it’s also essential to consider which fuel type works best regarding cost, convenience, and availability.
If you need help choosing the right furnace for you, reach out to Johnson & Johnson Heating and Air Conditioning for a reliable furnace install in Martinsburg, WV.
Heat Pumps
Heat pumps are incredibly convenient heating systems in that they are excellent for heating a room in the winter and cooling one in the summer. Plus, most heat pumps are controlled right from a remote control.
Rather than creating new heat, heat pumps gather and redistribute the existing heat, whether it be heat from the air (air-source heat pumps) or the earth (geothermal heat pumps). As such, heat pumps are incredibly energy efficient.
With a heat pump, you can see significant savings on your heating bills. At the same time, installing a new heat pump can be more expensive than other heating systems.
Boilers
Another popular heating system, boilers burn gas, wood, oil, or propane to heat water. After this water is heated, it moves through your home’s pipes and different heating elements to warm each room. These heating elements include radiators and radiant heaters.
In general, today’s leading boilers have AFUE ratings ranging from 90 to 98.5%. If you are looking for a heating system that will warm your home quickly, boilers are a great solution. Plus, these types of heating systems have become increasingly more advanced over the years.
Oil-Filled Radiators
Oil-filled radiators are also an option for when you need a single room heater and don’t want a boiler. When discussing which heater is most energy-efficient, oil-filled radiators are known to provide efficient heating. Oil-filled radiators gather cool air, then push out heat to warm your home.
However, since radiant heaters have a smaller reach than other heaters, they aren’t considered ideal for extended use, such as heating a room overnight.
Trustworthy Heating Installations
Now that we’ve discussed the most energy-efficient heaters, you might still be wondering which heating system is best for you. If you need assistance choosing the most energy-efficient heater that will fit your home’s specific needs, Johnson & Johnson Heating and Air Conditioning is here to help. We offer leading heating installations in Martinsburg, WV, and the surrounding areas. For heating services you can trust, call us at your earliest convenience.
