The answer is a resounding yes! With the increasing speed of change in technology with everything from computers to cell phones, it's easy to forget about changes in things like your heating and cooling system.
Like everything else, there have been big improvements in heating and cooling too! If you want to buy a new system for your home, or want to replace your old one, a high-efficiency furnace may be the best choice for you. Newer heating and cooling systems make good sense, if you trying to be eco-friendly and friendly to your checkbook.
A high efficiency furnace is one that converts fuel into heat most optimally. Models that convert 90% of the fuel to heat are called high efficiency furnaces. Those that are greater than 92% are called ultra high efficiency furnaces, and those that are below 90% are either mid-efficiency or standard efficiency furnaces.
The way a high efficiency system works is that it minimizes the loss of heat that typically turns into water vapor and heated gases. These new systems reuse the heat from water vapor to turn it back into heat, rather than allow it to be wasted. Moreover, a new furnace's efficiency is increased due to an electric ignition, an improved draft fan, and heat exchanger.
New energy efficient furnaces are more expensive to purchase and install. While a mid-efficiency model will cost you around $2,000, an ultra efficiency and high efficiency will cost you somewhere between $3,000-$4,000. However, choosing such a unit might still be a good idea, given that your annual HVAC bills will be lower over the lifetime of the system.
High efficiency systems are best if you live in sub zero temperatures. However, you should also consider that getting a newer furnace may still provide long-term savings even if you live in a more temperate climate. Your local heating and cooling professional should be able to provide advice based on the results of other installations in your area.
There are also some things you can do to ensure that your new system remains like that for years to come. Some things you can do to ensure optimal performance are:
1. Schedule a monthly cleaning routine for your air filters.
2. Keep the area around your furnace and its vents clear.
3. If your furnace system is making unusual noises or emitting a strange smell, turn it off and call a professional.
Home Heating and Cooling 101
If you are not sure what heating and cooling systems you should have for your home, or are wondering what kinds there are to replace the existing one, you’ve come to the right place.
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There is more to your Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning system (HVAC) than switching it on and off. When you get an HVAC system fixed or when you move into a place with an HVAC system, the time you take to understand the system and what basic maintenance steps you can take, will lower your heating and cooling costs and prolong the life of your system.
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Your utility bill is probably larger than you would like. Heating and cooling systems of many homes run constantly to battle the hot summers and really cold winters. You end up not only increasing your utility bill but you also your carbon footprint which may be another area you are trying to make a reduction.
