Cutting Heating Costs

Cutting Heating Costs

Correct heating system care and clever purchases can help you lower the high costs of heating your house. That’s great news thinking about that energy bills-which are already traditionally high-are expected to continue to climb up. A recent post in USA Today reported that homeowners on average will see a 25.7 percent boost in heating expenses compared to a year earlier.

To lower heating costs, experts state that the energy effectiveness of your furnace is exceptionally essential. According to Jim Miller of Amana brand heating systems, “Homeowners do not have much control over the rate of gas, however they can take steps to lessen the impact of house heating costs.” He provides these suggestions:

“If you have not already done so this year, have a certified HVAC specialist examine your heater now,” Miller emphasized. “He can perform a security examination and tidy your heater so that it runs as effectively as possible.”

2. When Buying a New Furnace, Choose High-Efficiency. A heater’s effectiveness is suggested by its Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency percentage, or “AFUE,” a measurement developed by the U.S. Department of Energy. The greater a heating system’s AFUE, the more efficient it is. “Furnaces older than 15 years operate at performances of around 60% AFUE. This suggests that for every dollar spent on heating costs, just 60 cents in fact helps warm your house, while the staying 40 cents is lost.

“If you were to change that 60% AFUE furnace with a high-efficiency unit, such as the Amana brand AMV9 96% AFUE Variable-Speed Furnace, you would get 96 cents worth of heat for each dollar you invest toward heating your home,” said Miller.

Since the blowers normally require up to 75 percent less electrical power than a standard motor, he included that heating systems with a variable-speed blower are even more effective. In addition, a heating system’s blower also works with the house’s cooling system, implying consumers experience increased effectiveness year-round.

Thanks to the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT), house owners who acquire heaters with an AFUE of 95% or higher in 2006 and 2007 might qualify for a tax credit of $150. And if that heating system utilizes a variable-speed blower, they might qualify for an extra $50 tax credit.

Correct heating system care and clever purchases can assist you reduce the high costs of heating your home. To lower heating costs, specialists say that the energy effectiveness of your heating system is very essential. A furnace’s effectiveness is suggested by its Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency percentage, or “AFUE,” a measurement developed by the U.S. Department of Energy. Thanks to the Energy Policy Act of 2005 (EPACT), homeowners who acquire furnaces with an AFUE of 95% or greater in 2006 and 2007 may certify for a tax credit of $150.