As winter approaches, it’s important to start thinking about how you’ll maintain your home comfort in the coming months. Our Hagerstown, Maryland, climate brings cold weather that necessitates an efficient heater to keep your family comfortable. Even the best heater doesn’t have an indefinite life span. If you’re thinking about purchasing a new Hagerstown, MD heater for your home, these questions can help you decide if it’s the right time.
What’s Your Current AFUE?
Heating systems receive an annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating that explains how efficient its operation is. The AFUE is the percentage of heat that an appliance produces in relation to the fuel used. For example, a system with an AFUE of 80 loses 20% of its energy, while 80% of its fuel actually goes toward heating your home. Cost-wise, this means that just 80 cents of every dollar you spend on heating would actually contribute to your home comfort.
It’s important to note that your system’s AFUE is just one measure of its efficiency. To optimize energy efficiency, you need to make sure your ducts are properly sealed, so you’re not losing any of the warm air generated by your heater. You should also invest in annual maintenance to keep your heater in prime condition and equip it to run as efficiently as possible.
The minimum AFUE allowed for a new furnace is 80. Today, you can find systems with ratings of 90 or above, which deliver far greater efficiency for your home. If you’re using a furnace with a low AFUE and want to lower your utility bills and enjoy a greener home, it may be worth the upfront cost to upgrade.
How Old Is Your System?
The average heating system will last for 15 to 20 years. If your system is in this range, it’s time to start planning for the cost of an upgrade. The earlier you start planning for a replacement, the more time you’ll have to research options at your leisure. You can look for rebates, specials, and other deals that might help you save on this investment.
If you see the right price on a new system, you may find that it’s the perfect time for an upgrade. As your system ages, it’s best to be proactive about your new heater so you’re not forced to buy a system simply because your current heater failed in the middle of winter.
While we often face a rush for new installations and emergency repairs in winter months, autumn is generally slower, making it easier to schedule an installation at your convenience.
What Are Your Recent Repair Costs?
Have you recently suffered the need for numerous heater repair calls? As your system nears the end of its life span, you’ll typically find that there are more repairs than usual. As these repairs escalate in cost and complexity, you’ll find that you need to consider whether to continue paying for the repairs or invest in a new installation.
Our technicians can help you assess the state of your heater and determine whether more repairs are likely in the near future. An aging system will continue to suffer the need for replacement parts and other issues, which may make a new installation a more cost-effective option.
How Are Your Comfort Levels?
Is your home as comfortable as you’d like? An aging, inefficient, or improperly sized heater won’t usually provide you with the warmth that you’re after. Watch for issues such as:
- Hot and cold spots around the house.
- Excessive dust.
- Inability to meet thermostat settings.
- Constant running or frequent cycling.
These issues are often accompanied by an unexplained increase in your utility bills. If you’d like to improve your cold weather comfort, a new heater may be the perfect solution. Our technicians can help you size your home properly so you can find the perfect installation for your needs.
If you’re ready to start thinking about a new heater installation, call Griffith Energy Services, Inc. at 888-474-3391. We can help you size your home and explore your options. We’re dedicated to helping you get the perfect fit for your needs.
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