What Is the Most Efficient Heating System for Your Home?
Back to BlogChoosing a new heating system for your home is no simple task, especially if you’re doing it for the first time or it’s been more than 10 years since you replaced your old system. The good news is that today’s heating systems are built for better efficiency than ever before, even if it’s challenging to determine what’s best for you. We’ll explain what you need to know to narrow your heating system options confidently.
How To Choose a Heating System
When your priority is efficiency, you must look at the system’s annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE). The higher the AFUE, the better — and though the Department of Energy requires a minimum AFUE of 80%, you can find many options that exceed that by far. However, there are other factors specific to the system type that you’ll need to consider.
Types of Heating Systems
Furnace
In most cases, a furnace will be the most efficient heating option, no matter the size of the home. A new furnace can run between $2,000 and $7,000, and natural gas is cheaper than electricity. One consideration is that furnaces work by heating air and blowing it into the home via ductwork, which makes them rather loud.
Heat Pump
A heat pump has the advantage of being able to cool and heat air all in one unit. Quality heat pumps are quiet. And in moderate climates, they’re significantly more efficient than a furnace. On the other hand, a more comprehensive price range and your home’s square footage will substantially affect the total cost. You can upgrade your home with a heat pump for about $5,600 to $20,000, but you may also qualify for rebates built into the Inflation Reduction Act, depending on your income.
Boiler
Boilers heat water and use steam to warm your home. They are falling out of favor, partially because they take up a lot of space, are expensive to repair, and the units themselves are up to about $10,000. However, you can find boilers that run on natural gas or electricity; some are even more efficient than furnaces.
Ductless Mini-Split
Mini-split systems are an excellent way to conserve energy because they heat just one room or “zone” at a time. They can cost anywhere between $2,000 and $14,500 for a one- or two-zone system. They also have the advantage of not needing extensive ductwork, making them a good option for homes with no previous HVAC system.
Make the Right Choice With Conditioned Air
Beyond system efficiency, you need to find a heating system that matches your home’s energy or fuel source, can heat your entire space, and fits well within the area. At Conditioned Air, we offer top-quality furnaces and heat pumps from Carrier, and our experts will walk you through each system’s total pros and cons so your Greater Macon home stays comfortable no matter the weather.
Call Conditioned Air at 478-742-8768 or contact us online to get the most efficient heating system with fair pricing and expert installation by NATE-certified technicians.