Energy-efficient heaters convert more electricity, natural gas, or other fuel into usable heat energy than their alternatives. If you want efficient heating, you can choose from high-performing heat pumps, hybrid heating systems, and electric furnaces. There are also natural gas furnaces and boilers with high annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) ratings, ductless mini-splits, and radiant, in-floor heaters. No matter which option you install, high-efficiency heating can provide a wealth of long-term cost savings.
Less Energy Waste and Lower Home Energy Bills
According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), wintertime heating accounts for approximately 50% of the average home energy bill. With a heater that uses less electricity or fuel to get its job done, you can expect a noticeable decrease in your monthly utility charges.
Fewer Stress-Related Repairs
Efficient heaters don’t work as hard to create and maintain the temperatures that residents want. They run shorter and more effective heating cycles, and they often run fewer of them.
When paired with tight, efficient home envelopes, these appliances enjoy limited operational stress. As a result, they tend to sustain less wear over time and need fewer stress-related repairs. Problems like overheating, short-cycling, and intermittent shutdowns are less common among professionally installed, well-maintained, high-efficiency heaters.
Longer HVAC Equipment Lifespans
With less cumulative wear and less operational stress, efficient heaters tend to have longer lifespans. For some options, this is due as much to their designs and heating methods as it is to their efficient operation. For instance, electric furnaces and heat pumps tend to sustain less wear than medium-efficiency gas-fired furnaces as a result of lower operating temperatures. These appliances don’t experience the ongoing ravages of fuel combustion.
Dual-Function Heating Systems
Some of the top options in energy-efficient heaters offer dual functionality. These include central heat pumps and ductless mini-split heat pumps. Not only can these systems heat your home in winter with minimal energy waste, but they also provide efficient summertime cooling. With dual-function appliances, you’ll have less HVAC equipment to install and maintain.
Tax Credits, Rebates, and Other Incentives
Among the most common deterrents to installing high-efficiency heaters is their higher upfront costs. However, with the right efficiency ratings, these appliances could qualify for high-value incentives. With federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act, you can offset your year-end tax debt or increase your tax return. The right high-efficiency heater can also qualify you for high-value rebates from state-sponsored programs and utility companies.
Cleaner Indoor Air
From heat pumps to radiant, in-floor heaters, highly efficient heating equipment often provides the added benefit of cleaner indoor air. Boosting your indoor air quality (IAQ) will give you a healthier and more comfortable home, especially for residents with chronic respiratory ailments.
You’ll spend less to combat allergy symptoms and IAQ-triggered asthma attacks. If you have a forced-air heating system, you’ll also enjoy longer HVAC air filter lifespans. Improved IAQ can leave you with less dust, dirt, dander, and other particulates floating around and settling on indoor surfaces. This can mean less cleaning and less spending on cleaning supplies.
High-efficiency heating might cost more upfront, but it provides impressive savings over time. To explore your options in high-efficiency heating in Montgomery, AL, contact Alabama Home Pros now!