When the subject of environmentally-friendly projects comes up, people often consider carbon emissions as an important factor. Carbon emission refers to CO2, also known as carbon dioxide. This is the compound emitted by plants and animals through respiration. Our heating system also emits carbon dioxide, releasing it into the air. Although this occurs naturally because of heat generation, a low-efficiency heating system can be disadvantageous in many ways. Over the long term, it can cost more to maintain due to frequent repairs and replacements. The good news is that you could always turn to an energy efficient heating system for better comfort and safety.
How High-Efficiency Heating Systems Can Reduce Carbon Emissions
Table of Contents
Heating systems contribute to the accumulation of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. If you want to reduce your carbon footprint, consider using a high-efficiency central furnace or boiler. In heating systems, efficiency is indicated in the AFUE rating. AFUE stands for annual fuel utilization efficiency. This is the measurement of the ability of the system to turn fuel to heat within a 12-month period.
AFUE is also the ratio of the heat output versus the total fuel consumption. A higher AFUE rating indicates a more efficient system. Let’s say that you have a system has an AFUE rating of 90%. At this capacity, your heater can utilize a maximum of 90% of fuel for heat generation. The 10% that remains is released outdoors, often through a chimney or vent.
Boilers and furnaces often have the highest AFUE ratings. Some models range from 95% to 98.5%. Unfortunately, systems with higher AFUE ratings usually cost more. The advantage is that these heating systems save money because they are more efficient and cost less to use.
Finding the Best High-Efficiency Heating Systems
Low-efficiency heating systems usually have AFUE ratings that range from 55%-70%. These systems usually require an electronic ignition but have no pilot light. They also usually rely on exhaust fans to manage airflow and gases.
High-efficiency systems, however, are built with two heat exchangers and a sealed combustion component that condense flue gases. These elements ensure the high-efficiency performance of the system.
Older Heating System And Efficiency
Even if a heating system is well-built and well-maintained, it will age. All systems are prone to natural wear-and-tear because of regular use. Components will break, become worn down or become damaged even if the system receives regular maintenance. When new technology comes along, older systems will not feature them in their design. This is why newer models tend to be more efficient and show better performance in generating heat. They also tend to be more reliable when it comes to fuel consumption.
Controlling Your Carbon Emissions
Once you have a high-efficiency furnace or heating system installed, there are still ways for you to further lower your carbon emission levels and save on the cost of energy. Here are some steps for you to try:
Seal Air Leaks
With a heating and/or cooling system in place, your home should be a sealed environment. If you have cracks, holes, or gaps, warm air will escape and allow cold air in. Air leaks usually involve doors, joints, and windows, although they could also occur due to damage or failed construction in other spots within the home. Insufficient insulation can also contribute to comfort issues and should be resolved before winter. Fortunately, most air leak issues can be fixed easily. Fix these issues early to avoid worsening damage and improve your comfort level.
Install Programmable Thermostat
A programmable thermostat allows you have better control of indoor temperature. This type of thermostat allows you to program your comfort setting to maximize the efficiency of your heating system. With a programmable thermostat, you can set the temperature at your preferred level and program the system to turn on, turn off, and decrease or increase the temperature at certain times of the day. If you leave the house in the mornings, for example, you can program the thermostat to lower the temperature five minutes before you leave and increase the temperature just before you get back home. That way, even if you are not home, you still have control over your indoor comfort.
Replace HVAC Air Filters Regularly
Air filters collect dust, dirt, and other particulates to keep indoor air clean. Over time, they become clogged, making it difficult for warm air to pass through. When this happens, the system will stop working efficiently and you will notice that indoor air is just not warm enough. To prevent this, simply replace or clean your air filter regularly.
Keep Thermostat Settings Low In Winter
You might think that this is a bad idea but it actually works. If you lower your indoor temperature by about one or two degrees, you could lower your energy consumption effectively. You could also help your heating system out since it does not have to work harder to generate heat. To combat the lower temperature indoors, you could wear thicker clothing indoors. You could also use hot packs, scarves, jackets, and socks to keep warm. Taking this step will go a long way to help you keep your heating system in good shape while saving energy without sacrificing your comfort.
Conclusion
Now more than ever, we need to do our part in the responsible and careful use of energy resources. Everything we do now and every decision we make will have an impact on our future. Choosing a high-efficiency heating system will help reduce our carbon footprint and control the level of pollution we produce. That way, we can promote a cleaner and safer environment while enjoying the cost savings we deserve. That is one ideal situation for all consumers that we simply should not say no to.
Call Skylands Energy Service For All Of Your Heating Needs
Skylands Energy Service is the leading service provider of reliable heating and cooling in the area. Our HVAC certified technicians are trained and highly skilled in ensuring that your comfort and safety needs are met. You can count on us to provide top-notch heating and air conditioning tune-ups, installations, replacements, and repairs for all our clients. We do this by ensuring that your heating and cooling systems are managed only by experts and that we prioritize your comfort and safety above all else.
We also guarantee the most competitive service costs. Why make do with what you have if you could improve your energy efficiency and reduce your heating and cooling cost at the same time? Your home should be a haven of comfort and we can make sure that your requirements are met to your satisfaction. Give Skylands Energy Service a call today and schedule a free in-home estimate.
Contact us now at (908) 707-1776 to find out more!