During the icy New Hampshire winter months, you have likely relied on the comforts of a heater. Electric heaters are already one of the safest forms of heating, as they do not require flammable gases or burning of any materials, but they are also one of the most energy efficient forms of heating on a base level. Although, there are always additional steps an owner can take to increase the efficiency of their heater, read on to learn more.
What is Considered an Energy Efficient Heater
In the United States, approximately half of the energy used in homes goes towards heating and/or cooling the space. Whether that energy is primarily for heating or cooling depends on the geographic location and size of the home. Based off these numbers it is no surprise that energy efficient heaters are heavily sought after not only for their environmental benefits, but also for their consumer benefits. Energy efficiency aims to cut the collateral waste energy used by an appliance while still fulfilling its intended purpose to the same, if not higher, capacity. There are many energy efficient heaters on the market today and determining whether or not your heater is energy efficient may be easier than you think.
Benefits of an Energy Efficient Heater
On average about half of the energy used in a home is sourced from either electricity or natural gases, with a slight decline in gas usage through the years due to advancements made to electrical appliances and utilities – leading to more widespread consumption of electricity. Electricity by nature is cheaper and more energy efficient than gas, which is cause for its rising popularity as the power source for heaters, as it provides both financial and environmental improvements. Although an electric heater alone can reduce consumer energy usage and costs substantially, it does not stop there. When combined with different features and factors, such as insulation and auto-start/stop timers, an energy efficient electric heater can save a consumer up to about 30% on their routine energy bills. Energy efficient heaters also reduce one’s environmental impact, which is an ever-increasing concern.
How to Tell if a Heater is Energy Efficient or Not
When determining how energy efficient your heater is, the first thing you will need to do is identify the model of your heater. If you are among the small part of the population that saves the owner’s manuals on your appliances, then you are in luck! The manufacturer’s model number, as well as the annual fuel utilization efficiency rating (also known as the AFUE) are typically noted within the manual. However, if you are like most and you have not seen your owner’s manual since the minute you opened the box, it is likely that your heater has been stickered by the manufacturer with the model number. In addition to this AFUE rating, there are a few other components that contribute to a heater’s energy efficiency such as:
- The heaters age, older heaters by nature will be less energy efficient than newer models which are constantly being upgraded with energy saving features.
- The frequency at which you service your heating system can also play a major role. Neglected heaters on average do not run to the best of their capabilities, which in turn results in them being less energy efficient.
- The size and model of the heater vs. the size and climate of the space to be heated is also a consideration for energy efficiency.
How to Make a Heater More Energy Efficient
If you are unsatisfied with the base energy efficiency level of your heating system, there are a multitude of steps you can take to improve its capacity without having to replace the entire system.
- Insulation: Insulating the space that you intend to heat can improve a heater’s energy efficiency up to 95% and is one of the prime upgrades you can make to your heating system that will also reward you with big financial savings
- Upgrade the Thermostat: Upgrading thermostats to newer models that have a variety of energy saving features such as mobile-device apps can help you monitor your thermostat even when you are away. This allows you to adjust settings remotely and preset system schedules, which can save you from leaving the system running during vacant times.
- Upgrade Ducting and Vents: Upgrading the ducting and vents that distribute your heaters’ air can also reduce the amount of energy it takes to heat the intended space, which in turn allows it to run more efficiently.
These are the go-to energy saving tactics that many use to get the most out of their heating system. It is also important to note that by having an electric heater in general, you are already ahead of the game in energy efficiency.
If you are still unsure, contact a professional like the team at Daigle Plumbing, Heating & Cooling.
About Daigle Plumbing, Heating & Cooling
Founded over 40 years ago, Daigle Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is family-owned and operated by the Daigle family. We are proud to provide quality, dependable plumbing, heating, and cooling services for our customers in Derry, NH, and the surrounding areas. Daigle Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is your partner for all your plumbing, heating, and cooling needs. Call us today at 603-434-6353 for a free estimate.
