Reducing Your Carbon Emissions Through High-Efficiency Heating Systems
Reduced carbon emissions are often discussed as the gauge of success in environmentally-friendly projects. Carbon emission refers to carbon dioxide (CO2), which is the compound animals and plants generate through respiration. Our heating systems also release this compound into the atmosphere. This is part of the natural process of combustion and heat generation. However, utilizing a low-efficiency heating system does more harm than good, especially when concerning its environmental impact. Furthermore, it will ultimately cost you more down the line because of repairs and replacements. The good news is you can use an energy efficient heating system to provide comfort while doing your part to reduce your carbon emissions.
Reducing Your Carbon Emissions Through Energy Efficient Heating Systems
Contents
- 1 Reducing Your Carbon Emissions Through Energy Efficient Heating Systems
- 2 Call Wilcox Energy For All Your HVAC Needs
Heating systems significantly contribute to the carbon emissions accumulating within Earth’s atmosphere. Installing a high-efficiency central furnace or boiler is the best way to help reduce your home’s emissions. The heating system’s efficiency is measured in AFUE or annual fuel utilization efficiency. It measures the system’s capacity to convert fuel energy to heat energy over 12 years.
AFUE is also the system’s heat output ratio compared to its total fuel consumption. A system is more efficient when it has a higher AFUE rating. For instance, a 90% AFUE-rated furnace can utilize up to 90% of its fuel for heat generation. The other 10% is released into the atmosphere via a chimney or vent.
Boilers or furnaces are the heating systems that, by far, have the highest AFUE rating. Some systems have an AFUE rating as high as 95% to 98.5%. These systems may be a bit costlier than units with a lower AFUE rating, but they cost less to run, so you save money down the line.
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Identifying An Energy Efficient Heating System
Low-efficiency heating systems typically have around 55% to 70% AFUE rating and usually require a continuous pilot light to function. They also come with a heavy heat exchanger and a means to ensure the safe flow of combustible gasses.
On the other hand, some moderately efficient systems have an 80% to 83% AFUE rating. They typically don’t have a pilot light but depend on electronic ignition. These models may also have exhaust fans for the flow regulation of air and gasses.
High-efficiency systems feature a sealed combustion component and two heat exchangers that condense flue gasses and improve their efficiency.
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The Reason Older Heating Systems Aren’t As Efficient As New Highly Efficient Systems
Age will eventually catch up with your heating system regardless of how well-built it is. Older systems fall into wear and tear because of regular use. Your system may be well-maintained, but some parts will break or get damaged, needing replacement or repair. Older systems also lack the technology newer models have that increase their efficiency. Modern models have the features and design to ensure they are better at producing adequate heat and more reliable in fuel usage than older systems.
Getting Your Carbon Emission Levels Under Control
Once you have a high-efficiency heating system installed, these simple steps can help reduce your carbon emissions further and have bigger energy savings:
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Seal Air Leaks
Air leaks are known for letting warm air out and cold air in from outdoors. The most common weak areas are doors, cracks, holes, windows, and joints. Another problem that needs to be addressed immediately before winter is inefficient insulation. In most cases, simple solutions can resolve air leak problems. The earlier air leaks are identified, the quicker they can be resolved.
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Install Programmable Thermostats
Programmable thermostats provide better control over indoor temperatures. You can program the settings to ensure optimum efficiency when and where you need to be most comfortable. For instance, you can program the system to decrease the temperature while you are away at work and increase it minutes before you get home. The device can also help program the system to switch off automatically or keep operating even while you’re not home.
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Replace HVAC Air Filters Regularly
Clogged air filters cause HVAC systems to stop operating efficiently. Air filters catch tiny airborne particles. However, the particles build up over time, and warm air cannot pass through as it should. You may have noticed your heating system doesn’t work efficiently when it has a dirty air filter. Regular filter cleaning or replacement is needed to ensure your heating system stays in good shape.
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Lower Thermostat Settings In Winter
It may seem like a wrong move, but decreasing the temperature by one or two degrees goes a long way in helping lower your energy use. It also helps keep your heating system healthy, as it doesn’t need to work too hard. Wear a few layers of clothing to help you stay warm inside during the winter.
Conclusion
It is undoubtedly essential that we should learn how to utilize our energy resources responsibly and carefully. Our actions today will have consequences in the future. We can reduce how much pollution we contribute when we choose to install high-efficiency heating systems in our homes. We can also save on costs over the long term. This is surely a win-win situation for everyone.
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Call Wilcox Energy For All Your HVAC Needs
When you are looking for top-notch heating and cooling services in southern Connecticut, call Wilcox Energy. We hire the best professionally certified technicians who are experts on HVAC tune-ups, repairs, installations, and replacements. All our friendly techs are experienced and knowledgeable to service any HVAC system correctly and safely.
Wilcox Energy guarantees the region’s most competitive and high-quality heating and cooling service costs. Our maintenance services can enhance energy efficiency and comfort while lowering heating expenses. We can recommend the best, budget-friendly solution if you need an HVAC repair or replacement system. All our work is guaranteed to your satisfaction. To schedule a service appointment, call Wilcox Energy today. We offer free, in-home estimates.
For more information about our HVAC services, be sure to contact Wilcox Energy. You can click here to contact us, or you can call us at (860) 399-6218 to find out more. We offer a full line of heating and cooling repairs, maintenance services, and installations. Click the link to view our service area.
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