Many Pittsburgh homeowners who heat their homes with an older heating system—whether it’s a furnace or a boiler—may want to consider upgrading to a more efficient system. Older furnaces with an AFUE rating of less than 80%, for instance, could be costing you a lot more than you realize in heating bills.
While it is a significant initial investment, upgrading to a more efficient furnace or boiler will pay for itself in energy savings. Before you decide on whether or not an upgrade is right for your home, here are some things to keep in mind.
Fuel Costs
Some types of fuel, such as electricity, are more expensive in certain areas. Depending on where you live, you may want to compare the cost of fuel before choosing a heating upgrade. In fact, natural gas may or may not be available to your home. Check with your utility company to find out what types of fuel are available and which ones would be more cost-efficient for heating your home. You can always call a qualified HVAC technician if you have any questions about a heating system upgrade.
Insulation
Whenever you are thinking about upgrading your heating system, you’ll want to make sure your home is properly insulated and sealed. If you purchase and install a highly efficient furnace, it won’t save as much in energy bills if your house is poorly insulated. Get a home energy audit with a local energy resource organization if you aren’t sure. You might want to also consider upgrading your old windows and doors, or installing storm doors and windows to improve air tightness.
Property Value
A lot of homeowners forget that any upgrade or remodeling project will increase the value of their home. Not only will a heating system upgrade lower your heating bills; it will also add value to your home and property. Always make sure you choose the right system for your home so that it lasts as long as possible.
If you are considering upgrading the heating system in your Pittsburgh home, call Boehmer Heating & Cooling Company to speak with one of our HVAC experts to ask about our quality products and installation services.