According to many heating and air conditioning installation experts, furnaces are still the number one heating system used in most homes today. While other alternatives are slowly gaining a following, space heating is still very much dominated by the trusty furnace.
While the heating mechanism is more or less the same for the different types of furnaces, the fuel they use to generate this heat varies from one model to another. Our heating and cooling specialists at Air Products & Services discuss the most common fuels used by furnaces, along with a few tips on how to save money on your energy bills.
Natural Gas
Gas-fired furnaces can make use of either natural gas or propane to operate, depending on availability. This particular type of heating is perhaps the most cost-effective when it comes to AFUE (annual fuel utilization efficiency) ratings, despite the comparable price of propane to oil.
When it comes to residential AC and heating, our experts recommend using programmable or smart thermostats to further increase the energy efficiency of your furnace. Even as a retrofit for older models, you can save up to 10% off on your annual fuel costs just by using a smart thermostat. Ask our HVAC experts how your choice of thermostat can improve your efficiency.
Oil
For areas with limited to no availability of natural gas lines, oil-fired furnaces take the number one spot for space heating. As far as energy efficient alternatives go, there are quite a few options available from which owners of oil-fired furnace heating systems can choose. For example, most manufacturers now design these models to be able to accommodate renewable fuels such as biodiesel, allowing homeowners to save on oil costs while generating less pollution.
Electric
Electric furnaces are cheaper than most other types of central heating systems, but whatever you save on equipment is quickly countered by the high operating costs. If you’re buying an electric furnace, it’s best to stick to newer models, as these tend to be more energy efficient than older ones.
Whether it’s residential or commercial AC maintenance, make sure you only trust the professionals at Air Products & Services. Call us today at (818) 989-2030 or use our contact form to request a quote or schedule a visit. We serve Tarzana, CA, and all nearby areas.