Winter is in full swing and severe weather warnings are becoming more frequent.

February 23, 2013

You may be dismayed to find that your home heating system just isn’t delivering the satisfactory results that are expected. If a simple tune-up or repair isn’t going to fix the problem, a system replacement is the next most plausible option. With ever-increasing heating costs, it is likely that you will opt for a system that is more energy efficient. Of course, furnaces and heat pumps are the two most common heating systems, each offering varying energy efficiencies.

How are these efficiencies measured and what is the difference? Let’s take a look…

Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE)
Used to measure the efficiency of a furnace, the AFUE will vary based on the fuel type that is used. For example, gas furnaces tend to be more efficient that oil-fired furnaces. This measure, expressed a percentage, determines how much of the fuel source is turned into heat, and how much is wasted as exhaust. The higher the percentage, the higher the efficiency level!

Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF)
As you may or may not know, heat pumps perform both heating and cooling functions. Heat pumps use the HSPF to measure the efficiency of its heating function. This measure is expressed as a factor, with a higher number being more desirable.

So which system is right for your home heating needs? The answer is highly variable, not to mention technical! Depending on the climate where you live, the fuel sources available, the dimensions of your space and numerous other factors, the answer will vary. Your best option is to contact Peters Heating & Air to request a system estimate, allowing a trained professional to make a recommendation based on your personal needs.