What is the Most Energy-Efficient Way to Heat a Home?

A woman adjusting a thermostat in a Irving, TX, home.

When temperatures plummet during the winter months, you want a heating system that will adequately heat your home. However, if you’re ready to replace your heating system, you now have the luxury of finding a unit that completely meets your needs. Some factors you may want to consider are fuel type, overall costs, and energy efficiency.

The higher the energy efficiency of a heating system, the less energy you’ll waste. Since heating and cooling expenses can account for half of your yearly energy bills, having a high-efficiency heating system can help you save money.

But, what is the most energy-efficient way to heat a home? Fortunately, there are many high-efficiency heating systems to choose from, each with benefits.

What is High Energy Efficiency?

In the simplest sense, the higher the energy efficiency of a heating system, the less energy it has to use to heat your home. Heating systems with poor energy efficiency often have to work twice as hard to do their jobs, leading to high utility bills and an early system replacement.

Installing a high-efficiency heating system is also one way to be more eco-friendly. With all of the benefits of high-efficiency systems, there’s no wondering why companies and homeowners alike are investing in them.

Although all high-efficiency furnaces can help you save money on your heating bill, you might be asking, “What is the most cost-efficient way to heat a home?” To answer this question, let’s discuss the various types of heating systems and their overall costs.

Heat Pumps

If you’re looking for the most efficient heating system, look no further than the heat pump. Heat pumps can work as both a heating and air conditioning system. During the summer, a heat pump removes heat from your home, whereas in the winter, it brings in heat from outdoors.

Air-Source Heat Pumps

Although there are various types of heat pumps to choose from, air-source heat pumps are the most common. They work by capturing heat energy in the air and moving it either inside or outside of your home, depending on whether the unit is acting as a heater or air conditioner.

These heat pumps are ideal for moderate climates, like what we have in Irving, TX! This is because the overall energy efficiency of air-source systems drops considerably when outdoor temperatures fall below freezing.

Additional Benefits of Heat Pumps

  • Lack of Noise: These systems are specifically designed to produce little to no noise.
  • More Consistent Heating: Ductless heat pumps can be installed in individual rooms of your home, so you can avoid uncomfortable cold spots.
  • Safe Operation: These systems run on electricity instead of gas, so they don’t produce carbon monoxide like gas furnaces. Plus, they don’t pose a fire risk like some heating systems.

Furnaces

Besides a heat pump, what is the most energy-efficient way to heat a home? The answer, undoubtedly, is a furnace. Furnaces are the most popular heating system among homeowners. Here are the most common types of furnaces:

  • Electric: Electric furnaces run on electricity and are the most energy-efficient among the three. However, these systems can be the most expensive to operate.
  • Gas: These furnaces use gas to produce heat. These are the second most efficient furnaces—but the most popular among homeowners. Gas furnaces are affordable to install and operate. 
  • Oil: Oil furnaces run on oil to heat a home. These systems are the least energy-efficient, and oil delivery bills can run high during cold winter months.

Overall, furnaces are a high-efficiency way to heat a home. Most high-efficiency furnaces have two heat exchangers for enhanced efficiency. 

What is the most cost-efficient way to heat a home between the three furnaces? Electric furnaces have the highest AFUE rating, but gas systems often cost less to operate. For the highest energy-efficiency ratings, consider an ENERGY STAR® certified furnace.

Contact the Heating Experts

What is the most cost-efficient way to heat a home? As you can see, there are several factors to consider when answering this question. Plus, there are ways to increase energy efficiency, from investing in a programmable thermostat to insulating your home.

However, if you’re ready to upgrade to an energy-efficient heating system, turn to the experts at Tempo Air.

Our team of HVAC professionals has years of experience performing furnace and heat pump services in Irving, TX. We’re dedicated to going the extra mile for our customers. We know the most energy-efficient way to heat a home while meeting your specific needs.

Contact us for a heat pump or furnace replacement in Irving today!

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