Three ways to tell how efficient your heater is going into the cooler months

There's nothing quite like autumn in Knightdale and Wendell, North Carolina. Some people love the crisper air, turning leaves, and the smell of burning wood. For some people, the signs of colder weather are unwelcome. But everyone wants a heater that can keep them warm when the nights get cold. And everyone wants their heater to work as cheaply and efficiently as possible. 

So how can you tell if your heater is in great shape or if it’s burning more fuel or electricity than it needs? Here are a few things you can quickly check to get a good idea.

Check your AFUE rating

AFUE stands for annual fuel utilization efficiency, which will tell you the base efficiency of your heating unit. It measures the heater’s ability to convert fuel into energy. The higher the number, the more efficiently your unit runs.

For example, a heater with an AFUE rating of 85% will waste about 15% of the energy used to power the unit, and 85 out of every 100 British thermal units will actually go into your home as heat. Mid-level efficiency units will usually be in the ballpark of 90% AFUE.

Check your energy bill

An easy way to tell something is wrong with your heating unit is to check your utility bill the first couple of months you crank the heat up. Is it unusually high compared to previous years? Temperatures certainly fluctuate month-to-month and year-to-year. It seems to be getting cooler faster this year than it did last year (famous last words). So an October 2022 to October 2021 analysis might not be perfect. But if you notice a clear pattern of higher usage, it might be time to call a professional. 

Check the age of your unit

If your heat isn’t on yet, it’s time to take stock of your situation. If your heater is 15 years old or older, it might be time to consider a replacement unit before the temperatures get too low. Your heater will lose a few percentage points of AFUE each year, so you’ll spend a lot more money heating with older units, and you’ll be more stressed out about your heat failing on the coldest day of the year. No one wants to deal with the hassle of an emergency repair that will disrupt your life and schedule.

Call All Hours to get your unit ready for winter and assess your heater health

To keep your heater functioning optimally, give us a call so our techs can come out, check your heater’s health, and get it ready for the cold Wendell winter. It’s a great way to buy some peace of mind, and it can save you money every month on your utility bill!