You can save a significant amount of money by converting your heating system into an energy efficient one. Start by evaluating your current installed heating system, how old is it and the type and model. Do you need to replace it, check your house’s current insulation from top to bottom.

Contractors usually advices homes to replace existing systems base on the following. If your heating system is more than 20 years old, it is highly advisable for you to change it to energy efficient one.

You must highly consider replacing your system if you have an old coal burner converted from oil to gas. Or an old gas furnace with no electronic ignition light or a gas furnace with no vent dampers or induced draft fan. These heating systems use too much energy to heat your house comfortably.

There are many available energy efficient heating system you can choose from. Getting advice from a professional contractor will help you decide on the best system. Depending on where you live, whether you are in moderate or extreme cold climate, the contractor can suggest any of energy efficient heating system that will best suit your needs.

For Furnaces, the energy efficiency is measured by annual fuel utilization efficiency or AFUE. It’s a measure of seasonal performance. Today the standards for furnaces are between 78 percent AFUE to 96 percent AFUE. The best is 90 percent AFUE and above. These energy efficient heating systems have the capacity to condense, meaning they can recapture some of the lost heat, and none will be wasted unlike the old models.

If your prefer Boilers from furnaces, the standard AFUE is at least 80 percent. The annual fuel utilization efficiency is measured by over all performance. To save more, you can consider buying an energy efficient furnace that has 85 percent AFUE. Furthering your savings, consider asking your contractor about control options, low electricity usage and indirect water heater functions.

You can also choose Air Source Heat Pumps. The energy efficiency is measured two ways, seasonal efficiency ratio or SEER and heating system performance factor or HSPF. This is more energy efficient than furnaces because it can provide both heating and cooling, therefore saving you more money.

Another option for your energy efficient heating system is a Ground Source Heat Pumps. This system is less common and more expensive, but can be more efficient than air-source kind. This system can lower your utility bills and saves you money, even if their installation is expensive. It can serve as your water heater by using waste heat without the added expenses.

After making your choice, make sure that your house is properly insulated so that no heat will be wasted. Seal all ducts and practice good maintenance. Heating takes a large expense amount in your budget, so make sure to choose the best energy efficient heating system. You can have more savings and be a better consumer by becoming earth-friendly with your choice of energy efficient heating system.