Which Is More Expensive: Heating or Cooling
Have you realized how your energy bills skyrocket when you’re struggling to keep cool in the blazing summer heat or cozy during winter’s coldest nights? This constant battle has made many homeowners try to learn for themselves which costs more: home heating or cooling
The answer isn’t straightforward, as it can depend on several factors. Take a closer look at each one to help you determine whether your bills are likely to be higher in the winter or the summer. Then, try these tips to keep your utility costs down throughout the year.
Which Kind of HVAC System Does Your Home Have?
The specific system you use to cool and heat your home has a significant impact on your total costs. Options include the traditional furnace and air conditioner combo to an innovative heat pump or ductless mini-split. Older, less efficient systems tend to have higher operating costs, while today’s models deliver higher efficiency.
When your HVAC system is more than 10 years old and you’re ready for higher savings, try finding a high-efficiency HVAC system. The ideal make and model for you is dependent on your home’s size and layout, your local climate, and whether your home has existing ductwork.
Your Choice of Fuel for Heating and Cooling: Impact on Costs
The cost of heating and cooling two different homes may vary significantly based on their fuel sources. In many areas, natural gas is more affordable than electricity, making gas furnaces more cost-effective than electric air conditioners.
On that note, electric furnaces are remarkably pricey to run. If electricity is your primary or favored choice, a heat pump is a better option for efficiency. This system offers both heating and cooling capabilities at a lower operating cost than traditional electric furnaces or space heaters.
Do You Have Solar Panels?
Putting in solar panels can dramatically offset electricity costs, making them an attractive option for many homeowners. Solar panels are particularly beneficial for homes with primarily electric HVAC systems, like heat pumps or electric furnaces and air conditioners, as they can take advantage of the sun’s limitless energy to power these systems.
At the same time, solar energy won’t affect the costs related to natural gas or other fossil fuels. So in this kind of situation, heating with a gas-fired furnace is costlier than cooling with an electric AC.
What’s the Climate Like Where You Live?
The local climate is one of the most important factors affecting heating and cooling costs. As a rule of thumb, the greater the temperature difference between your home and outdoors, the higher your energy use will need to be to maintain a complete sense of comfort.
Because of this, cooling costs are usually higher than heating costs in warmer southern climates, where the risk of dangerously high outdoor temperatures is greater. Conversely, annual heating costs far exceed cooling costs in northern climates with long, cold winters, reflecting the energy necessary for keeping the home warm all year long.
Thermostat Settings and Their Effect on Energy Costs
Your thermostat settings significantly influence what you pay for heating and cooling. Preferences vary; some keep their homes cozier, resulting in increased heating costs, while others prefer their home a little cooler, boosting cooling costs. Adjust your thermostat accordingly for winter and higher in the summer, and then wear appropriate clothes to stay comfortable while saving on energy bills. A smart thermostat can optimize your thermostat settings, lowering your overall expenses.
The Influence of Landscaping on Home Temperatures
You don’t always consider it initially, but the landscaping you place around your home significantly affects home temperatures. Plants that provide shade to your house lower cooling costs in the summer but can similarly shield you from warming sunlight in the winter. Conversely, full sun exposure on your property results in more costly cooling expenses and reduced heating bills.
Want to make your landscaping work for you? Add a few deciduous trees on your home’s south and west sides. This provides summertime shade while allowing the sunlight to filter through in the winter once the trees have shed their leaves.
What Direction Does Your Home Face?
Even the orientation of your home affects its sun exposure, in turn influencing heating and cooling needs. Homes with significant southern exposure receive more sunlight, making them easier to heat in the winter but possibly more challenging to cool in the summer. Homes looking north, meanwhile, receive less direct sunlight, staying cooler in the summer but requiring more heat in the winter.
Custom HVAC Solutions for Every Homeowner
Every homeowner’s situation is distinct. That’s why Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning offers personalized HVAC solutions to maximize comfort and efficiency. Our fast, long-lasting services and repairs are designed to tackle all your comfort problems. So, if you want to cut your heating and cooling costs without compromising comfort, get in touch with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for personalized assistance.