Heating vs. Cooling: What Costs More
Have you realized how your energy bills soar whenever you try to keep cool in the blazing summer heat or warm during winter’s icy grip? This reality has made many homeowners wonder if it’s more expensive to heat or cool their homes
Trying to find this out isn’t always straightforward, as it can depend on several factors. Take the time to learn about each one to finally learn whether your bills may be higher in the summer or the winter. Then, try these tips to keep your utility costs down throughout the year.
What Type of HVAC System Is Installed?
The equipment you use to heat and cool your home has a significant impact on your utility bills. Options range from the traditional furnace and air conditioner combo to newer choices like a heat pump or ductless mini-split. Older systems with lower efficiency will likely have higher operating costs, while today’s models boast much higher efficiency.
At the point your existing HVAC unit is more than 10 years old and you’re interested in lower energy costs, consider upgrading to a high-efficiency HVAC system. The perfect option for you is dependent on your home’s size and layout, the usual climate, and whether your home already has air ducts.
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 less expensive 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 only or most preferred option, 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?
Installing solar panels can considerably lower electricity costs, making them an attractive option for many homeowners. Solar panels are an ideal strategy for homes with primarily electric HVAC systems, like heat pumps or electric furnaces and air conditioners, using the sun’s renewable energy to power these systems.
At the same time, solar energy can’t reduce the costs associated with natural gas or other fossil fuels. So with this setup, heating with a gas-fired furnace is costlier than cooling with an electric AC.
How Does Your Local Climate Affect Heating and Cooling Costs?
The highs and lows of your climate is one of the biggest factors affecting heating and cooling costs. Generally, the greater the temperature difference between your home and outdoors, the higher your energy use will need to be to maintain a comfortable indoor environment.
Because of this, cooling costs are usually higher than heating costs in tropical southern climates, where the need to combat high outdoor temperatures is higher. Conversely, yearly heating costs surpass cooling costs in northern climates with long, cold winters, reflecting the energy necessary for keeping the home warm against the frigid exterior.
Setting Your Thermostat and Its Impact on Utility Bills
Your thermostat settings significantly influence what you pay for heating and cooling. Preferences fluctuate; some want their homes warmer, leading to higher heating costs, while others prefer their home a little cooler, boosting cooling costs. Set your thermostat lower in the winter and higher in time for summer, and then wear season-appropriate clothing to stay comfortable while cutting down energy use. A smart thermostat can optimize your thermostat settings, lowering your overall expenses.
What Does Your Landscaping Look Like?
You don’t always consider it initially, but the landscaping’s shrubs and trees around your home significantly affects home temperatures. Plants that provide shade to your house lower cooling costs in the summer but can block warming sunlight during winter. Conversely, total exposure on your property leads to more costly cooling expenses and generally smaller heating bills.
Want to enjoy the best of both worlds? Plant several deciduous trees on the property’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 direction of your home impacts its sun exposure, in turn influencing heating and cooling needs. Homes with considerable southern exposure get more sunlight, making them simpler to keep warm in the winter but potentially harder to cool in the summer. Homes looking north, meanwhile, are subject to much less direct sunlight, which is better in the summer but requiring more heat during winter.
Custom HVAC Solutions for Every Homeowner
Every homeowner’s situation is a little different. That’s why Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts offers tailored HVAC solutions to maximize comfort and efficiency. Our prompt, professional services and repairs are designed to tackle all your comfort problems. So, if you want to lower your heating and cooling costs without compromising comfort, get in touch with Bryant Heating & Cooling Service Experts for personalized assistance.