With energy costs on the rise, home heating efficiency is becoming more important than ever. Residents are looking for ways to save money and improve the efficiency and performance of their home heating systems. Those who live in the Pacific Northwest know how cold the late fall and winter months can be, and reliable home heating systems remain a top priority for homeowners. Whether you live in the Portland-Metro area, Vancouver, White Salmon, or along the Oregon coast, the fully-licensed and highly-trained home heating technicians at The Earth Heating are ready to install, repair, or replace your boiler to improve function, boost efficiency, and keep your home comfortable year-round.
A boiler is a long-term investment, so it’s important to take some time to explore your options and make a selection that best suits your home’s specific needs and stays within your budget. Boiler efficiency measures how much fuel is converted into heat in comparison to how much heat is lost in the system’s pipes or up the chimney. You can compare boiler efficiency ratings along with other factors to select a boiler that’s right for you and your home. This post will explore how boiler efficiency ratings are calculated, when to replace an old boiler for efficiency, and other strategies for achieving a heating bill reduction in Oregon or Southwest Washington.
How Boiler Efficiency is Measured
The efficiency of a central furnace or boiler is measured by its annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE). According to the U.S. Department of Energy, “AFUE is the ratio of the furnace’s or boiler’s annual heat output compared to its total annual fossil fuel energy consumed. An AFUE of 90 percent means that 90 percent of the energy in the fuel becomes heat for the home and the other 10 percent escapes up the chimney and elsewhere.” Generally speaking, an older, low-efficiency heating system may have an AFUE of 56 to 70 percent, while a high-efficiency heating system with sealed combustion tends to have an AFUE of 90 percent or more. New boilers are required to display their AFUE rating so that consumers can compare the heating efficiencies of different models. Other measurements, such as combustion efficiency and thermal efficiency, can be used to provide homeowners with additional information regarding the performance and efficiency of their home heating systems.\
Real-World Boiler Cost Savings and Energy Cost Reductions
Although the prospect of replacing an older, low-efficiency home heating system can seem too costly, this initial investment often leads to long-term savings and reductions in home heating costs due to the improved performance of your new boiler. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, “energy efficiency upgrades and a new high-efficiency heating system can often cut your fuel bills and your furnace’s pollution output in half. Upgrading to a high-efficiency boiler with an AFUE of 90 percent or higher can cut your annual heating costs by anywhere from 15 to 30 percent. Moreover, federal and state tax credits, rebates, and utility incentives can provide additional incentives and savings for homeowners who upgrade their home heating systems to more efficient models. Once these high-efficiency builders are installed, they are more likely to require fewer repairs than older, less-efficient models within the first decade of installation, saving homeowners from ongoing service costs as well.
Choosing the Right Boiler For Maximum Efficiency
As you begin to explore your options for replacing an older boiler, there are a few factors that you should consider to help you make an informed decision that’s best for your home. Here are some of the factors you should keep in mind when looking for a new boiler in Portland, Vancouver, White Salmon, or the Oregon Coast.
High-Efficiency Ratings
Look for builders with high AFUE ratings, ideally 90 percent or higher. This means that these systems waste less than 10 percent of the fuel, boosting performance and efficiency while cutting annual home heating costs. It’s also important to look for ENERGY STAR Certified Boilers, which boast AFUE ratings of 90 percent or above and provide reliable home heating solutions year-round.
Understanding Different Types of Boilers
Boilers come in two primary forms: Conventional builders and combination boilers. Conventional boilers, also known as system builders, require a separate hot water cylinder or cold water tank to operate. Those who own larger homes with multiple bathrooms that often require high demands for hot water (i.e., more than one shower in use at the same time) can benefit from system/conventional boilers. For smaller homes, combination (or “combi) boilers provide on-demand hot water without a storage tank. These highly-efficient and compact builders are ideal for homes with one or two bathrooms.
Keeping Sizing in Mind
Selecting a large boiler is not always the most cost-effective or efficient option for your home. Boilers can be oversized, which can hinder performance and lead to short-term cycling (i.e., turning on and off frequently). Cycling too much can waste fuel and wear out parts, shortening the lifespan of the home heating system. Instead of opting for the largest boiler, it’s important to have your home heating contractor perform a room-by-room heat loss assessment to determine the most appropriate and efficient boiler for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Energy Efficient Boilers in Portland
Should I replace an old boiler for efficiency?
Yes, as newer builders with high AFUE ratings can boost home heating efficiency and cut annual heating costs by up to 30 percent.
Are high-efficiency boilers eligible for rebates?
Yes. Federal and local programs offer incentives for homeowners to lower the initial costs of upgrading their home heating systems to more efficient models.
Get Started With Portland’s Home Heating Experts Today
When it comes to heating your home, you want to trust that the heating specialists you work with will listen to your needs and goals so that they can provide you with the exceptional services and solutions you’re looking for. At The Earth Heating, our fully-licensed team of dedicated professionals takes pride in providing excellent customer service at every level. We believe in building meaningful and lasting relationships with our customers through honesty, integrity, open communication, a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee, and superior service. If you are located in Southwest Washington, Northwest Oregon, or the Portland-Metro area, please get in touch with our Clackamas, Oregon office today by calling (503) 788-7777 to get started.
