Which Is More Expensive: Heating or Cooling
Have you ever noticed how your energy bills increase whether you’re trying to keep cool in the blazing summer heat or warm during winter’s icy grip? This struggle has made many homeowners wonder whether heating or cooling their home costs more?
This question isn’t necessarily straightforward, as it hinges on a few things. Take a closer look at each one to know for sure whether your bills are likely to be higher in the summer or the winter. Then, consider our tips to keep monthly energy costs down all year-round.
Which Kind of HVAC System Do You Have?
The equipment you use to cool and heat your home influences your total costs. Options range from 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 newer models deliver 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 right setup for you is dependent on your home’s size and layout, the usual climate, and whether your home needs new ductwork or not.
What Fuels Do You Use to Heat and Cool Your Home?
The cost of heating and cooling two different homes may differ greatly based on their fuel sources. In many areas, natural gas is cheaper than electricity, making gas furnaces more affordable to operate 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 more efficient alternative. This system offers both heating and cooling capabilities at a lesser expense than traditional electric furnaces or space heaters.
Considering Solar Panels for Economical Heating and Cooling?
Putting in solar panels can dramatically offset electricity costs, making them a wise financial decision for many homeowners. Solar panels are an ideal strategy for homes with primarily electric HVAC systems, including heat pumps or electric furnaces and air conditioners, as they use 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 instance, heating with a gas-powered furnace is pricier than cooling with an electric AC.
How Does Your Local Climate Affect Heating and Cooling Costs?
The weather in your region is one of the most relevant factors impacting heating and cooling costs. In general, the larger the temperature difference between inside and outdoors, the higher your energy use will need to be to maintain a comfortable indoor environment.
Because of this, cooling costs will be more expensive than heating costs in hotter southern climates, where the frequency of severely high outdoor temperatures is higher. On the other end, annual heating costs surpass cooling costs in temperate climates with long, cold winters, reflecting the energy needed to keep 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 prefer their homes warmer, leading to higher heating costs, while others prefer cooler temperatures, adding to their total cooling costs. Adjust your thermostat accordingly for winter and higher in the summer, and then dress for the season to stay comfortable while cutting down energy use. A smart thermostat can optimize your thermostat settings, slashing your overall expenses.
The Influence of Landscaping on Home Temperatures
You may not consider it initially, but the plants and landscaping around your home greatly influences home temperatures. Plants that provide shade to your house lower cooling costs in the summer but can block warming sunlight during winter. Conversely, full sun exposure on your property results in more costly cooling expenses and lower heating bills.
Want to make your landscaping work for you? Add a few deciduous trees on your home’s south and west sides. This means summertime shade while enabling the sunlight to filter through in the winter once the trees have lost all their leaves.
What Direction Does Your Home Face?
Even the orientation of your home influences 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 possibly more challenging to cool in the summer. Homes oriented north, meanwhile, get less direct sunlight, which is better in the summer but requiring more heat in the winter.
Personalized Heating and Cooling Solutions from Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning
Every homeowner’s situation is distinct. That’s why Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning offers personalized HVAC solutions to optimize comfort and efficiency. Our fast, long-lasting 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, contact Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for personalized assistance.