Energy efficiency in Colorado Springs Colorado homes has become a major topic for discussion in the last few years given the zooming prices of energy, the depletion of natural resources and an increasing awareness about environmental protection. Homeowners are now aware that they should try and pay less, control their consumption and reduce environmental pollution. Naturally they would like to achieve this while enjoying the same comfort at home as they presently do.
Unfortunately, millions of homes in America used natural gas fired furnaces with forced-air systems. These furnaces waste 30 percent or more of the fuel they use and, what is worse, put millions of tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere (remember that the carbon dioxide is the "greenhouse gas").In an effort to control waste and pollution, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) established new standards in the early 1990s that required every furnace to turn at least 78 percent of its fuel into heat. Energy efficiency is now measured by what is called Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating. All furnaces carry this rating on a label. Many manufacturers designate their furnaces as "high-efficiency", but according to the DoE, only furnaces with AFUE ratings of 90 percent and above can be called "high efficiency". Furnaces with lower ratings are designated as “mid efficiency ".
Generally speaking, you will have a choice of two energy efficiencies when it comes to buying a new furnace. You can opt for an 80 percent mid-efficiency furnace that should save you between 15 and 20 percent on your energy bills. This furnace is normally equipped with electronic ignition and a fan that draws air from the house.
Or you could opt for a 90 percent high-efficiency furnace that will save you between 20 and 25 percent on your energy bill. Condensing furnaces generate extra heat by removing water from the gases by using a special heat exchanger that is resistant to corrosion. Like the mid-efficiency furnaces, they come with electronic ignition and a fan. Because they can draw fresh air from the outside, they reduce the chance of carbon monoxide poisoning.
90 percent high-efficiency furnaces are generally the better choice because you save money over the long term. Your choice will depend on the payback period because if you are intending to leave the house before the payback period is over, you could opt for the less expensive mid-efficiency furnaces. You should also ensure that the furnace is correctly sized for your house after taking into account any energy efficiency improvements that you may have carried out.
These furnaces will cost you in the range of $1700-$3500 and high-efficiency furnaces will cost about $500-$1000 more than mid-efficiency furnaces. Your effective cost may be reduced by utility rebates or by tax breaks.
Many people are turning to energy efficient options for their homes, be it the furnace or electricity options. There are various options to make your Cherry Hills CO or Conifer Colorado home energy efficient by installing the right furnace or by installing solar panels to produce electricity.
