What Consumes More Energy: AC or Heating?

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We adjust our heating and cooling needs throughout the year according to the weather outdoors. When it’s cold outside, we instinctively turn up the thermostat to enjoy the warm air. In the summer, there’s nothing more refreshing than a cool home. Despite the comfort our heating and cooling systems provide, it can be difficult to overlook the rising costs of our energy bills because of them.

But what consumes more energy, AC or heating? Many individual factors can impact the answer to this question. Here is everything you need to know about the cost of heating and cooling your home.

AC vs. Heating: Which Costs More?

So, does it take more energy to heat or cool a house? In most cases, air conditioning systems waste less energy than your typical heating systems, such as furnaces or boilers.

But why does heating cost more than cooling? What makes these two HVAC systems different? In short, the heating process is more involved than the cooling process.

During the summer, your AC removes the hot air from your home. However, your furnace or boiler has to create heat during the winter. For instance, boilers have to heat water, while furnaces have to heat the air inside your home. Since these systems use more electrical energy, this often results in higher heating costs.

It Often Comes Down to Temperature

The complex heating process isn’t the only thing that makes heaters cost more than air conditioners. Many homeowners like to set their thermostats at 70 or 75 degrees. It often doesn’t take much to keep your home cool when it’s hot outside. However, forcing your heating system to maintain an average temperature of 75 degrees is no small task when it’s below freezing. Your heater has to work extra hard to meet your demands, ultimately consuming more energy.

While heating does cost more than cooling in most cases, you should also consider your own heating needs. The amount of energy your heater uses can vary greatly depending on where you live. If you live in a moderate or warmer climate, you won’t need to use your heating system as much as your AC. As a result, you might discover that your AC consumes more energy than your furnace or boiler.

So, what consumes more energy, AC or heating? The answer to this question is not always universal. After all, the amount of energy your heating system uses can vary greatly depending on where you live.

Some Heaters Are More Efficient Than Others

The energy efficiency of a heating system is measured according to its Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating. While natural gas and oil furnaces have similar AFUE ratings, gas furnaces come out on top. Gas systems can have an AFUE as high as 98% when heating your home, while their oil counterparts often reach 90%.

When shopping for a new furnace, you will find that most options are energy-efficient. However, it’s worth noting that the AFUE rating of a furnace can vary depending on its fuel type.

What Causes Poor Energy Efficiency?

Although heating does cost more than cooling for most homeowners, both types of systems can experience poor energy efficiency. For instance, neglecting annual maintenance can negatively impact the efficiency of your HVAC system.

During maintenance, an HVAC technician will replace a dirty air filter, perform various tests, and make repairs. When individual components aren’t functioning as they should, your AC or heater will have to work harder to keep you comfortable. As a result, you can see higher cooling or heating costs. If you need AC or heating services in Hicksville, NY, reach out to a local HVAC expert right away.

How Can You Improve Efficiency?

Now that you know whether AC or heating consumes more energy, what steps can you take to lower your energy bills? It all comes down to insulation. Check that you have sufficiently insulated your attic and that air isn’t getting past the weather stripping on your windows. 

Additionally, you’ll want to ensure that air is escaping through holes in your windows or roof. 

Call the Experts at Gold Star

“What consumes more energy, AC or heating?” This simple question is not always easy to answer. Several factors can impact why heating costs more than cooling in most cases. Fortunately, Gold Star is here to help keep your home heated and cooled for less.

Our professional technicians offer everything from maintenance services to HVAC repair in Hicksville, NY. We have experience working with a wide range of systems, including heat pumps. Contact us to learn more about our services today!