Heating vs. Cooling: What Costs More

Have you ever noticed how your energy bills soar whenever you try to keep cool in the heat of summer or cozy during winter’s icy grip? This reality has made many homeowners try to learn for themselves if it’s more expensive to heat or cool their homes

The answer isn’t straightforward, as it might differ based on several factors. Take the time to learn about each one to finally learn whether your bills will be higher in the summer or the winter. Then, try these tips to keep monthly energy costs down all year-round.

Which Specific Sort of HVAC System Is Installed?

The equipment you use to heat and cool your home influences your total costs. Options range from the traditional furnace and air conditioner combo to newer choices like a heat pump or ductless mini-split. Older, less efficient systems will likely have higher operating costs, while today’s models boast much higher efficiency.

When your HVAC system is more than 10 years old and you’re ready for higher savings, we recommend a high-efficiency HVAC system. The ideal make and model for you relies on your home’s size and layout, the surrounding climate, and whether your home needs new ductwork or not.

Your Choice of Fuel for Heating and Cooling: Impact on Costs

The cost of heating and cooling two different homes may be markedly different based on their fuel sources. In many areas, natural gas is cheaper 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 reduced cost of operation than traditional electric furnaces or space heaters.

The Impact of Solar Panels on Your HVAC Costs

Adding solar panels can considerably lower electricity costs, making them an attractive option for many homeowners. Solar panels are particularly beneficial for homes with primarily electric HVAC systems, such as heat pumps or electric furnaces and air conditioners, as they can take advantage of the sun’s renewable energy to power these systems.

That being said, solar energy isn’t going to have an impact on the costs related to natural gas or other fossil fuels. So in this instance, heating with a gas-fueled furnace is costlier than cooling with an electric AC.

The Influence of Climate on Your Heating and Cooling Expenses

The highs and lows of your climate is one of the most significant factors affecting heating and cooling costs. Generally, the larger the temperature difference between your home and outdoors, the more energy is required to maintain comfortable temperatures.

As a result, cooling costs are usually higher than heating costs in hotter southern climates, where the frequency of severely high outdoor temperatures is higher. On the other hand, annual heating costs surpass cooling costs in northern climates with harsh winters, reflecting the energy used to keep the home warm no matter how cold it gets.

Thermostat Settings and Their Effect on Energy Costs

Your thermostat settings directly impact what you pay for heating and cooling. Preferences differ; 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 for winter and higher in the summer, and then wear season-appropriate clothing to stay comfortable while reducing energy use. A smart thermostat can adjust your home’s temperature on its own, lowering your overall expenses.

How Landscaping Affects Your Heating and Cooling Costs

You may not consider it initially, but the plants and landscaping around your home greatly influences home temperatures. Plants that shade your house reduce cooling costs in the summer but can similarly shield you from warming sunlight in the winter. Conversely, having no shade on your property leads to more expensive air conditioning and lower heating bills.

Want to optimize both? Add a few deciduous trees on the property’s south and west sides. This offers summertime shade while enabling the sunlight to filter through in the winter once the trees have lost all their leaves.

How Your Home’s Orientation Influences Heating and Cooling

Even the orientation of your home impacts its sun exposure, in turn affecting heating and cooling needs. Homes with considerable southern exposure have access to more sunlight, making them easier to heat in the winter but possibly more challenging to cool in the summer. Homes oriented north, meanwhile, are subject to much less direct sunlight, which is better in the summer but needing more heat during winter.

Tailored HVAC Solutions to Meet Your Needs

Every homeowner’s situation is unique. That’s why Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning offers tailored HVAC solutions to maximize 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 sacrificing comfort, get in touch with Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for personalized assistance.