Anyone who has ever lived in the Greater Cincinnati area knows that it's not unusual to see daily temperature swings of 25 degrees, putting even the best heating and cooling systems to the test and driving up energy bills. Therefore, purchasing the most energy-efficient system that you can afford is a priority.

When you buy a heating system, however, you need to look beyond the sticker price, because lifetime costs are often a better way to evaluate all of the costs related to owning the equipment.

Efficiency

It often makes sense for homeowners to spend more money now on a high-efficiency unit in order to cut future energy use and save you cash in the long run. For example, if you're considering two systems that differ in efficiency by 10 percent, you can assess the increased energy savings from a higher-efficiency system, and calculate the rate of return you'll get from the investment.

Additionally, if you're replacing a furnace that is more than 15 years old with a unit that is Energy Star-certified, you could cut utility bills by 40 percent. And that's a 40 percent savings over the life of the system.

Maintenance and Repairs

Will a low-priced, low-quality system require more repairs? Are you choosing a brand of furnace from a reputable manufacturer that includes a warranty? How much do the replacement filters for the system cost? Will a low-quality system require more filter changes to reach optimal efficiency? These factors can add up to additional expenses if you choose a lesser-quality heating system.

Comfort

There are also comfort issues that should be considered, like operating noise. A top-of-the-line furnace with a variable-speed blower will cycle on and off quietly, and provide enhanced comfort that corresponds to temperature demands.

Longevity

A new model with advanced features that allow a furnace to operate at slower speeds, which decreases the wear on components, will last longer than systems that run full blast 100 percent of the time.

If you have any questions about what type of HVAC system is best for your Butlery County or Greater Cincinnati area home, and you want to consider lifetime costs, contact Tri-County Heating & Air Conditioning. 

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