Which Is More Expensive: Heating or Cooling

Have you realized how your energy bills soar whether you’re trying to keep cool in the heat of summer or warm during winter’s coldest nights? This reality has made many homeowners want to know whether heating or cooling their home costs more?

Trying to find this out isn’t always straightforward, as it might differ based on a variety of factors. Take the time to learn about each one to help you determine whether your bills are likely to be higher in the winter or the summer. Then, try these tips to keep your utility costs down throughout the year.

What Type of HVAC System Does Your Home Have?

The equipment you use to heat and cool your home influences your utility bills. Models range from the traditional furnace and air conditioner combo to newer choices like a heat pump or ductless mini-split. Older systems with lower efficiency tend to have higher operating costs, while newer models deliver higher efficiency.

If your equipment is more than 10 years old and you’re looking to save on heating and cooling, try finding 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 has existing ductwork.

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

The cost of heating and cooling two different homes may vary significantly based on their fuel sources. In many areas, natural gas is less expensive than electricity, making gas furnaces more affordable to operate than electric air conditioners.

On that note, electric furnaces are notoriously expensive 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 lower operating cost than traditional electric furnaces or space heaters.

The Impact of Solar Panels on Your HVAC Costs

Installing solar panels can considerably lower electricity costs, making them an economical investment for many homeowners. Solar panels are an ideal strategy 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-powered furnace is pricier than cooling with an electric AC.

The Influence of Climate on Your Heating and Cooling Expenses

The weather in your region is one of the most relevant factors influencing heating and cooling costs. In general, the larger the temperature difference between indoors and outdoors, the higher your energy use will need to be to maintain comfortable temperatures.

As a result, cooling costs typically exceed heating costs in hotter southern climates, where the risk of dangerously high outdoor temperatures is higher. Conversely, annual heating costs are almost always much higher than cooling costs in northern climates with harsh winters, reflecting the energy used to keep the home warm all year long.

Thermostat Settings and Their Effect on Energy Costs

Your thermostat settings have a direct effect on what you pay for heating and cooling. Preferences fluctuate; some prefer their homes cozier, resulting in increased heating costs, while others prefer a cooler environment, adding to their total cooling costs. Set your thermostat lower each winter and higher in the summer, and then wear season-appropriate clothing to stay comfortable while saving on energy bills. A smart thermostat can streamline your day-to-day energy use, lowering your overall expenses.

The Influence of Landscaping on Home Temperatures

You might not think of it at first, but the landscaping you place around your home significantly affects home temperatures. Plants that shade your house reduce cooling costs in the summer but can block warming sunlight during winter. Conversely, total exposure on your property leads to more expensive air conditioning and reduced heating bills.

Want to enjoy the best of both worlds? Strategically plant deciduous trees on your home’s south and west sides. This provides summertime shade while enabling the sunlight to filter through in the winter once the trees have shed their leaves.

What Direction Does Your Home Face?

Even the orientation of your home affects its sun exposure, in turn influencing 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 facing north, meanwhile, receive less direct sunlight, staying cooler in the summer but requiring more heat in the winter.

Tailored HVAC Solutions to Meet Your Needs

Every homeowner’s situation is distinct. That’s why Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning offers custom HVAC solutions to optimize comfort and efficiency. Our prompt, professional 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, reach out to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for customized assistance.