Which Is More Expensive: Heating or Cooling

Have you noticed how your energy bills soar when you’re struggling to keep cool in the heat of summer or warm during winter’s icy grip? This constant battle has made many homeowners wonder whether heating or cooling their home costs more?

This question isn’t necessarily straightforward, as it hinges on several factors. Carefully review each one to finally learn whether your bills may be higher in the summer or the winter. Then, try out the following tips to keep monthly energy costs down all year-round.

Which Specific Sort of HVAC System Does Your Home Have?

The equipment you use to heat and cool your home greatly affects your utility bills. Designs range from the traditional furnace and air conditioner combo to an innovative heat pump or ductless mini-split. Older systems with lower efficiency 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 looking to save on heating and cooling, try finding a high-efficiency HVAC system. The perfect option for you depends on your home’s size and layout, the surrounding climate, and whether your home already has air ducts.

How Your Heating and Cooling Fuel Choices Affect Your Bills

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 remarkably pricey to run. If electricity is your primary or favored choice, a heat pump is a more economical choice. This system offers both heating and cooling capabilities at a reduced cost of operation than traditional electric furnaces or space heaters.

Considering Solar Panels for Economical Heating and Cooling?

Adding solar panels can considerably lower electricity costs, making them an economical investment 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 free energy to power these systems.

That being said, solar energy isn’t going to have an impact on the costs coming from natural gas or other fossil fuels. So with this setup, heating with a gas-powered 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 relevant factors impacting heating and cooling costs. In general, the wider the temperature difference between inside and outdoors, the higher your energy use will need to be to maintain a complete sense of comfort.

Therefore, cooling costs are usually higher than heating costs in warmer southern climates, where the need to combat high outdoor temperatures is more intense. On the other hand, yearly heating costs surpass cooling costs in northern climates with harsh winters, reflecting the energy necessary for keeping the home warm no matter how cold it gets.

How Do You Set Your Thermostat?

Your thermostat settings directly impact what you pay for heating and cooling. Preferences differ; some prefer their homes warmer, leading to higher heating costs, while others prefer cooler temperatures, boosting cooling costs. Set your thermostat lower for winter and higher in time for summer, and then wear season-appropriate clothing to stay comfortable while saving on energy costs. A smart thermostat can optimize your thermostat settings, lowering your overall expenses.

The Influence of Landscaping on Home Temperatures

You may not consider it initially, but the plants and landscaping around your home significantly affects home temperatures. Plants that offer afternoon shade for your house lower cooling costs in the summer but can obstruct warming sunlight in the winter. Conversely, total exposure on your property results in more costly cooling expenses and lower heating bills.

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

What Direction Does Your Home Face?

Even the direction of your home influences its sun exposure, in turn affecting heating and cooling needs. Homes with considerable southern exposure receive more sunlight, making them simpler to keep warm in the winter but potentially harder to cool in the summer. Homes facing north, meanwhile, get less direct sunlight, which is better in the summer but needing more heat during winter.

Custom HVAC Solutions for Every Homeowner

Every homeowner’s situation is unique. That’s why Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning offers custom 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 cut your heating and cooling costs without compromising comfort, reach out to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for personalized assistance.