Which Is More Expensive: Heating or Cooling

Have you noticed how your energy bills increase when you’re struggling to keep cool in the blazing summer heat or warm during winter’s coldest nights? This reality has made many homeowners want to know which costs more: home heating or cooling

This question isn’t necessarily straightforward, as it can depend on a few things. Carefully review each one to know for sure whether your bills are likely to be higher in the summer or the winter. Then, consider our tips to keep heating and cooling costs down throughout the year.

Which Specific Sort of HVAC System Does Your Home Have?

The equipment you use to cool and heat your home greatly affects your total costs. 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 deliver higher efficiency.

If your equipment is more than 10 years old and you’re interested in lower energy costs, we recommend a high-efficiency HVAC system. The right setup 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 differ greatly 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 more efficient alternative. This system offers both heating and cooling capabilities at a reduced cost of operation than traditional electric furnaces or space heaters.

Do You Have Solar Panels?

Adding solar panels can significantly reduce electricity costs, making them a wise financial decision for many homeowners. Solar panels are especially useful for homes with primarily electric HVAC systems, including 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 won’t affect the costs associated with natural gas or other fossil fuels. So in this kind of situation, heating with a gas-fired furnace is costlier than cooling with an electric AC.

How Does Your Local Climate Affect Heating and Cooling Costs?

The weather in your region is one of the most important factors influencing heating and cooling costs. In general, the wider 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 are usually higher than heating costs in hot southern climates, where the frequency of severely high outdoor temperatures is greater. Conversely, annual heating costs far exceed cooling costs in northern climates with harsh winters, reflecting the energy used to keep the home warm all year long.

Setting Your Thermostat and Its Impact on Utility Bills

Your thermostat settings directly impact what you pay for heating and cooling. Preferences vary; some keep their homes cozier, resulting in increased heating costs, while others prefer a cooler environment, boosting cooling costs. Adjust your thermostat accordingly for winter and higher in the summer, and then wear season-appropriate clothing to stay comfortable while reducing energy bills. A smart thermostat can optimize your thermostat settings, reducing your overall expenses.

What Does Your Landscaping Look Like?

You don’t always consider it initially, but the landscaping you place around your home significantly affects home temperatures. Plants that provide shade to your house lower cooling costs in the summer but can similarly shield you from warming sunlight during winter. Conversely, total exposure on your property results in more costly cooling expenses and reduced heating bills.

Want to make your landscaping work for you? Add a few deciduous trees on your home’s south and west sides. This generates summertime shade while enabling the sunlight to filter through in the winter once the trees have shed their leaves.

The Impact of Your Home’s Orientation on Climate Control

Even the orientation of your home impacts its sun exposure, in turn influencing heating and cooling needs. Homes with considerable southern exposure have access to more sunlight, making them simpler to keep warm in the winter but potentially harder to cool in the summer. Homes oriented north, meanwhile, receive less direct sunlight, staying cooler in the summer but needing more heat each winter.

Tailored HVAC Solutions to Meet Your Needs

Every homeowner’s situation is distinct. That’s why Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning offers personalized HVAC solutions to maximize comfort and efficiency. Our fast, long-lasting services and repairs are designed to address all your comfort problems. So, if you want to reduce your heating and cooling costs without sacrificing comfort, reach out to Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning for personalized assistance.