What Are the Degrees of Furnace Efficiency in a Home?

As summer turns into fall, it’s never too soon to start thinking about your furnace’s energy efficiency. There are different levels of furnace efficiency. How can you be sure you’ve got the best model? Here’s what you need to know about furnace efficiency.

AFUE

For furnaces, energy efficiency is measured by the AFUE rating: Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. What percentage of the fuel your furnace uses is given off as heat over the course of the year? Gas furnaces in the U.S. must have a minimum AFUE of 80. That means 80% of the fuel is given off as heat and 20% is vented out as exhaust, consisting of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide vapor.

However, if you get a model rated 90 or above, it’s considered a high-efficiency furnace. They take that exhaust vapor and recycle it through a secondary heat exchanger to be converted into even more heat. The best models have AFUEs of higher than 98%.

Furthermore, the remaining CO vapor is exhausted directly outside via a PVC pipe, making high-efficiency models safer. Standard furnaces use a chimney, which poses a greater risk of carbon monoxide leakage, particularly if the location of the furnace isn’t well ventilated.

Maximizing Furnace Efficiency

A high-efficiency furnace saves money in the long run, but it also costs more to purchase. Even if you can’t afford one right now, there are steps you can take to improve your current furnace’s energy efficiency. Start by getting your annual tuneup. Your HVAC technician will check your system thoroughly to ensure everything is operating the way it should.

You should also get a home-energy audit to check for air leaks. If cold air leaks into your home, it undermines your furnace, making it take longer to heat. Likewise, check for ductwork leaks to make sure warm air isn’t getting out before it reaches your home. Finally, change your air filter regularly to maintain proper airflow and improve indoor air quality.

For help maximizing your furnace efficiency, contact us at Energy 1 Heating & Air Conditioning. We provide quality HVAC solutions for the Lorain, Elyria, and Oberlin areas.