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3 Things To Know About Furnace Ratings When You Decide To Replace Your Old System

19 February 2016

Alide Oortwijn

There are several key factors you must consider when purchasing a new furnace to replace your existing one, but one of the most important factors is the efficiency of the furnace you select. Furnaces are labeled with an efficiency rating, and this allows you to easily compare the options you can choose from when making your selection. While you will pay more for a furnace that has a higher efficiency rating, you can reap back some of that cost in savings. Here are three things to understand about this as you make your decision.

How Furnace Ratings Work

All new furnaces built and sold today come equipped with an Energy Star tag on them. This tag is designed to tell you details about the furnace, and one of the details it will state is the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE). The AFUE is the rating you will want to look at and compare when shopping for furnaces.

AFUE is a number that ranges from around 80% to 98.5%, and it tells you how efficient the furnace is. For example, a furnace with a 90% rating is capable of turning 90% of the fuel it uses into heat. In other words, only 10% of the fuel the furnace uses is wasted. With a furnace that is 80% efficient, you will have 20% waste, while a 98% efficient furnace will have only 2% waste.

As you can see, the AFUE rating tells a lot about the way a furnace will perform. If you want to get the best efficiency from your new furnace, you will be better off choosing one with a very high rating.

Benefits Of A Higher-Rated Furnace

There are two main benefits of choosing a higher-rated furnace, and the first involves environmental benefits. If your new furnace uses less gas to heat your home, you will be helping the environment. This is an important factor that many people consider when selecting a furnace.

The second benefit is the money you could save on your energy bills. Chances are, your existing furnace has a rating of less than 80%, so any type of furnace you choose will help you save money. The difference is that choosing a 95% efficient furnace over an 80% efficient furnace may help you save an additional 15% on your energy bills. It is hard to estimate the exact amount you will save, simply because there are many factors that can affect the amount of money you will spend to heat your home.

Other Factors That Affect A Furnace's Performance

It is also important to understand that there are other things that can affect the performance and efficiency of a furnace, and this includes the following things:

• Insulation – The type and amount of insulation in your home can affect the way your furnace heats your home. If your home is insulated well, your furnace may be able to heat it faster and more efficiently.
• Ductwork – The condition of your ductwork also matters. If there are holes or gaps in your air ducts, or if the ducts are not run properly, you might end up wasting energy from the heat that can escape through these areas.
• Maintenance – Finally, the steps you take to maintain your furnace can also play a role in efficiency. To keep the furnace running its best, you will need to take proper care of it by changing the filters and having it cleaned regularly.

If you are not sure what type of furnace you should choose, talk to a company that offers furnace installation. They will be able to recommend the best options for your situation. You can learn more by contacting a furnace company today or visiting a website like http://www.homesmartcolorado.com/.

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