Do You Know About the AFUE Heating Rating?

The Efficiency Ratings standards are set by the U.S. Department of Energy under the National Appliance Energy Conservation Act of 1987, which became effective January 1, 1992.

All natural gas heating systems have what's called an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating. The rating is expressed in percentages. The higher the AFUE rating – the more efficient the heating system – and the less energy needed to heat your home.

For example, a new, high-efficiency furnace with a 94% efficiency rating provides 94 cents worth of heat from every energy dollar. By comparison, an older, standard efficiency furnace with an efficiency rating of 60%, provides 60 cents worth of energy for every dollar spent.

Annual Savings: Simple Payback

If you install a residential warm air furnace at 90% AFUE vs. 80% AFUE, the estimated annual savings in energy costs is $115 with a simple payback of approximately 3 years.

High-Efficiency Furnaces

Furnaces with efficiencies over 90% are called condensing furnaces and offer the most energy savings.

These furnaces achieve 90% AFUE rating by sending flue gases through a secondary heat exchanger. This device further extracts heat that is usable energy for your home.

Remaining flue gases then exhaust outdoors through special plastic-type vent pipe inserted through the wall of the home. This "direct-vent" piping configuration also draws in outside air for combustion. Since indoor air is not used in the combustion process, cold air leakage (infiltration) is reduced – an added energy savings.

High-Efficiency Boilers

A boiler can last between 20-30 years, so it is important to choose an efficient model in order to reduce long-term costs. The most efficient boilers forced hot water boilers are considered to have an AFUE rating of 85% or higher. We recommend purchasing steam boilers with an 82% or higher AFUE rating.

Venting Your Heating System

Often times the installation of a high efficiency heating system requires changes to your venting system. It is recommended that you consult with your contractor for proper venting methods.

Are you looking for fast and fair Heating Service or Repair? Aaron’s Mechanical Services wants you to stay comfortable all year round.  Most important we want you to spend the least amount of money possible while you stay comfortable. If your Heating system or HVAC unit needs service or replacement please think of us and call at 623-388-4436 and we will come to you and solve your Heating System service needs.

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Aaron’s Mechanical Services
623-388-4436
info@aaronsmechanicalservices.com
http://aaronsmechanicalservices.com