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When you are in the process of buying a new furnace, you might hear the term AFUE (short for “Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency”) a lot. Although it sounds technical, understanding what it means is key to choosing the best furnace for your home.
AFUE is essentially like the “miles-per-gallon” metric for your furnace that measures how efficient it is at converting fuel into heat for your home. The higher the AFUE number, the better your furnace is at using energy efficiently. Below, this furnace replacement company in Darien, Illinois is going to explain what AFUE is, how to calculate it, and why it’s so important for your home’s comfort and energy savings.
AFUE is an efficiency rating that measures how efficiently a furnace converts fuel into usable heat over the course of a year. If a furnace has an AFUE of 80%, for example, it uses 80% of the fuel for heating while the other 20% is lost. AFUE is a reliable metric that can help you compare different furnaces and decide which is best suited for your home. You will usually find the AFUE on a yellow EnergyGuide label on most furnaces.
If your furnace has low AFUE ratings, it might burn through a lot of fuel and still not maintain consistent heat throughout your home. It’s best to consult with a professional furnace replacement company in Darien, Illinois that can help you pick out a more efficient model for your home.
The AFUE rating of a furnace is calculated by comparing the total annual heat output to the total fuel input. If a furnace has an AFUE rating of 90%, it is using 90% of the fuel to produce heat, but the other 10% is going to waste. Some high-efficiency furnaces can reach an AFUE rating of 98.5%, which means they can convert almost all their fuel into usable heat.
When you get a furnace with a high AFUE rating, you can save a lot on your energy bills over the years. Even though these furnaces can cost more upfront, they usually have added features like multi-stage heating or variable-speed fans. These features give you precise temperature control and even better fuel efficiency.
For gas furnaces, the lowest you want to see is 80%, but there are many mid- and high-efficiency furnaces available today that perform much better. Mid-range furnaces usually have AFUE ratings from 80% to 83%, while high-efficiency furnaces can reach up to 98.5%.
High-efficiency furnaces convert more fuel into heat, keeping your home warm and comfortable with less energy. They also have features like two-stage heating and sealed combustion that help you save even more energy while the furnace runs quietly.
AFUE is something to think about when you are buying a new furnace, but it is not the only thing that is important. Keep in mind that AFUE ratings do not tell you how much energy you could lose if your home is not well-insulated or if your duct system is old. You should also consider the size of your home, the furnace fuel type, and your thermostat settings since all of these can impact your actual energy usage.
A knowledgeable furnace replacement company in Darien, Illinois can give you an accurate estimate of your home’s energy costs. With professional help, you can decide what AFUE rating will give you the best return on your investment.
Do you want to learn more about how AFUE ratings can impact your home’s comfort and savings? If so, and if you’re ready to consult with the top-rated furnace replacement company in Darien, Illinois, Hearthstone Heating & Air Conditioning is the top choice. Contact us at (630) 435-9800 to get started.
