When you’re shopping for a furnace, choosing the right one is an important decision. One key factor to consider before making your purchase is a furnace’s AFUE rating. This figure gives you critical data about a system’s efficiency, its impact on the environment, and your potential monthly energy expenses.
Let’s explore these ratings, how they’re calculated, and why this number plays such an important role in the type of furnace (link to new types of furnaces page) you choose below.
What Is AFUE?
AFUE is an acronym for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. This is the percentage of fuel a furnace is able to convert into heat and the higher the AFUE rating, the more efficient the furnace is. For example, a furnace that has an AFUE rating of 85% will use 85% of its fuel to generate heat and will only lose 15% to combustion and exhaust.
How AFUE Ratings Work
To calculate a furnace’s AFUE rating, you need to know how much heat it produces and how much fuel it consumes in a year. Both of these values are measured in BTUs, or British Thermal Units. Then, you will divide the amount of heat produced by the amount of fuel used and multiply the resulting figure by 100. This formula gives you the percentage of fuel that a system converts to energy, which is its AFUE rating.
Why AFUE Is Important
Understanding furnace AFUE ratings can help you narrow down your choices and make smart decisions about which heating system to buy. By choosing a furnace with a high AFUE, you can save money on your electric bills, enjoy cleaner indoor air, and lower your impact on the environment around you.
What AFUE Ratings Don’t Account For
Even though AFUE ratings are important, they only tell you what percentage of fuel your furnace can turn into heat. They don’t account for other factors that are still worth considering before purchasing a furnace, like:
- The size of the unit
- The type of blower
- The type of burner
- Control features
- Ventilation system
- Noise levels
- Maintenance needs
How Furnace Maintenance Affects Your Ratings
Over time, your furnace’s AFUE rating can drop as it loses efficiency. Maintaining your furnace every year is crucial for keeping this figure high. Make sure you are:
- Regularly cleaning or replacing your system’s filters. Dirty filters can restrict airflow and force your furnace to work harder to push air through them, which results in more wasted fuel.
- Checking your ductwork. Preventing heat loss by identifying leaks in your ductwork and having them repaired quickly can reduce wear and tear on your equipment and keep your AFUE rating from dropping as fast.
- Calibrating your thermostat. An inaccurate thermostat can cause your system to shut off prematurely or run longer than necessary. Consider upgrading to a programmable or smart thermostat for more precise control.
- Scheduling annual maintenance. A professional furnace inspection and tune-up every year can keep internal components clean and lubricated, identify potential issues early on, and make sure your system is operating at peak efficiency.
Signs Your AFUE Ratings Are Dropping
If your furnace is more than a few years old, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t lose efficiency too soon. Here are some indicators that your system’s AFUE ratings might be dropping and your furnace needs maintenance:
- High energy bills. A sudden increase in your heating costs is a strong indicator that your furnace has stopped burning fuel as efficiently.
- Hot and cold spots. If some rooms are at different temperatures than others, this is a sign that your furnace may be struggling to meet your heating demands.
- Unusual noises. Any odd sounds that your furnace makes, like banging or hissing, are cause for concern. This could be due to loose or broken parts that make it impossible for your furnace to burn all of the fuel flowing through the system.
- Frequent repairs. If your furnace needs to be fixed often, it’s likely not operating at a good efficiency and you may want to consider having it replaced.
When to Contact a Cape Cod Furnace Professional
Are you in the market for a new furnace or need a replacement for your existing system? The experienced heating professionals at Cape Cod Heat Pumps can help you learn more about furnace AFUE ratings, how they indicate a system’s performance level, and calculate the cost of furnace installation. Contact us today to get started by calling 508-833-4822.