AFUE Rating Helps You Get More Bang for Your Buck
The annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) is the universal efficiency measurement of furnaces and boilers. New furnaces and boilers are required by the Federal Trade Commission to display their AFUE rating on the box so consumers can compare heating efficiency of different models and get the most bang for their buck. AFUE is a measure of how efficient a furnace or boiler is at converting fuel to heat over the course of the year.
These days, most American homes stay warm in the winter by using furnaces or boilers. Furnaces heat air and then distribute it to your living areas using existing ductwork. Boilers provide either hot water or steam for heating. Of the two options, steam boilers operate at a higher temperature than hot water boilers and are inherently less efficient, but nearly all manufacturers today offer multiple high-efficiency models of both furnaces and boilers.
AFUE is the ratio of annual heat generated by the furnace or boiler compared to the total annual energy it had to consume to create that much heat. For example, a furnace with an AFUE of 90% means that 90% of the energy in the fuel used by the furnace becomes heat for the home while the remaining 10% escapes. AFUE doesn’t factor in energy loss due to duct systems or piping, which can account for as much as 35% of the furnace’s energy output, especially when ducts are located in partially conditioned or unconditioned space like the attic, garage, or crawlspace.
One of the benefits of an all-electric furnace or boiler is that both carry no risk of energy loss through either the flue or chimney. The AFUE rating for an all-electric furnace or boiler is generally between 95% and 100%! The lower values are attributed to outdoor units because they have greater jacket heat loss. Despite their high efficiency levels, the high price of electricity around the country makes all-electric furnaces or boilers a decidedly uneconomic choice.
The Department of Energy has set the minimum allowed AFUE rating for furnaces and boilers at 78%. In the future, minimum AFUE requirements for furnaces will be based on the type of fuel consumed (gas, oil, or electricity), if the unit is weatherized or not, and whether the unit is designed for use in a mobile home.
Since 1955 Arco Home Services has been Cleveland’s local neighborhood heating, cooling and air duct cleaning contractor. With over three generations of experience we are here for you to solve your heating, cooling and air quality needs. We proudly serve Cleveland area property owners with exceptional service, quality and upfront pricing. Our long lasting and impeccable reputation as Cleveland’s leading heating and cooling contractor will give you peace of mind knowing your home is in good hands with us.
Want to save $$ this winter? Call Arco today to schedule an install for your very own high efficiency furnace!
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