When you’re shopping around for a furnace replacement in Campbell County, WY you want to make the best possible choice. After all, a furnace can last for upwards of 15 years. It’s a choice you have to live with for a long time to come.
One of the most important factors to consider when selecting a furnace is the AFUE rating. AFUE stands for annual fuel usage efficiency and it measures how much energy a heater has to use to heat your home. Keep reading to learn more about AFUE ratings and why they are important to pay attention to.
What Is an AFUE Rating?
Put simply, an AFUE reading tells you how efficient a heater is at producing heat for your home. More specifically, it tells you the percentage of energy used that actually goes toward producing heat for your home. As part of the heating process, some energy inevitably gets lost in the process. However, more energy being lost means a heater is less efficient, which can cost you a lot more for month-to-month operation.
What Does an AFUE Rating Mean?
AFUE ratings are on a scale from 0 to 100. The numbers represent percentages. In the US, the minimum AFUE rating allowed on any heater is 80. That means that at least 80% of the energy use has to translate into heat for your home.
This leaves 1/5 of the energy, or 20%, being lost during the process of heating the air. Some states have higher minimums, meaning that they require more efficient heaters than what is the national standard. Anything lower than the minimum cannot be installed. The idea is to lower our impact on the environment by maximizing energy efficiency.
Benefits of an Energy-Efficient Heater
Having a more efficient heater means that the unit does not have to use as much energy to heat your home. This is beneficial for a couple of different reasons. First, it reduces your monthly utility costs whether you have a gas heater or an electric heater. But it also reduces the strain on the heater itself so that it takes on less wear and tear as a part of everyday operation. This can go a long way in extending the lifespan of your heater.
Just consider, if you get a heater with an AFUE rating of 95 compared to 80, it is 15% more efficient. You can save a lot on your monthly energy costs. Even though a more efficient heater is more expensive to install upfront, the savings can easily add up to surpass the extra amount that you spent initially. Saving just $15 per month adds up to $180 a year or $2,700 over a 15-year span.
Schedule an appointment with the team at Climate Solutions, Inc. The trusted source for all your heating and cooling needs.