When selecting a new furnace, cost is perhaps the biggest factor that most people look at. However, many people incorrectly think of the cost as only being the purchase and installation price of a new furnace. In an attempt to save money, they often opt for the model with the lowest price tag.
The problem with such an approach is that it ignores the long-term cost of heating fuel to power the furnace. Like cars, some furnaces get better fuel economy than others. They can produce the same amount of heat while using less gas or oil. Though a furnace with higher efficiency might cost a little bit more on day 1, the utility bill 
savings on days 2 through 5,000 can more than make up the difference.
To compare the fuel economy of different furnaces, look at the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency ratings of each model. Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, or AFUE, is the percent of the heat from the gas or oil that actually gets utilized to warm the air in your home. For example, a furnace with an AFUE rating of 80 percent would transfer 80 percent of the heat to your home’s air, while the other 20 percent would be lost through the chimney or exhaust.
No furnace is 100 percent efficient, but some new models get awfully close. If you were to choose a model with an AFUE of 98 percent, for instance, your heating bills will be about 20 percent less than if you go with a basic model. You can get an idea of how much those savings can add up over the lifetime of a furnace by using this free cost calculator downloadable from Energy Star.
It is also worth mentioning that new furnaces with an AFUE rating of at least 95 percent can earn you a $150 federal tax credit through the end of 2011.
To learn more about furnace efficiency, or other ways you can save energy this winter in your Twin Cities area home, contact the expertsat Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning. We would be happy to help.
Our goal is to help educate our customers about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about AFUE ratings and other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Resource guide.
Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning services Minnesota’s Twin Cities. Visit our website to see our special offers and get started today!
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