When choosing a new furnace, one of the most important factors to consider is the AFUE rating, or Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency rating. This number determines the percentage of fuel that will end up as heat for your home. The Department of Energy recommends AFUE ratings over 80 percent, which means 80 percent of the heat from the furnace is heating your home, while the remaining 20 percent is lost.
The AFUE rating, however, is not your only consideration when purchasing a new furnace. There are also several other factors to review as well.
- Find out the heating load of your home. The heating load is the amount of energy required to keep your home at an even 65 degrees.
- You can lower your home’s heating load by sealing leaks in the ductwork and walls, which will increase energy efficiency.
- You can hire a professional to perform an energy audit on your home to help you find ways to lower the heating load in your house.
- The lower the heating load, the lower the cost of energy. You may be able to use a smaller furnace if your home is more energy efficient.
- Knowing your heating load can also help you prevent overloading on a furnace that is too large for your home. Have a qualified expert determine the appropriate size furnace for your house. A furnace that is too large can cause wasted energy.
- Look for any warranties on the unit. Units with longer warranty periods will save money on repair costs and other maintenance issues.
- Decide what fuel source to use with the unit. Certain energy sources are less expensive than others. Natural gas units are popular in Minnesota and are compatible with cold winters.
- Look for Energy Star-rated furnace units. Energy Star certified units will provide maximum energy savings.
- Search for units that have a sealed combustion furnace. Sealed combustion furnaces waste less energy by keeping the heat inside the unit and preventing the backdraft of dangerous chemicals.
These furnace guidelines can help you choose the best furnace for your Twin Cities area home. For more information on choosing a furnace or understanding AFUE ratings, contact us at Marsh Heating & Air Conditioning. We can answer all your HVAC-related questions.
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!