Are you having doubts about investing in a high-efficiency furnace? Maybe this blog can help you see things more clearly and enable you to make an informed decision.
Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning is your trusted heating company in Burnsville MN. We offer high-efficiency furnaces engineered to address the issues associated with older furnaces such as high fuel consumption, unsatisfactory performance, and poor indoor air quality.
Understanding AFUE
Annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) is a measure of how efficient a furnace is in transforming energy in its fuel to heat over a typical year. To be precise, AFUE is the ratio of the annual heat output of the furnace versus the total annual fossil fuel energy is consumed.
For example, a furnace with 99 percent AFUE converts 99 percent of the fuel to usable heat. The remaining 1 percent goes up the chimney or elsewhere. Old furnaces from 30 years ago typically had an AFUE of 78 percent or less. This means that 22 percent of the heat or more becomes unprofitable.
Today, the government has set a minimum AFUE for brand-new furnaces, which is 80 AFUE. Meanwhile, heating systems that have an AFUE of 90 percent or more are considered high-efficiency units.
The Federal Trade Commission orders manufacturers to display the AFUE on their furnaces so consumers can compare the heating efficiencies of different models.
The High-Efficiency Advantage
Energy Star Approval
Most high-efficiency heating systems have the ENERGY STAR® label. ENERGY STAR-approved products are the same or better than standard products, only they use far less energy. To earn the ENERGY STAR label, furnaces must meet strict energy efficiency criteria set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the US Department of Energy. Since they use less energy, these systems save you money on your electricity bill and help protect the environment by creating fewer harmful emissions plus you get the features and quality you expect.
Safe Operation
Also known as a condensing furnace, a high-efficiency heating system uses an electronic ignition system that is much safer and more reliable than a standing pilot light found in low and mid-efficiency furnaces. This ignition system only uses heat when the furnace needs it. With an electronic ignition, your home has a lower risk of starting a fire.
Clean Indoor Air
High-efficiency gas furnaces are equipped with better air filtration systems to catch pollutants before they can contaminate your air, which is particularly useful if you live in an area that has a lot of dust and other pollutants. If you have family members with preexisting respiratory conditions, a high-efficiency furnace will significantly enhance your indoor air quality, making your home a much safer place to live in.
Less Heat Loss
A high-efficiency furnace uses a vent damper that is set to automatically shut the flue pipe when the burners are turned off. This process results in shutting in the warm air inside, minimizing the amount of heat loss. It utilizes a second heat exchanger to catch much of the heat that would normally escape up the chimney.
Consistent Heating
A conventional furnace blower typically operates at full speed. On the other hand, a high-efficiency furnace uses a variable-speed blower that maximizes fuel savings. Such a blower provides more comfortable heating by adjusting the airflow speed to meet your real-time heating needs.
Silent Operation
Older, inefficient heating systems are infamous for creating loud operational sounds. On the contrary, high-efficiency furnaces are equipped with sound-absorbing materials that offer quiet performance while providing the most favorable comfort. Since they have variable-speed blowers, they don’t have to work as hard or burn as hot to properly heat your home. With minimal operational sounds, you and your family can enjoy quiet nights, promoting better sleep.
Environment-Friendly
Because high-efficiency furnaces have a higher energy efficiency rating, you save on natural gas fuel expenses while lowering your home’s greenhouse gas emissions. If you upgrade to a low-NOx unit, you will have an even lower carbon footprint.
Upgrade with Marsh Heating and Air Conditioning
If you want to determine what’s the best high-efficiency furnace that fits your needs, give us a call. Our teams of heating experts will help you find the heating system that gives you the greatest comfort while making sure you don’t overspend on heating. We are your reliable Shakopee air conditioning installation company.