What You Need to Know About Furnace Efficiency

When it comes to heating your home, efficiency matters.

But what does that really mean? How efficient is your furnace?

Homeowners in Broomfield Colorado in need of a new furnace may find themselves wondering how efficient their current furnace is, and whether it’s worth replacing. Efficiency matters in HVAC equipment, but cutting through the noise to figure out what matters and what doesn’t is difficult.

In this article, we’ll break down the basics of furnace efficiency and explain why it’s so important.  We'll explain how efficiency is measured and what that means for your gas or electric furnace. We'll also explore the benefits of investing in a new furnace installation.

 

The Basics of Furnace Efficiency

First, let’s talk about the basics of furnace efficiency. Your furnace is rated for efficiency by the Department of Energy (DOE). The DOE rates all furnaces on an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) scale from 0-100%. That rating tells you how much fuel a furnace uses to heat your home compared to how much fuel it consumes.

A higher AFUE rating means better efficiency and lower monthly energy bills. For example, if a furnace has an AFUE rating of 80%, that means it uses 80% of the fuel you put in it to heat your home, while 20% is wasted. Most modern furnaces have an AFUE rating between 80-95%.  For a furnace to be considered high-efficiency, it has to be at least 90% AFUE.

 

How to Check Your Furnace Efficiency

The best way to determine if your furnace is energy-efficient is to look for its AFUE rating. All furnaces must display this rating on their labels, and you can use it to compare various models and choose the most efficient one for your home. The higher the AFUE, the more efficient the furnace—the national minimum requirement is 80%.

If you have an older model, chances are its AFUE rating isn’t as high as today’s standards; newer models are designed to be more energy-efficient than older models. In addition, consider other factors such as stage of heat delivery (single or two-stage), type of ignition (pilot light or electronic), air filtration capability, size, type of fuel used (natural gas or propane) and more.

 

How Can I Improve My Furnace Efficiency?

If you want to increase your furnace’s efficiency, there are several things you can do.

First, make sure you replace the air filter regularly as recommended by the manufacturer. This helps keep dirt and debris out of the system which reduces airflow restrictions and helps improve efficiency.

Second, ask an HVAC professional in the Broomfield and Westminster Colorado area to inspect your ductwork for any leaks or cracks that could be causing heated air to escape before it reaches its intended destination in your home.

Lastly, consider upgrading to a newer model with a higher AFUE rating if possible; this could save you hundreds of dollars each year on energy costs!

 

Installing a New Furnace

If you have an older model furnace with a low AFUE rating, you may want to consider investing in a new furnace installation. Not only will this help you save money on energy costs each month, but it will also ensure that your home stays comfortable during cold weather months.

When shopping for a new furnace, be sure to look for one that has an AFUE rating of 90% or higher for maximum efficiency and cost savings.  Additionally, check if the model includes features such as two-stage heating which can lead to even greater cost savings over time.

The installation of a new furnace is not as simple as plug-n-play.  It is a bit more complicated.  Hiring a professional to help you select the right furnace and install it for you to make sure it is done right.

At Craig Plumbing, Heating & Cooling, our HVAC team can get you set up with a high-efficiency furnace, quickly and easily.

 

Benefits of an Efficient Furnace Installation

An energy-efficient furnace will not only reduce your carbon footprint but also save money on heating costs over time. Newer furnaces come with features like variable speed blowers which can help save money by providing better air circulation throughout your home while using less energy than older models.

Additionally, newer models often come with smart thermostats that allow homeowners to control temperature settings remotely from their smartphones via Wi-Fi connection. This helps increase comfort levels while reducing monthly heating bills.

 

Let a Professional Help You Decide

It's important to understand the efficiency ratings associated with HVAC systems so you know what kind of performance you're getting from your current unit - or what kind of performance you could be getting from a new installation.

When it comes to improving your home’s heating system efficiency, there are plenty of options available. Regularly replacing air filters, inspecting ductwork for issues or scheduling regular maintenance visits can help maximize existing performance levels while upgrading to a newer model can provide even greater savings over time.

Be sure to consult with Craig Plumbing, Heating and Cooling, your HVAC professionals serving Broomfield, Westminster and North Metro Denver, before making any major changes; we will be able to advise you on the best course of action for maximizing your system's performance levels and reducing energy consumption in your home!

With an efficient gas or electric furnace from Craig Plumbing, Heating and Cooling, you'll enjoy improved comfort levels as well as significant cost savings on monthly energy bills over time! Contact us today for more information about our products and services!