Are you in the market to purchase a new furnace? Then you need to know what the AFUE rating is and what it means to you. Most people don’t have a clear understanding about what this is. Based on this article, you can get a better understanding about the AFUE rating and invest your money to buy the perfect furnace that meets your needs.
What exactly is AFUE?
The abbreviation, AFUE, refers to Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. It is the fancy way furnaces are rated on energy efficiency. Hence, you don’t need to have any additional knowledge to understand what is meant by it.
At the time of purchasing a furnace, you need to pay extra attention towards energy efficiency. Your furnace will be expected to run throughout winter and the less fuel your system needs to heat your home will greatly impact your utility’s bill. Having an efficient furnace will provide you with the opportunity to save a considerable amount of money in the long run while staying warm. That’s why you need to be mindful about the AFUE rating and try your best to locate a furnace that offers a high AFUE rating.
At the time of buying a furnace with a high AFUE rating, you might notice that you have to spend a bit of extra money. The extra amount of money you spend to make your purchase is totally worth it when compared to the amount of money that you can save in the long run. Hence, you can call it as an example of a good investment.
What is the AFUE rating you should be looking for?
The lowest AFUE rating that you can find in a furnace available on the market is around 80. You can call it as the minimum standard as of now. On the other hand, the highest AFUE rating that you can find in a furnace is around 97 AFUE. It is better if you can get a furnace that is closer to this rating. It will ensure maximum energy efficiency for you in the long run.
Why can’t you get a better rating?
Now you must be wondering why you cannot get a furnace that comes with a 100 AFUE rating. The number associated with AFUE defines the percentage of heat energy that is obtained out of fuel. As you already know, burning of fuel causes numerous byproducts or waste. Hence, you will never be able to end up with 100% efficiency.
Should you spend money to buy a furnace that offers a 97 AFUE rating?
Furnaces that offer the best energy efficiency belong to this category. These units are marked at a higher price tag when compared to others. Hence, you should carefully make the decision on whether you are going to purchase one or not.
If you are interested in getting the best possible return for the money that you spend on buying a furnace, you should purchase a furnace that offers a 97 AFUE rating. However, it is still advisable to purchase a furnace that offers an AFUE rating around 95 as a noticeable difference will be seen on your utility bills compared to an 80 rated unit. Even if you plan to move soon having an efficient furnace will improve your home’s value.
