If your heater is not energy-efficient, you’ll spend more money to stay warm this winter, no matter what other steps you take to control heat. The more efficient the heater, the less costly its operation. If you’re unsure if your heater is efficient, there are a few ways to find out. Learn more about furnace efficiency below.
Learn the AFUE Rating
The annual fuel utilization efficiency, or the AFUE, is a percentage that measures how efficiently your heater converts fuel into energy. The higher the heater’s AFUE rating, the more efficient it operates.
A 98% AFUE rating means that 98% of the fuel is heating your home and only 2% of the energy is lost. Older furnace AFUE ratings often dip down as low as 50%, which means half of your fuel energy is being vented outside. Yes, you are essentially paying to heat the neighborhood if the AFUE rating is low.
Check the user’s manual or the sticker located inside the furnace cabinet to find out the AFUE rating. A furnace with an AFUE rating of 90% or higher is considered energy-efficient.
Heater Age
Knowing the heater’s AFUE rating is the best way to determine its efficiency, however, you can also determine a lot by the age of the heater.
All furnaces have average life expectancies. This means, in pristine conditions, they last for a specific amount of time. The average furnace lifetime is 15 to 20 years. If your furnace is nearing or has passed this age, it’s probable that the heater is not energy-efficient. Furnaces wear down with age and technology changes. If your furnace is old, upgrading is ideal.
Costs of Energy Bills
Expect fluctuations in the cost of your energy bills from time to time. This is normal, especially when the seasons change. However, conducting an energy comparison can also help identify if your heating is losing efficiency over time. If your energy bill increases significantly from the same time last year, the heater likely needs a little bit of work from our HVAC technician in Fort Smith.
How to Maintain Your Heater’s Efficiency
A furnace upgrade will likely help conserve tons of energy if the current unit is an older model. If finances allow, consider an upgrade and enjoy the perks of lower heating and cooling costs, cleaner indoor air, and improved efficiency.
The best way to maintain your heater’s efficiency is with annual tune-ups. Our HVAC technician can provide this tune-up which includes system cleaning, component updates, and more, all designed to maximize the heater’s performance. Give us a call when you’re ready to schedule service. It’s needed once per year for the best results.
Rice Heating and Air are a full-service HVAC Contractor headquartered in Alma, AR. The company specializes in air conditioning repair, AC installations, indoor air quality systems, heating repair, and furnace installations. Rice Heating and Air are focused on helping homeowners and businesses stay comfortable year-round. We are your comfort experts.
Call us today for any of your heating and cooling needs.
