7 Simple Buying Tips for High-Efficiency Furnaces

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Understanding Furnace Efficiency Ratings

In the US, furnaces are given an Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency rating, or AFUE score, which defines the quality or efficiency in which the furnace will convert fossil fuel into heat. A furnace rated 90% AFUE means it will convert 90% of its fuel into heat while wasting only 10%.

Furnaces with the blue Energy Star label are certified by the EPA to not only reduce utility bills but to also prevent greenhouse gasses and carbon pollution. Expect an Energy Star furnace to be up to 16% more efficient than comparable models without this certification.

7 Buying Tips for High-Efficiency Furnaces

If your present furnace has an efficiency rating of 70% or less, or it is more than 20 years old, purchasing a new high-efficiency furnace will certainly save you money on utility bills and will pay for itself over time.

• Choose a furnace with an AFUE rating of 90% or more. A good heating contractor (like Day & Night Heating & Air Conditioning Co..) can calculate your utility cost savings according to efficiency ratings.
• Select the right heating and cooling company for installation – one that is licensed and insured with technicians who are properly trained and certified. Our technicians install quality Trane furnaces and will help you choose which one is best for your home.
• Look for two-stage valves. Two-stage valves will increase fuel flow when a furnace initially starts. The fuel flow is reduced after the furnace temperature has risen. This helps your furnace run more efficiently.
• Don’t forget about safety! Protect your home from carbon monoxide leaks by selecting a furnace with sealed combustion. This ensures only fresh outside air is used for the combustion process, increasing efficiency and safety.
• Look for a condensing furnace. Many high-efficiency furnaces rated 90% and above will have a second heat exchanger. These are called “condensing furnaces.” This allows for heated gasses, which are normally vented to the outdoors, to contribute to the heating of the home.
• A long-term warranty should be considered, especially for condensing furnaces. Discuss the manufacturer’s warranty, and any additional warranties for installation, with your heating and cooling company.
• Finally, be sure to have a programmable thermostat Instead of wasting energy when your home is empty during an eight-hour period or longer, you can program it for a lower temperature. You save money and your furnace can be programmed to have your home warm and toasty by the time you arrive home.

Contact us to discuss ways to reduce your heating costs this year with a high-efficiency furnace. Give us a call at (910) 933-2338 and we’ll be happy to help you choose the right furnace and give you a no-obligation quote for installation.