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AFUE: Fuel Economy for Furnaces
Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (abbreviated AFUE) is the main efficiency rating for gas furnaces. AFUE is the average percentage of the heat produced by the furnace that actually gets used to heat your home. For example, with a 60% AFUE furnace, only 60% of the heat produced by burning gas goes to your home and 40% of it is lost out the flue pipe to the outdoors.
The annual energy cost can be calculated using:
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Gas heating has come a long way.
Efficiency - Modern gas furnaces now achieve a minimum of 80% efficiency, up to 95%! Compare this the older furnaces still in use in many houses, which are only about 60% efficient (or even less if the furnace has not been well maintained)!
Noise - New furnaces have better, quieter running blower motors and insulated cabinets to provide the warmth without the noise.
Two Stage - New furnaces also have two stages, meaning they can change their heat output so that the home is warmed gradually and the furnace only uses the amount of energy necessary to keep your home comfortable.
Variable Speed - Select models of furnace are equipped with variable-speed blower motors, which use less electricity and are necessary for your high-efficiency air conditioning system to reach its SEER rating.
