Optimizing your home’s energy efficiency will save money and improve the quality of your HVAC units. That’s particularly important when it comes to your furnace. The unit’s Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) indicates how well it uses fuel. It’s helpful to understand this measurement to promote efficiency. Here’s what you need to know.

Your Guide to the Furnace AFUE Rating

What Is It?

The furnace’s AFUE rating offers information about how much of the unit’s fuel can be converted into heat. The lower the number, the less efficient your unit is. A high number indicates that only a small percentage of fuel is wasted through the exhaust system.

How Can You Use It?

If you’re shopping for a new unit after months of unsuccessful heating repairs or you’re unsatisfied with an older, inefficient heater, keep the AFUE in mind as you look around. Residential furnaces are required by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to display their AFUE rating to help customers make an informed decision.

There are several AFUE categories into which different heaters fall, according to the United States Department of Energy. Old systems carry AFUE percentages between 56 and 70%. Mid-range units are smaller and slightly more efficient, with an 80 to 83% AFUE. The most efficient furnaces offer ratings between 90 and 98.5%. These are considered the industry’s gold standards, and they’re ideal for new and old homes alike.

Take note of a furnace’s AFUE rating before making a purchase. For heating repairs and air conditioning installations, rely on the experienced heating contractor and technicians at Baker, Bauer & Fish Cooling & Heating. Serving Cincinnati, OH, since 1947, the team understands the complexities of these HVAC units. Visit their website to learn more about their services, or call (513) 542-2770 to schedule an appointment.