What Is Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency & the Importance of It

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What Is Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency & the Importance of It

Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency

If you currently heat your home with a furnace, it’s possible that you’re familiar with the acronym AFUE, which stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. AFUE is a measure developed and controlled by the Department of Energy to determine how efficient the rate of conversion is when a furnace turns energy into heat. In simpler terms, AFUE shows homeowners the percentage of heat their furnace produces for every dollar they spend on fuel. It’s like the miles per gallon or MPG of a car. The AFUE shows how fuel efficient your furnace is. 

Considering the use your furnace gets during a mid-western winter, you quickly realize the importance of understanding AFUE, especially when considering a furnace replacement. The higher the AFUE the lower your energy costs will be.

The minimum AFUE standard allowed within the HVAC industry is 80%, meaning a furnace with that AFUE will convert 80% of the fuel burned into heat while 20% is lost up the chimney, through cracks or other heating system inefficiencies. Conversely, a furnace with a 95% AFUE only wastes about 5%. To save the most on your utility bills, look for a higher AFUE.

The downside to a higher AFUE is the increased cost for the furnace. Merts Heating & Air Conditioning sells a wide range of furnaces with varying AFUEs, from the 80% minimum up to 98%. We have the furnace you need that is also the best fit with your household budget.  

Call Merts to Learn More About AFUE

Quality and Honest Since 1952 is not only our motto, it’s our way of doing business. When you call Merts, one of our trained Comfort Specialists will evaluate your home’s layout and design and gather information from you regarding any personalized needs as well as available finances. Once the data has been assembled, you’ll be provided options from which to choose the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency that suits you best.

With prior approval, Merts also has financing options that could make a high efficiency AFUE furnace more affordable than you think.

Call Merts Heating & Air Conditioning today to schedule an appointment. Find out how much you can save with a high AFUE furnace.