The annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE), the proportion of natural gas converted into heating power, measures furnace efficiency. Older furnaces have an AFUE of 56 percent to 70 percent, meaning that 30 to 44 percent of the natural gas is wasted when heat escapes the combustion chamber and exhaust escapes the chimney.
On the other hand, new furnaces might have AFUE’s ranging from 80 to 98.5 percent. A 90 percent or higher AFUE is required for a gas furnace to get the ENERGY STAR certification.
The criteria for natural gas furnace the energy efficiency ratings have been raised. New gas furnaces must reach a rating of 90 percent AFUE or better in the south and 95 percent AFUE or greater in the north to earn the ENERGY STAR certification.
For new furnaces, this isn’t a tough criterion to satisfy. In truth, the increased needs are because furnaces are more efficient today than ever.
Calculate how much money you’ve spent on each repair if it happens more than once a year (maintenance excluded). Constant breakdowns indicate that your furnace’s life cycle is nearing an end, and you should replace it as soon as possible.
What Accounts for Furnaces’ Improved Energy Efficiency? There Are Many Aspects to Consider:
- Construction has been improved: Today’s furnaces are better constructed, with lighter materials and more energy-efficient engines. Heat transmission from combustion gasses to air is easier using heat exchangers. Manufacturers are always coming up with new methods to construct furnaces that use less energy. Just contact experts from our furnace tune-up in Cincinnati, oh, area.
- Furnaces with a condensing system: Condensing furnaces are higher-efficiency furnaces that save energy by reducing energy lost via combustion gasses exhaust. The residual vapor goes to a second chamber, condensed to release even more heat after the combustion fumes have transmitted their heat to the heat exchanger’s walls. Condensing furnaces are one of the most efficient types of gas furnaces.
- Fans with variable speeds: Instead of having the furnace fan running at the same speed all of the time when the heating system is turned on, a variable speed fan may be set to a lower speed as needed. In reality, most of these furnaces will spend the bulk of their time running at a reduced, energy-saving pace.
- Closed-loop combustion: Open combustion chambers were utilized in older furnaces to suck in air from the house to combust fuel along with the burners. A sealed combustion chamber receives air from outside the house and closes it off the inside, resulting in much-reduced heat loss. (These furnaces also help keep the air in the home from drying out, and they’re safer.)
Furnaces have become more efficient due to a variety of technological advancements. However, these advancements are not found in all furnaces, and you can always contact HVAC specialists to help you choose the right high-efficiency machine to meet requirements.
Just search heating service near me on the internet and call Comfort Solutions Heating & Cooling at (513) 396-7200.