It's safe to say that even with the crazy weather recently, a lot of the country has at least experienced a little bit of winter. As we keep trying to guess what's going to happen next with the weather, it's important to make certain that you've had furnace service scheduled when the weather finally flips the switch to being cold constantly.
Part of owning and using a furnace involves some familiarization and understanding of the furnace itself. One of the most noteworthy tidbits to know is your furnace's AFUE (Annual Furnace Utilization Efficiency). AFUE is recognized as a percentage that tells you what type of efficiency expected from your system. If you're uncertain about your current furnace's AFUE, make sure to ask during your next furnace service appointment and the tech can help you determine it's rating.
What Does AFUE Mean for You?
If you have an older furnace, your AFUE is likely quite a bit lower than the furnaces available today. What it means for you is that with every passing winter you're paying for fuel which then is being wasted, not to heat your home. One way to think about it is by linking your AFUE percentage to dollars. If your furnace has an AFUE of 75%, that means for every $100 spent on fuel, only $75 is being used to heat your home. Again, your furnace service technician can help you figure out the numbers specific to your furnace and your average bill, but hopefully we've been able to paint a semi clear picture for you.
Of course there is more that is involved in your decision in picking a new furnace or sticking to an annual furnace service plan on your current system. Over time, efficiency levels can greatly impact the comfort and cost of heating your home, so we wanted to make sure you got a better look at one of the more important considerations for furnaces. If you have any questions about furnaces, furnace service or any number of other home comfort questions, give us a call at 770-450-1539.