Have you ever wondered how to tell if a heater is efficient? We advise looking at the annual fuel utilization efficiency rating. At Davis Heating & Air, we provide furnace repair in Roanoke, VA, and the surrounding areas. Repairing or replacing gas boilers or oil furnaces can help you keep your energy bills under control and improve the comfort of your family through better heater efficiency.
There are many factors (discussed below) that influence the AFUE rating. Additionally, there are other simple ways to measure the efficiency of your heating system.
What Is AFUE?
When customers ask us how to tell if a heater is efficient, we often refer them to the annual fuel utilization efficiency. AFUE measures the efficiency of heaters, boilers, and water heaters. This rating averages the long-term efficiency of a particular unit.
To determine the AFUE rating for a gas furnace, divide the energy output by the energy input. So, a gas furnace emitting 95 BTUs of heated air per 100 BTUs of gas has an AFUE of 95 percent, which is excellent.
While the AFUE provides a great guideline for choosing an energy-efficient heater, it doesn’t paint a complete picture. That’s because you can also lose energy in the piping and ducts used for heating your home. Even a high-efficiency heating and cooling system can lose up to 35% of its energy in your home’s infrastructure. However, a high AFUE gives you confidence that most of the heated air will reach different parts of your home.
If you would like our technicians to inspect your ducts or piping, we’d be happy to provide an evaluation, as well as any suggestions we have for improving the efficiency of your home heating system.
What Is a Good Furnace AFUE Rating?
Now, you know how to tell if a heater is efficient using the AFUE rating, but what is a good rating? While all heating systems are different, we generally advise looking for an AFUE rating of at least 78 percent.
You will find that traditional or geothermal heating systems have higher AFUE ratings. Whether you prefer electric or natural gas utilities, it’s possible to purchase a heating system with close to 100% AFUE. However, heating systems in older homes often max out at 50 to 70 percent, based on the frequency and quality of your maintenance strategy.
Check Your Energy Bill
You can also gauge your heater efficiency through your energy costs. Has your heating bill begun draining your budget? This could indicate that you are using too much natural gas or electricity to generate heat in your home. You deserve a furnace that is incredibly efficient for affordable energy bills and better performance.
If your energy bill increases when you begin to use your furnace or boiler, contact Davis Heating & Air to inspect, service, or repair your heating systems.
Making Up for Lost Time
On average, your heating system will lose 5% of its energy efficiency every year. However, proper maintenance can help you keep your unit running more efficiently and increase the life of your equipment. Our technicians know how to tell if a heater is efficient and may recommend replacing outdated units that do a poor job of keeping your family warm and comfortable.
Age of Heater
However you generate heat in your home, you can rely on Davis Heating & Air for furnace and gas boiler repair for maximum performance. We can also install a programmable thermostat that helps prevent your system from being overtaxed.
The life expectancy of resistance heating systems is 15 to 20 years, and we can optimize the efficiency with a tune-up and regular maintenance. Whether you’re looking for the best heater efficiency to push warm air through your home or for help keeping your heating system in top condition, you can rely on our trusted HVAC technicians.
Contact Davis Heating & Air for maintenance, repair, and installation of high-efficiency heating systems in Roanoke, VA, and beyond!