What is AFUE and what does it mean? Well, those with furnaces should familiarize themselves with the term AFUE.

AFUE stands for annual fuel utilization efficiency and it’s a percentage of how much fuel it can convert into usable heat. AFUE uses a scale ranging from 30-100. For example, a furnace with an AFUE rating of 90 would mean that 90% of its fuel is converted into usable energy and the remaining 10% is lost through the exhaust or chimney. Keep in mind, this rating only includes heat loss from the unit, not from the ductwork.

Please note, electric heat pumps use a heating season performance factor (HSPF) instead of AFUE.

How Does AFUE Apply to my Heating System?

Many homes in the United States have either a furnace or boiler to produce heat. Furnaces produce heat and send that air through ductwork. Boilers heat water and create either hot water or steam that is sent to baseboards and radiators for heating.

Whether you have a furnace, water boiler, or steam boiler, your system has an AFUE rating. On newer models, the AFUE rating is visible on the unit, as required by the Federal Trade Commission.

Older, lower efficiency units have ratings around 55-70% AFUE and may experience a natural draft for combustion. These older furnaces and boilers also have continuous pilot lights. The minimum standard AFUE for new furnaces is 78%.

Mid-range furnaces and boilers have AFUE ratings around 80-85% and use exhaust fans to control airflow more precisely. These systems are smaller than older units to reduce energy cycling losses.

New, higher-efficiency units have AFUE ratings between 90 and 97 percent due to sealed combustion and feature a secondary heat exchanger that condenses gases for maximum efficiency.

Keep in mind there are options to retrofit your system, but factors should be considered such as cost, efficiency, and system longevity. Consult with a certified HVAC technician to discuss retrofitting your furnace or explaining upgrade options that are best for you and your home.

Furnace Services in Pleasantville, NJ

One Hour Heating and Air Conditioning are your local HVAC experts in Atlantic County, NJ. Keeping your home heated safely is our top priority. Contact our furnace pros today for furnace installation, upgrades, and maintenance.