Your furnace has a base energy efficiency rating, but there are always steps that you can take to get a little extra efficiency boost. And let’s face it, every little bit that you can save on heating your home this winter will add up.
When considering a new furnace or upgrading your heating system, understanding efficiency AFUE ratings can help you choose a model that will keep your home comfortable while saving on energy bills. Before making a decision, it’s important to evaluate your current budget and assess your current system to determine what makes the most sense for your needs.
If you decide to invest in a high efficiency unit, be sure to look into available financing options to help manage the upfront expense, and consider installation costs, which can vary depending on the type of system you choose. Financing options may offer homeowners the opportunity to pay for their furnace system over time while reaping monthly energy cost savings. Scheduling a tune-up for your existing system can also help avoid extra costs and fewer repairs, ensuring your furnace operates efficiently while you plan for an upgrade.
Give us a call whenever you need furnace service in Oak Brook, IL. You can also keep reading to learn about a few of the ways that you can help boost heater efficiency and potentially save some money on energy costs while also lessening the wear and tear on your unit. If you’re already noticing warning signs, these furnace issues deserve quick attention.
Introduction to Furnace Efficiency
Furnace efficiency plays a major role in how much energy your home uses and how much you spend on heating costs each winter. The key measurement to look for is the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating, which tells you how effectively a furnace converts fuel into usable heat. For example, a high efficiency furnace with a 95% AFUE rating means that 95% of the fuel is turned into heat for your home, while only 5% is lost. On the other hand, a furnace with an 80% AFUE rating loses 20% of heat energy as inefficiency. The higher the AFUE rating, the less energy and money you waste. The minimum AFUE rating for furnaces is 80%, which means even the least efficient models must meet this standard. When considering a new furnace or upgrading your heating system, understanding efficiency AFUE ratings can help you choose a model that will keep your home comfortable while saving on energy bills. Investing in a high efficiency unit not only reduces your fuel bills but also helps your heating system last longer and perform better throughout the season.
Types of Furnaces
When it comes to choosing a furnace, there are several types to consider, each with its own features and efficiency levels. Natural gas furnaces are among the most popular due to their reliability and cost-effectiveness, but propane and electric furnaces are also common options. High efficiency furnaces, such as condensing furnaces, use a second heat exchanger to capture more heat from exhaust gases, making them much more efficient than standard models. Systems with higher AFUE ratings are usually condensing furnaces, which are designed to maximize energy efficiency. A high-efficiency gas furnace can have an AFUE rating as high as 98.5%, making it one of the most efficient options available. Gas furnaces are available in single stage, two stage, and variable speed designs, each offering different levels of comfort and energy savings. Single stage furnaces operate at full blast whenever they’re on, while two stage and variable speed models can adjust their output to better match your home’s heating needs, improving efficiency and comfort. Understanding these options can help you select the right furnace for your home, whether you’re looking for a new furnace or upgrading your existing system.
Smart Thermostat Adjustments
One of the easiest ways to boost your furnace’s energy efficiency is by using smart settings on your thermostat. The US Department of Energy offers a recommendation that you should set your thermostat no higher than 68° for heating. We know it can be tempting to turn that dial up a little more to get your home warmer.
Different heating systems, such as forced air, hot water, and steam systems, respond differently to thermostat adjustments, but all systems are designed to produce heat efficiently when used as intended.
However, your furnace was only designed to be able to heat your home so much. Setting the thermostat too high doesn’t actually make your home warmer. Instead, it leaves your furnace working longer and harder to produce results. Your energy costs will increase and your furnace will wear out more quickly.
Even if your home is warmer, it’s not worth the additional costs when you consider your utility bills and potential repairs for your furnace. It’s better to plan on bundling up with warm coats and blankets to lighten the load on your furnace so that it can work better.
Insulation and Sealing Tips
It’s also a good idea to do everything you can to keep heat inside your home. Check all of your windows and doors for gaps that allow heat to escape. Invest in services to reseal windows and purchase door insulation that can go either around the frame or underneath the door where it closes. Insulation and air sealing can significantly reduce heating costs when paired with furnace upgrades, making your home more energy-efficient overall.
Then check the insulation in your attic. Heat rises and if you don’t have enough insulation, the heat will escape through your roof. Poor insulation leads to wasted energy, making your furnace work harder and increasing your energy costs. Your insulation can degrade over time so that it has less of an impact on keeping heat in your home. Blowing in a little extra insulation can make a big difference in both your home comfort and the energy costs associated with keeping your home warm. To ensure overall furnace safety, take a look at how to keep your furnace safe for peace of mind during colder months.
Regular Furnace Care
You also need to keep up with both maintenance steps of your own and professional service appointments with our team. The steps that you can take on a monthly basis can have a major impact on how your furnace operates both now and in the future. Maintaining a clean air filter and wiping down the inside of the cabinet will go a long way toward helping your furnace operate without any added strain. Regular maintenance can include changing filters and inspecting ductwork for leaks, ensuring your system runs efficiently and reliably. HVAC professionals can perform a full inspection of your current system to identify issues. Regular maintenance of all heating equipment is essential for maintaining high efficiency and reducing the risk of unexpected breakdowns.
Professional care is designed to identify problems early on instead of waiting until something major goes wrong. By the time you notice the signs of furnace problems, they may be far enough along that lasting damage is impacting your furnace. If it’s better to have our team take a look annually and replace small components or make tweaks that can protect your furnace for the year to come. Also, familiarize yourself with catching issues early and maximize efficiency.
Benefits of High Efficiency
Upgrading to a high efficiency furnace comes with a range of benefits that go beyond just keeping your home warm. High efficiency furnaces are designed to reduce heating costs by using less energy to produce the same amount of heat, leading to significant cost savings on your energy bills. These furnaces also produce fewer emissions, making them a more environmentally friendly choice for your home. High-efficiency furnaces produce less pollution compared to standard-efficiency models. In addition to lower energy and fuel costs, high efficiency furnaces can increase your home’s value and make it more attractive to potential buyers. With improved comfort, quieter operation, and the potential for rebates or tax credits, investing in a high efficiency furnace is a smart move for homeowners who want to save money and reduce their environmental impact.
Contact Althoff Home Services today to schedule an appointment with our professionals. Chicago’s Choice Since 1961. Hand It Off to Althoff!