Understanding Furnace Efficiency With The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) Rating

It is estimated that around 25% of the furnaces in American homes is more than 20 years old. These older furnaces are often inefficient, sending up to 20% of the heat they produce out the chimney.

A common measurement of furnace efficiency is The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE). AFUE is a measurement of the percentage of heat delivered for each unit of fuel supplied. Older gas furnaces may have an AFUE of around 80%, which means the furnace converts 80% of the fuel into heat for your home, while expelling the other 20% outside the home.

A newer, high-efficiency furnace can operate at up to 95% AFUE. This can add up to real savings. Depending on the age and efficiency of your old furnace, a new furnace could pay for itself to pay for itself in lower energy bills in as little as 5 to 8 years.

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