If you are in the market for a new furnace, you have undoubtedly heard of a high efficiency furnace. But just what make a furnace highly efficient and what are the advantages over other types of furnaces?
A high efficiency furnace is a furnace that converts most of it's fuel into heat that is then circulated through your home. In order to be categorized as such, the furnace must convert at least 90% of the fuel to heat. Lesser conversion rates will earn the furnace the label of mid-efficiency or standard efficiency depending on the exact conversion percentage. Many models of furnaces greatly exceed the 90% minimum and furnace with greater than 92% efficiency are called ultra high efficiency furnaces. This percentage measure of efficiency is called the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating.
The greater efficiency is generated by how the furnace works. Furnace efficiency is increased in large part by losing less heat heat via water vapor and heated gases. A high efficiency furnace will recapture the heat from water vapor before the vapor is emitted out the flue. Additionally, efficiency is increased by replacing the pilot light with an electric ignition, as well as an improved heat exchanger and draft fan.
The drawbacks to these furnaces are that they cost more to install. A mid-efficiency furnace will cost roughly $2,000 installed depending on where you live. In contrast, a high efficiency model will cost approximately $3,000 installed and an ultra efficient model will likely cost $500 on top of that. However, with greater efficiency comes less use of fuel and lower heating bills. More efficient furnaces can save you up to 20% on your heating bill and, as a rule of thumb, expect to take three years to make up the initial greater cost in monthly savings. To maximize your savings, be sure to maintain the rest of your furnace system. Clogged air filters, holes in ducts and other broken parts reduce efficiency regardless of the sophistication of your furnace.
However, high efficiency furnaces are not for everyone. If you live an a relatively mild area where your furnace rarely runs the additional cost would not be justified. However, if you live somewhere like Minneapolis where the outside temperature can remain at sub-zero temperatures for days at a time, it makes a lot sense to consider upgrading. That said, no matter how cold your climate may get it does not make sense to invest in an upgraded furnace if you plan to move soon. Depending on the size of your utility bill, this break point is likely around the three to five year mark. If you intend to remain in the house for less than three years, a mid-efficiency furnace is probably a better bet as you will not have time to make for the higher install cost with a high efficiency furnace.
Finally, another advantage of better efficiency is that they are more comfortable. These furnaces tend to keep the home at a more even temperature and moderate temperature fluctuations that can occur with lesser efficiency furnaces. Only you know how valuable this benefit is when working out whether to upgrade or not.
In short, the higher the efficiency rating, the better the product. But you need to consider what is best for you. Hopefully, this information gives you a good jumping off point for exploring your specific needs.
For more information and guidance about high efficiency furnaces, visit Norther Air Heating & Plumbing at http://www.northernairplumbing.com. Their site has information about improving your indoor air quality.
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