Louisiana may be a southern state, but we’re no stranger to cold spells. Your furnace is foundational to enhanced comfort and safety during these times, but what about energy efficiency?
H&E Comfort Services works hard to stay up-to-date on HVAC advancements. That’s why we know you can’t understate the benefits of upgrading to a high-efficiency furnace! Learn more below.
What Is AFUE?
The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency metric indicates how efficiently your furnace can turn fuel into heat over one year. We calculate it as a percentage, where higher AFUE ratings indicate higher fuel efficiency.
Most furnaces will have an AFUE rating between 78 and 82%. For a furnace to fall into the “high efficiency” category, the AFUE rating must be 90% and above.
Four Benefits of Upgrading to Furnaces with Great Energy Efficiency Ratings
With that out of the way, here are four major benefits of getting yourself a high AFUE furnace.
#1 More Cost-Effective Heating
Let’s say you spend around $130 on heating. With a standard furnace system, you have notably less heating efficiency at your disposal. Only $101.40 to $106.60 of that total $130 you’re spending would have gone toward heating your home.
If you switch up to a high-efficiency furnace with an AFUE of 90%, most of what you pay for the furnace to operate goes toward the actual heating. In this case, of that $130, about $117 goes into efficient heating for your home. That’s more bang for your buck over the years!
#2 Reduced Emissions
In the example above, part of why you get more energy out of your furnace despite spending the same amount comes from how emissions work. While gas and propane furnaces create the most CO2, even electric furnaces spit out fumes. Fuel wastage from a less efficient furnace costs money, and it always worsens indoor air quality.
With this in mind, one of the benefits of upgrading to a high-efficiency furnace is using more of the energy you’re paying for. This enhances your furnace’s cost-effectiveness and reduces emissions for improved air quality!
#3 Better Environmental Impact
As of 2022, more scientists have been disputing the effects of gas stoves and furnaces on individual health as well as climate change. Of course, we don’t suggest throwing out your gas or propane appliances yet!
Reduced emissions from high AFUE furnaces reduce how much wastage escapes indoor and outdoor environments. Upgrading to a high-efficiency furnace will likely reduce your environmental impact without increasing your electric bill. Keep cooking your favorite meals and staying warm while giving the local ecosystem a break!
#4 Increased Longevity
Last but certainly not least, a high-efficiency furnace tends to last longer. Higher AFUE furnaces cost more because manufacturers make them with hardier materials. Your furnace lifespan increases with energy savings, efficiency, and environmental safety – so everybody wins!
Choose the Best Furnace with H&E Comfort Services
As noted, the benefits of upgrading to a high-efficiency furnace abound. A licensed, knowledgeable, and insured team that installs, repairs, and maintains it helps, too!
Stay warm in Louisiana with H&E Comfort Services! Call (504) 294-4392 today!
