You rely on your furnace to keep your home comfortably warm throughout the colder months, but to do so, it uses up a significant amount of energy. If you’re looking to lower your energy bill and make your home more eco-friendly, upgrading to a higher-efficiency heater is a smart step.

What Is a Higher-Efficiency Furnace?

Furnaces are rated by annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE), which measures how much heat is produced compared to how much energy is used. A standard furnace that uses open combustion has an AFUE of about 80%, meaning 80% of the energy becomes heat, while the remaining 20% is lost. Older units may have an AFUE as low as 56%. The newest, high-efficiency models that use sealed combustion are rated at 90–98.5%.

Replacing an outdated heater can drastically improve energy efficiency and reduce pollution from fuel burning. In some cases, it may even be a safer choice because open combustion models pose more of a risk by bringing combustion gases into enclosed spaces. Plus, you’ll enjoy significant savings on utilities.

When Should You Get One?

If your furnace is more than 15 years old, it’s time to start looking into a replacement. If you don’t know the age of your furnace, look up its model number online. Frequent furnace repairs and rising utility bills likewise indicate the model is past its prime.

Along with a high AFUE, look for the Energy Star® label when shopping for a new furnace. Also, consider your current setup. If you have a heater that connects to a chimney, you’ll need a new exhaust vent to pair with the higher-efficiency furnace as a safer option that won’t deteriorate over time.

If you’re interested in a higher-efficiency furnace, turn to Rochester Heating And Cooling. With over 50 years of combined experience, their HVAC technicians provide heater maintenance, repairs, and installations across Monroe County, NY. Plus, they sell Amana® brand units. Check out their service list online, and call (585) 458-3700 to set up an appointment.