Buying An Energy Efficient Furnace
This article is courtesy of Douglas Elliman Real Estate Company. PDE has agents for premium Bronx Real Estate.
For homeowners with older furnaces, each winter seems to bring higher energy bills. Instead of continuing to struggle with an older furnace, it makes sense to switch to an energy efficient furnace.
Many older furnaces only have an efficiency rating of 70 percent or less. Such inefficiency leads them to consume more fuel than energy efficient furnaces. They can also add more pollutants to neighborhoods.
In contrast, an energy efficient furnace has the potential to save new owners hundreds of dollars a year. When you shop for an energy efficient furnace, look for each model’s AFUE rating. AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency and this percentage can tell you how well the unit uses its fuel. A higher percentage means you’re looking at a more efficient model.
If your older furnace originated over two decades ago, you might be contending with an AFUE of only 65 percent. That means this furnace has been wasting 35 percent of the money you’ve been spending on it. Fortunately, today’s manufacturers offer energy efficient models with 90 percent efficiency and higher.
The most efficient furnaces have an AFUE of 98 percent. These furnaces tend to be the most ideal for areas with the coldest climates. Furnaces with ratings of 92 or 95 percent can provide ample heat for homes and may cost somewhat less. Comparing different features like single-stage burners and two-stage burners can help you find the best fit for your home. You can also look for the Energy Star label. Furnaces with the Energy Star label tend to be up to 15 percent more efficient than non-labeled units.
A smaller footprint is another benefit of an energy efficient furnace. You might be able to replace your old system with one that doesn’t take up as much room.
Although a new energy efficient furnace may seem like a major expense at first, you’ll soon see benefits in terms of lower energy bills. Over the long term, the new furnace will prove its value. Tax credits and rebates from your utility company may be available in your area; ask your contractor for details.
Don’t forget to prolong your new system’s life with maintenance. Call in a professional to check it over before the cold temperatures kick in. This way, you’ll be able to enjoy your energy efficient furnace for years to come. For the maximum benefit, you can seal your windows and rooms against heat loss and repair ducts as needed.
Older furnaces incur costly energy bills and can be frustrating to repair. For homeowners willing to upgrade, energy efficient furnaces provide needed warmth at comfortable prices.
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