AFUE, which stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, is a measure of how efficiently a furnace, boiler, or water heater converts fuel into heat over a typical year, expressed as a percentage. A higher AFUE rating means more of the fuel becomes usable heat and less is wasted. For example, a 90% AFUE unit converts about 90% of fuel into heat while 10% is lost.
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AFUE, which stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency, is a measure of how efficiently a furnace, boiler, or water heater converts fuel into heat over a typical year, expressed as a percentage. A higher AFUE rating means more of the fuel becomes usable heat and less is wasted. For example, a 90% AFUE unit converts about 90% of fuel into heat while 10% is lost.
What does AFUE measure?
AFUE measures how much fuel a heating system converts into usable heat over a year. A higher percentage means less fuel waste and lower heating costs.
Source: The Cooling Company
Higher AFUE ratings mean more fuel becomes usable heat.
Choosing a heating system with a high AFUE rating can lower utility bills and reduce wasted energy, especially in colder climates where heating demand is higher.
Aim for the highest AFUE rating within your budget to maximize long-term energy savings.
“Aim for the highest AFUE rating within your budget to maximize long-term energy savings.”
Average AFUE ratings were about 65% in the 1970s, while modern systems can reach nearly 98% efficiency.
What is a good AFUE rating?
For modern gas furnaces, 90%+ is considered high efficiency. The best option depends on your climate, fuel costs, and budget.
Does a higher AFUE always save money?
Higher AFUE generally lowers fuel costs, but payback depends on local energy prices and the cost difference between models.
How do I maintain a high AFUE rating?
Schedule annual maintenance, replace filters regularly, and keep vents clear to help your system run efficiently.
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