Protect the investment of your home and choose an efficient furnace when it is time to replace your old one. Do you need help deciphering what all those efficiency ratings mean? As an Illinois resident who deals with distinct seasons, especially cold winters, you should look to a specialist in furnace repair in the Des Plaines area. They can help you determine which heating system would work best for your home and budget.
The cost of heating your home can often be reflected in the efficiency rating. The higher the rating, the higher the amount of heat produced for the energy used. Of course, the cost of the fuel for energy to power the furnace is a factor as well. Electric furnaces can be efficient and may be the only choice in some areas but the price of this utility does not necessarily make the best option for you.
The Measurement of Efficiency
Knowing how much heat a furnace can generate in comparison to the energy required to produce it is important. The Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating shows this. Your choice of Des Plaines furnace repair specialists will tell you that the higher the rating the more efficient it is. For example, if a furnace has a 95 percent AFUE, this means that five percent of energy is lost but 95 percent actually is translated to heat.
Of course, this efficiency rating only applies to the furnace itself. It does not take into account the condition of your duct work. Some duct work may have holes in them or are routed throughout the home in odd ways which can affect heating efficiency.
Efficiency Requirements
The standard minimum efficiency rating for non-condensing furnaces has been around 78 percent for traditional brick and mortar homes. However, the Department of Energy has recently raised the requirements, depending on the type of furnace you purchase. Your specialist in furnace repair in Des Plaines can guide you through the different types of furnaces and what would best suit your budget and overall needs. The highest efficiency models that include two heat exchanges and a condensing unit have an initially higher price tag than non-condensing options but the cost is recouped over time in lower utility bills.
If you are able to invest in your home with a higher efficiency model, go for it. This type of furnace will serve you well in the years to come. However, there are other efficient options should your budget be a bit smaller. Book a consultation appointment with your local Des Plaines furnace repair specialist and work out the best game plan for your heating needs.
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