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Understanding Furnace Efficiency Ratings

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Understanding Furnace Efficiency Ratings

Posted On: December 11, 2024

Understanding Furnace Efficiency Ratings

Furnace efficiency ratings are essential for homeowners looking to upgrade their heating systems. They measure how effectively a furnace converts energy (natural gas, propane, or electricity) into heat for your home. Here’s a breakdown to help you understand what these ratings mean and why they matter.


What Are Furnace Efficiency Ratings?

Furnace efficiency is typically measured by the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) rating. This percentage represents how much fuel is converted into usable heat versus how much is lost during operation.


  • 80% AFUE: For every dollar spent on fuel, 80 cents goes to heating, while 20 cents is lost as waste.
  • 90%+ AFUE: High-efficiency furnaces convert at least 90% of fuel into heat, minimizing waste.

The higher the AFUE rating, the more efficient the furnace, which can lead to lower energy bills and reduced environmental impact.


Types of Furnaces Based on Efficiency

  1. Standard Efficiency Furnaces (80%-89% AFUE):


    • More affordable upfront.
    • May result in higher long-term energy costs.
    • Common in regions with milder climates.
  2. High-Efficiency Furnaces (90%+ AFUE):


    • Higher initial cost but significant savings on energy bills.
    • Often feature advanced technologies like two-stage heating or variable-speed blowers.
    • Ideal for colder climates where heating demand is higher.

Factors Affecting Furnace Efficiency

  • Age of the Furnace: Older models tend to have lower AFUE ratings. Replacing an outdated furnace with a modern one can significantly improve efficiency.
  • Maintenance: Regular cleaning and servicing keep a furnace running at peak efficiency.
  • Installation Quality: A poorly installed furnace, regardless of its rating, won’t operate efficiently.

Why Furnace Efficiency Ratings Matter

  1. Cost Savings: Higher efficiency reduces energy waste, leading to lower heating bills.
  2. Environmental Benefits: Using energy more efficiently decreases your carbon footprint.
  3. Home Comfort: High-efficiency furnaces often provide more consistent heating and better humidity control.
  4. Incentives: Many states and utility companies offer rebates for upgrading to high-efficiency furnaces.

Choosing the Right Furnace

When selecting a furnace, consider factors like your climate, budget, and home size. Work with a licensed HVAC professional to determine the ideal efficiency rating for your needs. They can perform a load calculation to ensure the furnace is appropriately sized for your home.


By understanding furnace efficiency ratings, you can make an informed decision that balances upfront costs with long-term savings and comfort.



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by Taz on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Great team of guys came to do the work. Very professional. Arrived on time worked very efficiently and were very clean. They answered any questions we had without hesitation. The air conditioner works great and is so quiet. I highly recommend them and they don't try to up-sell anything right from the start.

by Jordan on Twintech Heating and Cooling

The service was prompt, professional and very courteous. Competitive price. Would highly recommend this company.

by David on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Excellent workmanship, and quick response. Would recommend Twintech to anyone.

by Todd Whyte on Twintech Heating and Cooling

My existing 15-yr old A/C went down on me during the first major heatwave of the season. Researched my options, as well as a few different installers, and decided on Twintech.

They gave me confidence right from the beginning. Extremely knowledgeable. Their communication was excellent - always responded to questions quickly. Given we were in a heatwave, they were fully booked. However, within days they were able to fit me in due to a cancellation. Upon learning that the Amana unit I was getting installed was on backorder, TwinTech went to bat for me with the manufacturer and was able to get me the next model up within a day, for the same price - Amazing!

As far as the installation was concerned, I couldn’t be more impressed. These guys were clearly very experienced and did a fantastic job. Very clean, polite, timely & informative. They even thoroughly sealed all the exposed gaps in my ductwork. I’ve had plenty of heating and cooling work done in the past and have never used the same contractor twice because I’ve never been very impressed. However, from now on, I’ll always be contacting Twintech first!

by Jordan Arnott, Courtice on Twintech Heating and Cooling

They were very friendly and took care of everything. The install looks great (and works great), they were very knowledgeable. Installed our a/c efficiently despite the difficult install location both inside and outside and they made it work.

by Lori Ellis on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Phenomenal service, so glad I found these guys a few years back after being "hosed" badly by 3 other companies. I've recommended them to so many, and they all are so thankful.

by Jonathan Rogoza on Twintech Heating and Cooling

This company is fantastic. Dave came out and gave me a very honest and reasonable quote, unlike a quote received from another company. I had a bunch of questions that were easily answered and when I had questions regarding heating/cooling a previously unheated room above the Garage, Dave arranged for Greg to come out for an assessment of this new space and gave me his recommendation along with his professional thoughts on all of my options.

These guys have been nothing but Professional, honest and helpful along the way. I can't recall the two other guys doing the install, but they were great as well. Good workmanship, everything was cleaned up and everything functions as promised. I could go on and on about my experience, but it's all positive so what more could you want?

Give them a call, see for yourself. If I had to buy another furnace/AC or heat pump, they'd be my first call.

by Private User on Twintech Heating and Cooling

I hired twin tech to convert my townhouse heating from electric to gas and install a furnace and a/c unit. I had talked with many other vendors, and received several quotes, but chose them, and very happy I did. Here are some of the reasons why:
1. They were realistic about the timeline for the work, when they could start and how long it would take. (They said upfront, it was their busy season and would need to get back to me in 3 weeks, which they did):
2. They had a quote with options for me. They were clear about the entertainment of what they would and would not do (they’d build duct work, id need another contractor to box in ductwork). This allowed me to plan as I was my own general contractor for my renovations).
3. They spoke to me in a language I understood, neither too technical nor too simple. They answered all my questions as I had them. Everyone is so lovely to work with, the sales team and the contractors who are worked in my home.
4. It’s been 4 m since the work was complete. They still answer my emails and my furnace is working very well!

I unabashedly recommend! Price, customer care and quality workmanship were all amazing!

by Anna Chin, Ajax on Twintech Heating and Cooling

On one of the coldest days of winter, our furnace stopped working. Our regular furnace company came and told us we had a CO2 leak and shut us off. Their quote for a new furnace was way too high and they couldn't even install it on the same day. TwinTech was recommended to us by a friend. We called and spoke to Dave who was very nice and knowledgeable. Grant showed up a short time later and a new furnace was installed the same day with no troubles at all. Best of all, we received a higher-end furnace than what was offered by our previous company and at a cheaper price. I would recommend TwinTech with no hesitation at all.

by Hiba, Pickering on Twintech Heating and Cooling

I installed a new furnace and Air conditioner with them. The installation is of high quality and according to standards. The guys are professional and reasonably priced.. I highly recommend them.

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by Robert Rogers on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Very pleased with the professional service that TwinTech Heating and Cooling provided in replacing my furnace. I got several quotes from different service providers. Their price was excellent and they explained the features very well. We are very glad we went with TwinTech and highly recommend their services.

by Robert Mizuno on Twintech Heating and Cooling

We were new homeowners in need of a second opinion. TwinTech Heating & Cooling were Amazing and professional. Very knowledgeable and great service all around. Recommend to anyone looking for honest and reliable services. Treated with respect and care. Thank you Greg, Mitch and Bob!

by Ruth on Twintech Heating and Cooling

TwinTech is an excellent and honest company! I called them for a second opinion after being told by another company that I needed to replace my furnace. Turns out this was not the case at all! I did not need a new furnace. TwinTech did not push to make an unnecessary sale and saved me from a huge expense. Bob and Mitch were extremely professional and above all honest! I definitely recommend TwinTech!

by Anna Chin on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Amazing experience with TwinTech Heating & Cooling! Their team was professional, knowledgeable, and efficient from start to finish. They installed my new furnace quickly and left everything spotless. The technicians took the time to explain everything and made sure I was comfortable with the system before they left. Great customer service and fair pricing. I highly recommend them for anyone needing HVAC services!

by Connor Agnew on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Great experience all around. Bob was sharp and easy to talk to, and Greg handled the installation perfectly. Would hire them again in a heartbeat.

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