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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 Replacing an outdated furnace with a modern one can significantly improve efficiency.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 John from Toronto on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Our furnace bit the dust, and Twintech came out to troubleshoot and diagnose the problem within a couple of hours. Mitch was super helpful, patient, and answered all of our questions. When we decided to get the furnace replaced, the crew was over first thing the next morning and did a fantastic job. Not only did they complete the job in a few hours, but they cleaned up and respected our house as they went, and answered all of our follow-up questions. I've used Twintech for our HVAC needs in the past and will continue to do so. I'd recommend them to anyone, and it feels good to support a local, family-owned business.

by Ryan k on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Dave and the Twintech team were fabulous from day 1 and helped us through the process to identifying a new furnace and AC unit. This was our first time through this process and Dave did a thorough job explaining all the components and was very patience answering all our questions. Dave provided great insights and fair pricing.

The Twintech team did an awesome installation. Very clean and efficient. I would highly recommended their service.

by Louise in Scarborough on Twintech Heating and Cooling

We had a new Amana furnace installed by Twintech and we were very pleased with the installation. It is nice to have a warm house again.

by Private User on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Excellent job. Excellent service. Competitive price. Its rare to find a company with the knowledge and professional results we have experienced with Twintech. The clean and neat installation with attention to detail and drop sheers to respect our property is a clear indication of Twintechs high level of integrity. The 1-1/2 gas line upgrade they did for our pool 3 years ago was awesome. Can't say enough. Thank-you Twintech.

by Private User on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Twitch did a great job with the installation of our new furnace. I really appreciated their honesty and I could trust what they were telling me. Another company tried to suggest significantly more work at a greater cost claiming it was necessary to meet current building code. Twintech is very fair. All staff I meet were friendly, polite and trustworthy. I would recommend Twitch for a furnace.

by Private User on Twintech Heating and Cooling

This is a professional team that's easy to deal with. I would strongly recommend them

by hj.taggart in OSHAWA on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Very professional firm from start to finish!
They removed the old oil tank and furnace. They installed air conditioning and a new propane furnace.
Professional installation, on time and no mess.
Very pleased with their work and would highly recommend the company. Our house is three stories so they spent the time to do all the calculations to make sure we would have great performance on each floor.
Thank you again!

by susieschoeppler in Oshawa on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Upon a routine yearly maintenance, it was discovered there was a leak in the heat exchanger and a I needed a new furnace. I know nothing about these things and was completely stressed out. The company I had the maintenance plan with quoted me a huge number to rent a furnace, I just wanted to cry. Then I spoke to Dave at Twintech. He was so knowledgeable and calming, provided me a fair quote and within a few days I had an amazing crew show up to my house and install my new energy efficient furnace! I have already recommended these wonderful people at Twintech to a good friend of mine. Thank you Twintech!!

by Private User on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Great service and great people to deal with, from sales to installer. I highly recommend this company.

by GR from Oshawa on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Twintech replaced our aging furnace and air conditioner recently. I highly recommend this company. Their quote was competitive, they were on time and respectful of our home and extremely professional. From the salesman to the installers and the owner who followed up afterward to ensure we were satisfied, we are very pleased with the service. We are looking forward to working with this company for all of our HVAC needs for the years to come. Excellent workmanship and service!

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See What Our Customers Are Saying:

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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