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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 Replacing an outdated furnace with a modern one can significantly improve efficiency.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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See What Our Customers Are Saying:

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!

by nathans in Scarborough on Twintech Heating and Cooling

We wanted to get our AC replaced as it was 22-years old and added to this our furnace was costing more and more to repair. So, we decided to get both the furnace and AC replaced.

After going through a few quotes and product reviews we decided to go with Twintech. The three-men crew arrived early in the morning, wasted no time and got to work right away. By 2:00 pm, they were all done. I’ve found their work to be top notch and they were completely professional. I had all my questions answered to my satisfaction both during the progress of their work and at end.

I have pleasure in recommending Twintech to anyone who is looking to get their furnace or Ac replaced

Nathan S.

by Private User on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Our air conditioner died On a Saturday and within hours Dave came out to take a look and discuss replacement/repair options.
The new air conditioner was installed on the Wednesday. The new unit was installed quickly. The installers were friendly and cleaned up afterwards.
We noticed a slight leak around the furnace that night and they came out the next day and fixed the issue. It has been working great and is quieter than our previous unit.
Very satisfied and would highly recommend TwinTech.

by Nancy in Toronto on Twintech Heating and Cooling

I contacted TwinTech to replace my 20-year old A/C. Dave, their service rep, promptly replied and was at my home within 2 hours. He was friendly and knowledgeable and didn't try to upgrade or oversell their A/C units but suggested the best fit for my small 1000 feet bungalow. Although this was during a heatwave and very busy, they were able to fit me in 2 days later. The TwinTech crew installed a 1.5 ton Ducane A/C unit that is now running smoothly while maintaining a constant cooling temperature. The crew were very courteous, professional and efficient and I will definitely recommend TwinTech to family and friends. I much appreciated your great service.
Nancy M., Oshawa

by Private User on Twintech Heating and Cooling

We had a great experience. The guys who installed our a/c did a nice job. Cleaned up.

by Private User on Twintech Heating and Cooling

excellent crew, fast and efficient! Would call them again when I need a new furnace.

by Private User on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Professional, courteous and efficient, don’t need to say more than that! Use them you will not regret it.

by Private User on Twintech Heating and Cooling

TwinTech was a pleasure to deal with from the estimate through installation. We replaced a 28 year old a/c unit with one recommended by TwinTech's sales representative Dave who took the time to go over the product with us and answer any questions. The warranty is for 10 years parts and labour and they will complete the registration for you. Installation was by Greg (owner) and Mitch and Spencer who were quick and efficient and left everything clean and tidy.

by Private User on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Very professional, from the sales consultation and inspection to the final installation. Met every expectations we had for the job. A local business with great client support. We highly recommend. Twintech is a blue chip! Thanks!

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See What Our Customers Are Saying:

by Aaron on Twintech Heating and Cooling

We are very happy to recommend this company to everyone. Our furnace broke down on Sunday morning. We phoned them and before noon Grant the owner showed up. He worked on the furnace for about a hour not wanting to give up to fix the problem. The furnace was 17 years old. I was the one talking about replacing it. End result was the next day it was all done. On the Sunday Bob came over with heaters to warm up the house. We decided to replace the water heater at the same time. Thanks Grant for the excellent work. Thumbs up.

by Linda on Twintech Heating and Cooling

Right on time. Explained how to work the HRV in a different way so the house would not be so dry. Changed my whole house water filter for me as well. Friendly, helpful, caring service!

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!

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