Greenville Heater Replacement Efficiency Ratings & Upgrade Costs
There are two factors to consider when you decide to replace your old furnace. The first is the efficiency rating and the second is the cost to install and run the new furnace model.
Today’s furnaces are governed by the AFUE rating system, which measures how much of the energy consumed by the furnace gets converted into usable heat. If your furnace has an AFUE rating of 90% that means it converts 90% of the gas, oil, or electricity it consumes into usable heat. The lowest AFUE rating any furnace on the market has is 80% which could be an increase in efficiency if your current furnace is old enough to not even have a rating. If you’re willing to pay more up front for a higher rated furnace, newer models have AFUE ratings of up to 98%.
The type of fuel you will use to heat your home also impacts the installation and operating costs. If you have the ability to use natural gas you will find it offers the lowest operating cost and powers some of the most efficient furnaces on the market. However, not all homes have gas hookups or the ability to convert to a natural gas furnace. For those that don’t have this option oil and electric furnaces are the only alternatives. Keep in mind that electricity is the most expensive fuel type for a furnace.