There is a Silver Lining When Buying a New Furnace

Your old furnace has just had its third visit from your local HVAC technician, and the repair bills are piling up.  It looks like it might be time to replace your current heating system.

Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency ratings will range from 80 to 98.5.

Offsetting the Cost of a New Furnace
Buying a new furnace is a big ticket item, but there is a silver lining.  Because today’s furnaces are so much more energy efficient, the significant monthly saving on your heating bills will go a long way in offsetting the cost of a new furnace.

If your furnace was installed before 1992, it is probably obsolete. This means it does not meet today’s U.S. Department of Energy requirements to be at least 80 percent efficient.  Most older units are in the 70% – 75% or lower energy efficiency range.

Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency Ratings
When buying a new furnace understanding the Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency rating, or AFUE, is important. The efficiency rating for your heating systems helps to determine how much it will cost you to heat your home. A high rating means that a greater amount of heat is provided for the amount of energy used. If a furnace is rated at 85 percent AFUE, 15 percent of the energy used is lost, and 85 percent actually becomes heat. The highest-performing models convert 98.5 percent of its fuel into heat.

Newer furnaces have much improved and higher Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency ratings.

You should also consider the costs of the fuel used for energy. Electric furnaces are very efficient, but the cost of electricity does not make them the best heating choice. If you want to rely on electricity as a fuel source for heating, a much better alternative is a heat pump.

Do I Need the Highest Efficiency Rated Furnace?
As expected, the higher the efficiency, the higher the cost of the heating system. If you live in a mild climate, selecting the highest efficiency model may not be the most economical choice.

If you live in a cold-winter climate, expect to stay in your home for a few years, and local energy costs are high, buying the highest efficiency unit you can afford probably makes sense. When buying a system, you should ask your dealer to help you figure the payback in terms of energy savings.

Free Estimates from MECKO’s
Let us take a look and provide a Free Estimate on upgrading your heating system. We’ll be happy to go over your options and get your home or business ready for the winter months that are just ahead.

MECKO’S Fall Furnace Tune Up Special
Mecko’s Heating and Cooling is offering its Fall Furnace Tune Up Special right now for just $79.00.   To schedule an appointment online go to Make An Appointment or call us at 765-447-7555.