What is AFUE?

Your heating system is responsible for providing comfort—but how effective is the current furnace or boiler in your Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, or Kansas home? The annual fuel utilization efficiency, or AFUE, could help provide some insight.

When you have heating or cooling questions and want to upgrade to high-efficiency equipment, turn to Midwest Air Pros. We will help you locate a pro in your area. You can count on our team to connect you with the most knowledgeable and highly trained individuals in the industry.

What Does AFUE Mean?

AFUE ratings measure the efficiency of furnaces and boilers. The higher the AFUE rating, the better your furnace or boiler converts energy to heat your Springfield, MO, home.

How Do AFUE Ratings Work?

High-efficiency furnaces and boilers have higher AFUE ratings, typically 90 percent or above. The most efficient heating systems have an AFUE rating of at least 97 percent. Older systems have AFUE ratings that can range anywhere from 56 percent to 85 percent.

If the AFUE rating is 97 percent, this means 97 percent of the energy in the fuel converts into heat with just a three percent loss. Compare this to an older, low-efficiency heating system where the AFUE rating is 70 percent, and you’ll notice the drastic difference. Only 70 percent of the energy converts to heat, while a whopping 30 percent escapes.

How Else Can I Reduce Heat Loss?

Furnaces and boilers with high AFUE ratings play a critical role in reducing the amount of wasted energy and heat, but there are even more ways you can prevent heat loss in your Des Moines, IA, home.

Here are a few suggestions:

  • Weatherstrip or upgrade your windows and doors: According to the Department of Energy (DOE), heat loss through windows is responsible for up to 30 percent of your home’s energy use. Ensure the windows and doors in your Omaha, NE,home are tightly weatherstripped to minimize heat loss. Upgrading to high-efficiency impact windows is a great way to prevent heat loss and boost your home’s energy efficiency.
  • Seal tears and leaks in your ductwork: Damaged air ducts can also cause heat to escape from your Kansas City, MO,home. Be sure to have your ductwork inspected, cleaned, and sealed to ensure a strong airflow throughout your home.
  • Insulate your attic and crawl space: An extreme amount of the average home’s heat loss occurs in the attic. Insulating your attic and crawl space can help reduce the heat loss and your heating expenses too.
  • Schedule routine heating maintenance visits: To ensure your heating system remains as efficient as possible, you’ll want to schedule a professional maintenance visit at least once a year. This will keep your furnace or boiler operating at an ideal level of efficiency. Find a pro today to maintain the heating system in your Wichita, KS,home.

Find a Pro to Address Your Heating and Cooling Concerns
When you need professional heating and cooling services, reach out to our Midwest Air Pros. We can help you find the best, most qualified professional in the Des Moines, IA, Kansas City, MO, Omaha, NE, Springfield, MO, or Wichita, KS, area. Just speak with our experts today—we are here to help you get the exceptional service you deserve!