Doing some research on furnaces, and keep hearing the term “High Efficiency Furnace?”
Wondering how a high efficiency furnace can cut down on your heating costs and keep you warm and comfortable throughout the winter months?
In this article we’ll talk about high-efficiency furnaces, the pros and cons of various furnace types and fuel sources, as well as whom to contact when it comes to furnace installation and repairs in Ottawa. Choosing the right heating source is an important step, one that can either cost or save you money.
How Do Furnaces Work?
Your furnace is probably the most important appliance in your home. Its purpose is to warm up and interior space through air-fluid movement, keeping you and your.
The common fuel source for Ottawa furnaces is natural gas, though electric furnaces are not uncommon. Some furnaces can also use liquefied pretroleum gas, fuel oil and, in rare cases, wood or coal. In some areas, especially in those where the cost of electricity is not outrageously high, electrical resistance heating is also in place.
Furnace vs Boiler
People who are not aware of the differences between a furnace and a boiler might regret their choice in the future. That’s why it pays to know what’s what.
Even if both systems can be effective in their own right, one may suit your lifestyle better than the other.
Whereas boilers use water to heat your home up, furnaces circulate air through vents and ducts. As a result, you won’t have to worry about any tedious water leaks or freezing. On top of that, furnaces are cheaper and a lot easier to install.
Regardless of your preferences, Advanced HVAC is the house of choice for those based in Ottawa and its surroundings. This family-owned Ottawa Heating & Cooling company has a lot to offer!
High-Efficiency Furnaces
High-efficiency furnaces offer 90% or more AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency). Nowadays, 95% is a common rating among new gas-powered furnaces.
This ‘AFUE’ ratio stands for the amount of heat produced for every dollar of fuel consumed. The higher the AFUE rating, the lower your costs.
A furnace with an AFUE of 90% will turn 90% of its fuel into usable heat, whilst wasting about 10% of its fuel through air leaks, poor quality design or inefficient burners.
The Furnace Fuel Source Matters
AFUE is definitely important, but if it is price what you are concerned about, your type of fuel is not to be overlooked, since it has a bigger effect on your annual expenses.
For example, electric heat is, by far, the most efficient type of fuel. However, it is also one of the most expensive ways of heating your place.
So, in a nutshell, AFUE ratio can only be used to compare two different furnaces of the same kind.
An electric heater with an AFUE of 100 cannot be compared to a natural gas furnace with an AFUE of 80, because they use different types of fuel. While the first is way more efficient, it will also be more expensive to run.
It’s important for your cash flow and budgeting purposes to compare up-front costs versus the cost of heating during every Ottawa winter season.
How Much Should I Spend on a High Efficiency Furnace in Ottawa?
The biggest differences between the most expensive and cheapest models lie in energy efficiency, comfort and warranties.
The better the features, the higher the cost of the unit. In a cold – winter climate, buying a high-efficiency furnace is definitely a wise idea.
Contact Advanced HVAC today for more information on furnace installation or repairs. We’re your local Ottawa furnace experts!
