Furnace Efficiency and How It Effects Your Bottom Line!

Winter is fast approaching….the temperatures are dropping, and it’s now time to change over our closets to accommodate heavier clothing and warm coats. It’s also time to consider the good ol’ heating unit in our basement that provides the warmth we take for granted. As part of the Federal Stimulus package our government has instituted Rebates whereby homeowners can take advantage of a tax credit of 30% or up to $1,500 dollars when they upgrade to high efficiency heating equipment. (NOTE: Federal Tax Credit information for furnaces requires an AFUE greater than 95.30%) Besides this generous rebate, local utility companies here in New Jersey are offering an additional $400 rebate as well. Add to that the chart below, showing the difference in efficiency which directly impacts on the operating cost, and you can see yourself that you would indeed realize savings on a monthly basis, year over year, by upgrading your equipment. Since heating equipment lasts a very long time, some very old furnaces or boilers with very low efficiencies as compared to the newest high efficiency systems that would likely qualify for rebates and tax credits (along with a reduction of monthly energy costs) make the savings obvious! Depending on what your current system is your savings could be as much as 50% on energy costs. Consider upgrading your system today. NJ residents, contact us for more information at 800.287.6651 or conveniently through our website.

This information, provided by the US Department of Energy, will give you an insight as to the efficiency of your heating equipment.

Old, low-efficiency heating systems:

• Natural draft that creates a flow of combustion gases
• Continuous pilot light
• Heavy heat exchanger
• 68%–72% AFUE

Mid-efficiency heating systems:

• Exhaust fan controls the flow of combustion air and combustion gases more precisely
• Electronic ignition (no pilot light)
• Compact size and lighter weight to reduce cycling losses
• Small-diameter flue pipe
• 80%–83% AFUE

High-efficiency heating systems:

• Condensing flue gases in a second heat exchanger for extra efficiency
• Sealed combustion
• 90%–97% AFUE